South Africa Unveils New Visa Scheme to Boost Tourism from China and India

South Africa Unveils New Visa Scheme to Boost Tourism from China and India

South Africa is set to introduce a new visa program in January 2025 aimed at increasing tourism from China and India. The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) will streamline the visa process for tourists from these countries by allowing vetted tour operators to register with the Department of Home Affairs.

In 2023, South Africa welcomed 93,000 Chinese visitors, but officials have noted that excessive red tape has hindered growth in this sector. Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted that the TTOS is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers and simplify the visa application process, especially for large tour groups.

Currently, Indian tourists represent only 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors, while Chinese tourists make up just 1.8%. The new scheme aims to address these low numbers by offering a more efficient processing system. A dedicated team of adjudicators will manage visa applications through TTOS to ensure quicker approvals and a smoother experience for travelers.

The hospitality industry in South Africa has welcomed the initiative. Angela Wu, director at upGrowth, a marketing company, noted that an efficient visa process would significantly increase the number of Chinese tourists, particularly business delegations and customized leisure groups.

South Africa is among Africa’s top five most-visited countries. According to the Home Affairs Ministry, a 10% annual increase in tourism could boost the country’s economic growth by 0.6% and create thousands of jobs. The TTOS will also focus on attracting tourists from countries that currently require visas to visit South Africa.

The new visa scheme represents a strategic move to enhance South Africa’s tourism appeal and drive economic growth by making the country more accessible to key international markets.

Source: Africa News