SA Aims to Attract More Tourists from India and China by Easing Visa Rule
South Africa is set to simplify visa regulations for visitors from India and China in an effort to boost tourism. The government plans to ease red tape within days to attract more tourists from these key markets, a move announced alongside the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
Currently, travelers from BRICS nations, including India and China, need authorization to visit South Africa, and South Africans require the same to visit these countries. However, this will soon change as Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber plans to introduce a "Trusted Tour Operators" system in January next year.
Schreiber emphasized the importance of tourism for South Africa's economy, acknowledging that the country lags behind in attracting tourists from major source markets like India and China. Under the new system, tour operators responsible for bringing tourists from these countries will be thoroughly vetted by the government.
While the Trusted Tour Operators programme is temporary, the government also plans to implement an electronic travel authorization system in the future.
Additionally, in early October, Schreiber introduced remote "Work Visas" to allow foreign-employed individuals to live and work in South Africa. The government is also planning to adopt a Points-Based System for skilled work visas to help local companies attract foreign talent with scarce skills.
Currently, travelers from BRICS nations, including India and China, need authorization to visit South Africa, and South Africans require the same to visit these countries. However, this will soon change as Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber plans to introduce a "Trusted Tour Operators" system in January next year.
Schreiber emphasized the importance of tourism for South Africa's economy, acknowledging that the country lags behind in attracting tourists from major source markets like India and China. Under the new system, tour operators responsible for bringing tourists from these countries will be thoroughly vetted by the government.
While the Trusted Tour Operators programme is temporary, the government also plans to implement an electronic travel authorization system in the future.
Additionally, in early October, Schreiber introduced remote "Work Visas" to allow foreign-employed individuals to live and work in South Africa. The government is also planning to adopt a Points-Based System for skilled work visas to help local companies attract foreign talent with scarce skills.
