Home Affairs to launch visa program for Chinese and Indian tourists

Home Affairs wants more tourists from China and India

The Department of Home Affairs has revealed a new visa program which is aimed at boosting tourism from China and India.

According to a statement, Home Affairs announced the creation of an innovative new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), set to be implemented from January 2025.

The scheme will make it easier for selected tour operators from China and India to obtain visas for tourists who wish to visit South Africa.

With China and India being the second and fifth largest economies in the world, the new TTOS from Home Affairs will remove some of the key obstacles standing in the way of South Africa becoming a favoured tourism destination for tourists from these nations.

Boosting the economy

“I am particularly pleased that we are able to make this announcement during the President’s state visit to China, as it sends a powerful message that the Government of National Unity is serious about unlocking our country’s vast tourism and economic potential,” Minister Leon Schreiber said.

“Research indicates that boosting tourism by only 10% per year can boost annual economic growth by 0.6% and create tens of thousands of new jobs for South Africans. Travelling in large groups is the preferred option for many tourists from some countries and it is time for our visa system to adapt in order to reflect and capitalise on this reality.” he added.

Minister Schreiber also said that it was only the start of Home Affairs’ embrace of their role as an economic enabler.

“Exciting as it is, TTOS is itself but an interim measure to boost tourism while we move with speed to digitally transform Home Affairs. Ultimately, our vision is for a fully automated process that delivers secure tourist visa outcomes digitally and within seconds to tourists from around the world.” he said.