South Africa is set to simplify travel for Indian tourists by introducing a 90-day visa waiver starting in January 2025. Along with the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, these initiatives aim to streamline the visa process and boost tourism significantly.
Great news for travelers from India and China! South Africa is taking significant steps to attract more Indian tourists by introducing a 90-day visa waiver starting in January 2025. The new policy aims to simplify travel for Indian visitors and is expected to increase the number of tourists from India.
Currently, only 16,000 Indian tourists visit South Africa annually, but the country hopes to raise this number to 100,000 by the end of the year.

This initiative tackles a major hurdle for South Africa’s tourism industry: attracting more visitors from India and China. Currently, Indian tourists make up a mere 3.9% of international arrivals.
What is the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS)?

In addition to the visa waiver, South Africa designed the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to simplify the visa process for tourists from India and China. Selected tour operators will manage group travel, allowing the government to fast-track visa applications and boost tourism.

Boosting Tourism with TTOS

The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has been designed to address challenges in South Africa’s tourism sector. Currently, Indian tourists represent just 3.9% of the country’s international visitors, a figure seen as insufficient for a growing market.

To tackle this, the Department of Home Affairs will collaborate with the Department of Tourism, the Presidency, and Operation Vulindlela.

Their joint efforts will make South Africa more accessible to tourists from India and China, ultimately driving growth in the tourism sector.

Simplifying Travel for Indian

Tourists

The introduction of the TTOS and the 90-day visa waiver is set to make travel planning easier for Indian tourists. By simplifying the visa process, South Africa aims to position itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for Indian travelers.

Additionally, the government is planning to roll out an eVisa system for Indian tourists, further easing the application process and enhancing travel convenience.
How the TTOS Will Work

Under the new scheme, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs will invite selected tour operators from India and China to register. Approved operators will oversee tourists in their groups and manage their travel arrangements.

In return, the Department will fast-track group visa applications, marking the first use of such a system for tourists. A dedicated team will handle these applications to ensure swift processing and remove previous barriers that have deterred tourism from these markets.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation

Minister Schreiber highlighted the potential economic benefits of the TTOS, noting that a successful implementation could lead to significant growth in the tourism sector.

This increase in tourism is expected to create more jobs for South Africans, substantially boosting the economy. The initiative reflects South Africa’s commitment to becoming a top global tourism destination and making travel more accessible for visitors from India and China.

Looking Ahead

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A surprise inspection at a Pretoria restaurant resulted in the arrest of two foreign national employees who allegedly did not have documentation to be in the country. (Alex Mitchley/News24) • The Department of Labour has conducted a `blitz` inspection at a restaurant in Menlyn. • The surprise inspection came after a complaint alleging the flouting of labour practices by a former employee that started making the rounds on social media. • One of the restaurant owners dismissed the allegations. V.5611
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The Western Cape High Court has temporarily stopped the initiation of any process to deport a foreign national who has indicated an intent to apply for asylum, until their application has been finalised. • The Western Cape High Court has temporarily halted the initiation of any process to deport a foreign national who has indicated an intent to apply for asylum, until their application has been finalised. • The interim interdict will remain in place pending the outcome of the main court application brought by the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town. • The court is expected to hear that main challenge in February 2025. V.5612
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South Africa’s plan to attract more professionals to its skills-starved economy through the introduction of a so-called nomad visa for remote workers has been slowed by the need to amend tax regulations. The impediment comes after an initial delay when changes to the visa regime had to be temporarily withdrawn because mandatory public consultation procedures hadn’t been followed. V.5613
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