TBM Staff - Mumbai South Africa is set to launch a new visa initiative in January 2025, offering a 90-day visa waiver for Indian tourists as part of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). The programme aims to simplify the visa process for tourists from India and China by allowing pre-approved and registered tour operators to handle group visa applications.
This initiative is designed to attract more tourists from these critical markets, with Indian tourists currently making up just 3.9% of South Africa’s international arrivals. The TTOS will expedite visa processing through a dedicated team, addressing the preference of many tourists from India and China to travel in large groups.
The visa waiver is expected to boost South Africa’s tourism sector and contribute to economic growth. Studies indicate that a 10% increase in tourism could raise the country’s annual economic growth by 0.6% and create thousands of new jobs. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that TTOS is a temporary solution while the department moves toward a fully automated, digital visa system for global tourists.
This initiative mirrors the success of South Africa’s Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which streamlined visa applications for businesses seeking to attract critical skills to the country. The TTOS is seen as a key step in enhancing South Africa’s appeal as a major tourist destination.
