De Lille hails visa reforms as key to boosting SA tourism

Cape Town – Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has praised recent improvements in South Africa’s visa system, particularly the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, Electronic Travel Authorisation, and Digital Nomad Visas.

These reforms, developed in collaboration with Home Affairs and Operation Vulindlela, aim to simplify the visa process for travellers from China and India—key tourism markets.

“We have made great strides in the past year and a key success has been our work with Operation Vulindlela in the Presidency, the State Security Agency and the Department of Home Affairs on the visa regime, particularly with the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which will significantly ease the visa process for travellers and tour operators from China and India as well as the Electronic Travel Authorisation and the Digital Nomad Visas,” De Lille said.

[Media Statement] Minister of Tourism, @PatriciaDeLille welcomes and congratulates Department of Home Affairs for visa regime enhancements. @HomeAffairsSA #WeDoTourism pic.twitter.com/mimO4vnqJk

— Dept of Tourism (@Tourism_gov_za) February 12, 2025

With nearly 9 million arrivals in 2024, tourism is a major economic driver, and De Lille emphasised the sector’s role in job creation and inclusive growth.

The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme officially launched on Wednesday, allowing 65 approved tour operators from SA, China, and India to process visas digitally, making the system more efficient.

De Lille commended Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and his department for their progress and expressed optimism about the expected increase in tourist arrivals from these markets.

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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