South Africa revamps visa processes for Indian travellers, eyes stronger tourism ties, ET TravelWorld

In a significant move to strengthen tourism ties with India, South Africa has announced a streamlined visa process and the launch of a new digital Entry Travel Agreement (ETA) system. The announcement was made by Patricia de Lille, South African Minister of Tourism, during the India-South Africa Business Conclave organised by FICCI, in collaboration with the South African High Commission and the India-South Africa Chamber of Commerce.

The ETA system, set to replace the existing e-visa programme, leverages cutting-edge technology to simplify and expedite the visa application process. Alongside this, the ministry has reduced the documentation requirement to just three essential documents for applications across South African missions globally, addressing a long-standing bottleneck in the system.

Additionally, a newly gazetted Trusted Tourist Tour Operator System Scheme, aimed specifically at the Indian and Chinese markets, will allow for bulk visa processing for group travellers. This scheme has already seen an enthusiastic response, with 23 Indian tour operators applying in its first phase.

Direct flight connections in the pipeline
Addressing air connectivity—a key challenge for Indian tourists—Minister de Lille announced plans to restore direct flights between Mumbai and Johannesburg, a route discontinued in 2015. Meetings with Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, are underway to explore possibilities of direct routes, potentially eliminating the need for layovers in Middle Eastern or African hubs.

The event also highlighted investment opportunities aimed at fostering bilateral economic ties. Yunus Hoosen, Head of Invest South Africa, outlined ambitious targets to bolster South Africa’s industrialisation efforts in critical minerals, green hydrogen, and electric vehicle manufacturing. He also emphasised the lack of an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) facility on the African continent, presenting a major opportunity for Indian investors in pharmaceuticals. Professor Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, described the measures as a strategic “reset” in the India-South Africa relationship, invoking the spirit of the deep ties forged during President Nelson Mandela’s era.

With simplified visa processes, targeted tourism initiatives, and a renewed focus on direct flights, South Africa is positioning itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for Indian travellers while fostering robust economic and cultural connections.