South Africa: New Tourist Visa Program Offering Expedited Visa Processing for Chinese and Indian Tourists Forthcoming

Update - October 30, 2024: The Department of Home Affairs has published the qualifying criteria for the TTOS. Eligible tour operators interested in participating in the pilot scheme can now submit an Expression of Interest online until November 28, 2024. The Department intends to welcome the first group of tour operators in January 2025.

September 3, 2024: In January 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will implement a new visa program called the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), offering pre-registration, expedited visa processing and dedicated visa adjudicators for Mainland China and Indian nationals entering South Africa for tourism purposes. Since lengthy visa processing times for both visa nationals make it difficult for them to visit South Africa, this program is expected to boost the tourism sector for these nationals. The program is likely to be extended to other visa nationals entering South Africa in the future. We will provide updates on this development when the Department publishes related program details.