First Indian, Chinese Tourists Using SA's New Fast-Track Visa Scheme Expected Within Weeks
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to fast-track visa applications for tourists from India and China, with the first arrivals expected within weeks. A total of 65 tour operators, including Thomas Cook India, MakeMyTrip India, China International Travel Service, and South Africa’s Springbok Atlas Tours and Safaris, have been accredited under the programme. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the State Security Agency, the scheme aims to increase tourist arrivals by streamlining the visa process, addressing language barriers, and cutting red tape for clients of the approved operators.
China and India are among the untapped tourism markets for South Africa, despite their large outbound travel potential. In 2023, only 93,000 Chinese tourists visited South Africa, representing a fraction of the over 100 million international trips made by Chinese travellers that year. Indian visitors accounted for just 3.9% of South Africa’s total international arrivals. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the initiative as a step towards boosting economic growth and job creation by enhancing tourism accessibility. The scheme ensures participating tour operators are accountable for any client misrepresentations and is currently finalising a secure platform for visa submissions. City of Cape Town officials have further supported the initiative, with trade missions to India and China being planned to attract both tourists and investors.
Source: news24