Travel lovers, we have some good news for you all! Recently, South Africa implemented several measures to simplify visa procedures for Indian and Chinese travellers. From mid-February, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs will begin to accept group visa applications through selected tour operators and this will significantly simplify and streamline the visa process for the travellers. Scroll on to know more about this.
South Africa Eases Visa Rules To Make Travel Easier For Indians
According to the Times of India, in January, the South African government launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). With this, they hope to boost tourism, create jobs, and improve their economy. Under the scheme, effective from February 12, 65 tour operators from China and India will be able to collaborate directly with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to submit group visa applications for their clients.
This will remove administrative barriers, remove lengthy individual application processes, and offer a quicker and more effective visa procedure. Business experts believe that this initiative represents a critical step in enhancing South Africa’s tourism sector and will help with their economic growth as well.
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No Long Waits & Hassles For Visa
With South Africa easing visa procedures for Indians, the whole process will become a lot easier for travel lovers! With TTOS’s digital strategy, applicants will no longer have to visit embassies, wait in long queues, or fill up lots of paperwork to get visas. They can now apply through licensed operators and receive their visas digitally within three days!
Despite its picturesque landscape and array of attractions, South Africa welcomes only a small number of travellers from India and China. As per reports, Indian tourists make up just 3.9% of total international arrivals in South Africa. While Chinese tourists account for just 1.8%. With this new scheme, they believe that South Africa can see a 10% annual increase in tourism and an additional 0.6% economic growth along with many job opportunities.
Also Read: 6 ‘Visa Temples’ In India Where All Your Visa Troubles Will Be Solved!
So, are you adding South Africa to your travel bucket list this year? Let us know in the comments.
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