South Africa's Department of Home Affairs announced last year that starting in 2025, the country will introduce a new "Trusted Travel Agency Scheme" (TTOS) to streamline the entry process for Chinese and Indian tourists.
The system officially went live on February 12. According to a statement from the Department of Home Affairs, agencies participating in the program can now submit group visa applications for tourists from countries like China through the platform. Tourists will no longer need to visit South African consulates, fill out forms, or stand in line, as they can receive their visas within three days.
Under the TTOS, certified travel agencies from China and India will be invited to register with South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. These agencies will undergo a rigorous screening process and will be responsible for their tourist groups. They will have the authority to submit group visa applications on behalf of their clients. Applications made through TTOS will be managed by a dedicated review panel to ensure faster and more efficient processing. In 2024, South Africa hosted 41,600 tourists from China, marking an 11.6% increase compared to 2023. By improving visa efficiency and security through the TTOS, the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Tourism Board are looking to expand their market share of Chinese tourists and elevate South Africa's tourism industry to new heights.
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