The journey to South Africa will soon be simpler for Indians. In order to streamline the admission procedure for visitors from China and India, South Africa will launch the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) in January 2025. Through expedited and simplified visa processing, this program seeks to increase tourism.
In order to make travel easier for visitors from nations like China and India that do not need a visa, the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa launched the TTOS. The government of Home Affairs in South Africa released a news statement saying, “This scheme will allow approved tour operators to register with the department and submit group visa applications for their travelers, streamlining the process and cutting through red tape.”
A dedicated staff will handle applications to guarantee prompt and effective processing, eliminating the delays that have often beset South Africa’s tourist industry, the ministry said.
And for Indian visitors, what does South Africa hope to achieve?
By the end of the year, South Africa wants to have welcomed 100,000 Indian tourists, up from the current 16,000 count. As to the press release, the percentage of Indian tourists visiting South Africa now stands at 3%, and the authorities are eager to increase this figure. South Africa seeks to attract more Indian tourists by streamlining the visa application process for Indian visitors.
A prospective 90-day visa waiver
A 90-day visa waiver for visitors from China and India is also being considered by South Africa in addition to TTOS. If approved, this plan would result in even more travel flexibility, enabling three months of visa-free travel.
Indian travelers are now not able to get a visa upon arrival. It is necessary to apply for a tourist visa if you want to visit South Africa. Following is a detailed how-to:
Select the appropriate visa type
The South African tourist visa for Indian visitors is valid for a maximum of 90 days and must be applied for in advance.
Assemble the necessary paperwork.
- A valid passport that is at least 30 days over its expiration date and has two blank pages
- Form for Application for Visa Completed (BI-84)
- two current passport-sized photos
- Bank statements and pay stubs are examples of proof of financial resources.
- Ticket confirmation for the return trip
- Evidence of lodging, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation
- The daily schedule of travel
- Vaccination record for yellow fever, if appropriate
Register at VFS Global to submit your application
Making an appointment is necessary with VFS Global, the authorized South African visa application center located in India. Provide your documentation and pay the visa cost on the day of your appointment.
It is advisable to apply well in advance of the day you want to go since the processing of visas typically takes five to seven working days.
Also Read: Thailand’s New Visa Rules to Drive Tourism Growth
Charge for a visa
Indian citizens are not required to pay the visa application cost; nevertheless, there is a price of Rs 2,300 to Rs 3,000 for the application and logistics. All multiple payment methods (including cash) are subject to a convenience charge of Rs 160.
Monitor your application.
To find out the status of your visa, visit the VFS Global website and enter the reference number you submitted with your application.
Pick up your passport.
If your application is accepted, you will have the option to pick up your passport in person or have it sent by courier.
Requirements for admission at the crossing
- Make sure the following is ready for you when you go to South Africa:
- an authentic visa
- Return airfare
- Evidence of the accommodations
- Verification of enough funding
For Indian Visitors, an eVisa?
The implementation of an eVisa system for Indian travelers was announced by South Africa in May. It has not yet been put into practice, however.