By TravoUpdate
South Africa will implement a 90-day visa waiver for Indian tourists starting in January 2025.
The waiver is expected to simplify travel for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay in South Africa for up to three months without needing a visa.
Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS)
Alongside the visa waiver, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) will launch in 2025, streamlining group visa applications for Indian and Chinese tourists.
Quicker Processing
TTOS aims to reduce delays by allowing approved tour operators to handle group visa applications through a dedicated government team.
Government's Tourism Goals
South Africa is aiming to increase Indian tourism from 16,000 to 100,000 visitors annually by the end of 2025.
Visa-Free Countries
Currently, Indian tourists need a visa to enter South Africa, but with the waiver, this requirement will be removed for stays of up to 90 days.
Current Visa Application Process
Until the waiver takes effect, Indian travelers must apply for a short-term tourist visa via VFS Global, the official visa service provider.
The processing fee for a South African visa for Indian travelers is currently between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,000, excluding other service charges.
South Africa has proposed an eVisa system for Indian travelers, though its implementation has not yet been confirmed.
The visa waiver and TTOS are part of South Africa's effort to boost tourism, especially as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.