UK student visa

Sign up for free

expert consultation

Down Arrow

I accept the Terms & Conditions

Icon
Don't know what to do?

Get Free Counseling

Posted on June 09 2015

South Africa introduces tough new visa rules

profile-image
By  Editor
Updated April 03 2023

South Africa has rolled out tough new visa regulations requiring children travelling into the country to carry unabridged birth certificates, a move that industry experts predict will badly damage the tourism sector.

The revised regulations dictate that children of all nationals and foreigners must be accompanied by unabridged birth certificates in addition to their passports when entering or leaving the country.

The new regulations apply only to children travelling with one parent and those arriving from visa-exempt countries, and the government says it is aimed at curbing international child trafficking.

But the tourism industry, which contributes nine percent to the country's GDP and employs about 1.5 million people, said the regulations were too cumbersome and would drive tourists away from South Africa.

The chamber of commerce said airlines were "doing all they can" to prepare travellers "but their efforts have been frustrated by bureaucratic bungling".

"Who is going to go to all this trouble to come on holiday to South Africa?" asked David Frost, the head of SATSA.

"They would rather say let's go to New Zealand, Mauritius or Puerto Rico, where they are more welcome."

Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete said the legislation had come into effect without major problems, but Frost says them industry is considering taking legal action against the government for loss of business.

"We are large sector and we will not sit quietly in a corner and watch our industry being destroyed by heavy handed bureaucrats.

http://www.3news.co.nz/world/south-africa-introduces-tough-new-visa-rules-2015060211#axzz3cYXGqogA

Tags:

Travel to South Africa

Share

Options for you by Y-Axis

phone 1

Get it on your mobile

mail

Get News alerts

contact 1

Contact Y-Axis

Latest Article

Popular Post

Trending Article

Study in Canada

Posted On December 11 2024

Can I study in Canada with a visitor visa?