South Africa launches E-Visas for overseas tourists

South Africa has launched E-Visas for overseas tourists arriving in the nation. Derek Hanekom the Tourism Minister of South Africa announced the launching of digital visa applications. He said that this is a great thing for the tourism sector of the nation. The massive potential of the E-Visas is truly exciting added the Minister speaking at the Travel Indaba Africa at Durban.

The E-Visas will ease the application process for the overseas tourists. It will also assist in the growth of Tourism sector in South Africa, he added, as quoted by the Fin 24.

The South African tourism industry was sluggish in 2017 with a growth of just 2.6% while the global average was 7%. The E-Visas are also anticipated to overturn the 17% dip in arrivals of travelers from the crucial market China. The online visas will be launched phase wise through a pilot project. This was revealed by the Spokesperson for Home Affairs Mayihlome Tshwete.

Malusi Gigaba the Home Affairs Minister had a meeting with Derek Hanekom earlier this month. They announced that a team of senior officers from the twin departments will work on the betterment of tourism across the nation.

The Tourism Minister of South Africa said that the work is being carried out for online visa applications very swiftly. The Home Affairs Department is also considering the possibility for the visa waiver for select nationals. These include visa holders of 26 EU Schengen nations, the UK, the US, and Australia.

Hanekom elaborated on the diverse changes to rules that will be effective from next month. These include documentation requirement for minors arriving at departing from South Africa. An announcement will be made regarding this very shortly, he added.

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