On Thursday, November 11th, South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, announced the launch of the long-awaited e-visa system.
The proposed e-visa system, first mentioned in 2019, will be rolled out to 15 nations by March 2022, according to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).
This development has important implications for intrepid travelers eager to explore South Africa’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Therefore, With the e-visa system now operational for Kenyan and Indian nationals, individuals seeking to visit South Africa for tourism purposes can enjoy a more convenient and streamlined application process.
Moreover, residents of formerly visa-exempt countries will also benefit from the introduction of the e-visa system. Finally, starting in 2022, travelers from these nations will have the opportunity to apply for a South African e electronic visa, granting them access to the country for various purposes, including tourism.
While the convenience of a 20-minute online application is promising, travelers must be mindful of current restrictions, including mandatory quarantines and Covid-19 testing requirements.
Looking ahead, the successful deployment of the e-visa system promises significant gains for South Africa’s tourism sector, especially given the setbacks caused by the pandemic.
In the coming year, South Africa aims to extend the e-visa system to visitors from China, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more.
If you have questions about eligibility or other visa-related concerns, don’t hesitate to CONTACT our partners at IBN Immigration Solutions for assistance.
Source: IBN Immigration Solutions
