The Department of Home Affairs has officially launched the first phase of its new visa programme, which was announced last September. The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) went live on Wednesday, 12 February, aiming to simplify the visa process for tourists from China and India.
A Digital-First Approach to Boost Tourism
The TTOS is designed to eliminate longstanding obstacles to tourism growth from these nations, such as long queues, excessive red tape, and delays in processing group applications. Previously, South Africa had only two missions in China and two in India, tasked with serving 2.8 billion potential visitors.
With the new TTOS system, tourists booking through approved tour operators will no longer need to visit a mission, fill out forms, or stand in long queues. Instead, they will receive their visas digitally within three days.
Home Affairs’ Commitment to Digital Transformation
Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, emphasized the department’s dedication to digital transformation, stating, “The fact that Home Affairs took the TTOS from conceptualisation to implementation in less than six months demonstrates our commitment to embracing digital transformation and to playing our role as an economic enabler to create jobs.”
Schreiber highlighted that the TTOS is just the beginning of Home Affairs’ efforts to boost tourism and economic growth. “Research indicates that boosting tourism by only 10% per year can increase annual economic growth by 0.6% and create tens of thousands of new jobs for South Africans.”
Recognizing that group travel is the preferred choice for many tourists, Schreiber emphasized the importance of adapting the visa system to reflect and capitalize on this trend.
A Step Towards Full Automation
While the TTOS is an interim measure, Home Affairs is moving swiftly toward a fully automated system that delivers secure visa outcomes digitally and within seconds. “Exciting as it is, TTOS is but a step towards our ultimate vision of a fully digitalized Home Affairs system.”
The implementation of the TTOS signals a shift towards a more efficient and tourist-friendly visa process, setting the stage for broader digital advancements in South Africa’s immigration system.
