https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250213/enhancing-tourism-and-strengthening-relations-s-africa-namibia-china-india-revise-visa-policies-1070635546.html
Enhancing Tourism and Strengthening Relations: S. Africa, Namibia, China, India Revise Visa Policies
Enhancing Tourism and Strengthening Relations: S. Africa, Namibia, China, India Revise Visa Policies
Sputnik Africa
South Africa and Namibia have taken significant steps to enhance tourism and diplomatic relations with China and India through major visa policy changes. These... 13.02.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-02-13T17:46+0100
2025-02-13T17:46+0100
2025-02-13T17:46+0100
sub-saharan africa
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South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced the launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) on Wednesday, a new initiative aimed at streamlining visa applications for group travelers from China and India.The TTOS allows 65 selected tour operators to process visas on behalf of tourists, eliminating the need for travelers to visit South African missions abroad or endure lengthy application procedures.With Chinese and Indian tourists making up only 1.8% and 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors, respectively, the government hopes this initiative will significantly increase arrivals. Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber emphasized that TTOS demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth.Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the program, highlighting how electronic travel authorizations, the TTOS, and digital nomad visas will drive tourism growth. Given that South Africa operates only two missions in China and two in India—serving a combined 2.8 billion people—the government believes the new system will open doors for more visitors.Namibia Strengthens Diplomatic Ties With ChinaNamibia has also made a move to enhance international cooperation by approving a mutual visa exemption agreement with China. Announced by Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofilus during the country’s first Cabinet briefing of the year, the agreement applies to diplomatic and official passport holders from both nations.This decision follows Namibia’s 2024 policy shift to impose visa requirements on countries that had not reciprocated its favorable visa policies. The move affected 31 nations, including the US, UK, Germany, France, and Canada, as Namibia sought to promote balanced diplomatic relations.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250202/aes-moving-towards-implementing-community-visa-1070462578.html
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china, namibia, india, south africa, southern africa, asia, visa, tourism, economy, work, employment
Enhancing Tourism and Strengthening Relations: S. Africa, Namibia, China, India Revise Visa Policies
Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
South Africa and Namibia have taken significant steps to enhance tourism and diplomatic relations with China and India through major visa policy changes. These initiatives are expected to boost economic growth, increase tourism, and foster stronger international partnerships.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs
announced the launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) on Wednesday, a new initiative aimed at streamlining visa applications for group travelers from China and India.
The TTOS allows 65 selected tour operators to process
visas on behalf of tourists, eliminating the need for travelers to visit South African missions abroad or endure lengthy application procedures.
With Chinese and Indian tourists making up only 1.8% and 3.9% of South Africa’s international visitors, respectively, the government hopes this initiative will significantly increase arrivals. Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber emphasized that TTOS demonstrates
South Africa’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth.
“Research has shown that for every 12 new tourists attracted by TTOS, we can create one new job in South Africa,” he stated.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille welcomed the program, highlighting how electronic travel authorizations, the TTOS, and digital nomad visas will drive tourism growth. Given that South Africa operates only two missions in China and two in India—serving a combined 2.8 billion people—the government believes the new system will open doors for more visitors.
Namibia Strengthens Diplomatic Ties With China
Namibia has also made a move to enhance international cooperation by approving a mutual visa exemption agreement with
China. Announced by Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofilus during the country’s first Cabinet briefing of the year, the agreement applies to diplomatic and official passport holders from both nations.
This decision follows Namibia’s 2024 policy shift to impose visa requirements on countries that had not reciprocated its favorable visa policies. The move affected 31 nations, including the US, UK, Germany, France, and Canada, as Namibia sought to promote balanced diplomatic relations.
