The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) warmly welcomes the recent announcement by the Department of Home Affairs that South Africa’s first online instant visa system, incorporating advanced ‘selfie-based’ biometric technology, will go live this September.
This development represents a significant step forward in the digitisation of South Africa’s border control processes and is poised to have a meaningful and far-reaching impact on the tourism and hospitality sector.
“This is a milestone. FEDHASA has long advocated for an online visa system, and we are pleased that a concrete rollout plan has now been confirmed,” says Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of FEDHASA.
“For many international travellers – particularly from key source markets such as India, China, and other parts of Asia – the current visa application process has been a frustrating and time-consuming process,” explains Anderson. “By removing one of the primary obstacles to inbound travel, we’re sending a clear message that South Africa is open for business and ready to welcome the world.”
FEDHASA is confident that the new, streamlined system will drive a substantial increase in inbound tourism. By reducing administrative hurdles and uncertainty, we remove one of the primary deterrents to travel. In turn, this encourages more visitors to choose South Africa – visitors who contribute significantly to our economy through spending on transport, accommodation, restaurants, experiences, and retail, often becoming repeat travellers and enthusiastic ambassadors for our destination.
For Anderson, it also presents a timely opportunity to intensify international marketing efforts, open new air routes, and strengthen partnerships with airlines, tour operators, and online travel platforms.
“We firmly believe that a user-centric visa platform will be a transformational tool for growth, restoring traveller confidence, accelerating arrivals, and delivering tangible economic benefits – especially in job creation and enterprise development within the tourism value chain,” says Anderson.
FEDHASA sees this as a potentially game-changing development – and as an example of effective collaboration between government and industry. FEDHASA looks forward to supporting the successful implementation and promotion of this vital initiative and encourages continued collaboration to ensure South Africa realises its full potential as a world-class travel destination.
“By removing barriers to entry and embracing smart, accessible systems, we pave the way for a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector,” concludes Anderson.
