South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a major overhaul of the country’s visa system, aiming to attract more business and tourism from India and China. In his State of the Nation Address, he introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which will fully digitise visa applications, enhance security, and speed up processing times. The reform is part of a broader initiative to make South Africa more accessible for skilled professionals and tourists.
The changes have been widely welcomed by Indian companies and diplomats, who previously faced long visa processing delays. Mahesh Kumar, India’s Consul General in Johannesburg, praised the move, noting that it would encourage greater collaboration between the two countries. Indian businesses had considered shifting investments to other African nations due to past visa challenges, making this reform a timely intervention.
Tourism and aviation industries are expected to benefit significantly. Ashish Sharma, CEO of a travel company specializing in India-South Africa routes, emphasised that streamlined visas could increase tourist numbers and prompt airlines to introduce direct flights. South Africa’s commitment to reducing visa backlogs further strengthens its appeal as a business and leisure destination.
With this reform, South Africa signals a strong commitment to economic growth and international partnerships. By leveraging AI and automation, the new visa system is expected to boost bilateral relations, ease travel, and enhance investor confidence. As the process becomes more efficient, Indian travellers and businesses can look forward to smoother engagement with South Africa.