Controversial visa regulations slackened

THE controversial visa regulations, which are having an enormous impact on tourism in South Africa, are going to be slackened.

The civil rights organisation AfriForum welcomed the announcement by Jeff Radebe, Minister in the Presidency, at a news conference last week.

The decision to slacken the regulations follows after months of drawn-out infighting between Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism, and Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Home Affairs.

The concessions with regards to these regulations include the following:

• Underaged tourists from countries in North America and Europe, who do not require a visa to visit South Africa, do not have to travel with an abridged birth certificate anymore, seeing as it is now only a recommendation.
• Parents of underaged tourists from countries who do require a visa, will still be required to show a birth certificate when they apply for a visa.
• Prospective tourists do not have to travel on their own expense to a South African diplomatic office anymore, seeing as biometrical systems are going to be erected at OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airport.
• In countries with few or no diplomatic offices, prospective tourists will be allowed to send their visa applications via mail.
• Accredited tourism companies will also be allowed to apply for visas on behalf of prospective tourists.

‘Tourism is a key industry in South Africa with regards to foreign exchange the creation of jobs. South Africa is a tourism location with challenges like crime and big travel distances. As such, it must be made easier for the bonafide tourist to visit the country, but also easy for the local tourist to travel,’ said De Wet.

AfriForum directs an urgent plea to parents not to be overconfident, but to apply early for an unabridged birth certificate to avoid disappointment when travelling.

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