South africa visa regulations
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Official said the department has given itself a year to introduce further measures to ease travel to SA.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced a 7.6% increase in foreign arrivals this festive season.
More than two million foreign visitors crossed the country’s borders between 1 December and 7 January.
A tourism services association says the number should be much higher over this time of year.
The Home Affairs Department has urged travellers to familiarise themselves with the regulations.
The Tourism Dept met with industry stakeholders in Sandton to discuss the latest changes.
Cabinet announced a month ago that stricter visa regulations were being amended.
Actor Idris Elba was unable to enter SA after failing to produce an unabridged certificate for his daughter.
The actor was told he did not have the correct documents for his daughter.
The Home Affairs Department says they haven't yet implemented changes discussed last month.
International airlines want new changes to be implemented before the summer holiday season.
Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom says his dept plans to communicate the changes to travel agencies and embassies around the world.
Some visa requirements for people travelling in & out of SA have been relaxed.
Industry leaders have said the new rules are costing around $540 million a year in lost revenue.
The regulations had required parents to carry unabridged birth certificates for children travelling with them.
The Tourism Business Council is adamant the new visa rules have had a negative impact on business.
The tourism industry is warning that thousands of jobs are the line due to SA’s new visa regulations.
The tourism industry insists the need for unabridged birth certificates has hurt business.