The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has welcomed the 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 in September.

The association said this development signals 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.

“Fedhasa has long advocated for an online visa system and we are pleased that a concrete rollout plan has now been confirmed. 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.

“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 national chairperson Rosemary Anderson said on June 23.

Fedhasa said it was confident that the new streamlined system would drive a substantial increase in inbound tourism. By reducing administrative hurdles and uncertainty, it would remove one of the primary deterrents to travel.

In turn, this might encourage more visitors to choose South Africa and, therefore, contribute to the economy through spending on transport, accommodation, restaurants, experiences and retail, whereafter they might become repeat visitors and ambassadors for the country as a tourist destination.

Anderson said it also presented 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 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,” she said.

Fedhasa characterised it as a “potentially game-changing development” and an example of effective collaboration between government and industry.

The association said it would support the successful implementation and promotion of the initiative and encouraged sector participants and government to continue collaborating to ensure the country could realise its potential as a 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,” Anderson said.