South Africa unveils digital visas to attract film and events
New ETA visa system set to boost tourism and trade
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, has unveiled two new digital visa schemes aimed at easing entry into the country for professionals in the film industry and participants in exhibitions and conferences.
These new schemes, part of the country’s upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, aim to eliminate outdated paper-based bureaucracy and streamline the process for international visitors.
The two schemes include:
- STAGES (Support for Talent, Arts, and Global Entertainment Schemes)
- MEETS (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Tourism Schemes)
“STAGES will simplify visa access for film companies. Our current paper-based visa system is outdated and slows industry growth,” Schreiber said.
He noted that South Africa lost a major Netflix production worth R400 million due to delays in issuing visas. Under the new system, production companies can now apply through an online portal and receive decisions within hours—without needing to visit consulates.
“MEETS will allow foreign participants in major conferences, sports events, exhibitions, and global gatherings to apply for visas digitally and receive fast-tracked decisions,” he added.
He cited the upcoming SA20 Cricket League and the Rugby Sevens World Cup as events where skilled participants will now be able to attend without administrative delays.
Billions in tourism revenue by cutting bureaucracy
The new visa schemes have already received support from Fedhasa, South Africa’s national hospitality association.
“It’s refreshing to see a minister who clearly understands the cost of our outdated visa system,” said Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa’s national chairperson.
Schreiber had previously announced that the ETA system would launch by the end of September, allowing travelers visiting for fewer than 90 days to apply digitally.
Applicants must submit biometric data to the Department of Home Affairs and, upon arrival, scan their unique ETA code—linked to their passport—at border control. The ETA system is expected to fully replace paper-based travel documents over time.
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