South Africa's Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has issued over 11,000 digital visas to tourists from China and India since its launch in late February 2025. The scheme introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs allows selected tour operators to quickly track visa applications for group travelers via a secure digital platform. Daily applications have grown steadily from March 50 to May 210, reflecting an increase in demand from major source markets previously hampered by time-consuming visa processes.
TTOS pilots currently involve 65 tour operators, indicating a shift towards a more efficient and scalable entry system for tourism. Based on data from the Vulindlela Operation, it is estimated that the scheme has created 857 new jobs by promoting the arrival of 11,144 additional tourists. Plans are underway to launch a fully digital electronic travel authentication system aimed at expanding TTO through the second operator intake and streamlining all short trips to South Africa.
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Source: Ministry of Home Affairs
