The Department of Home Affairs has unveiled two new visa schemes designed to position South Africa as a top destination for film production and global events, Cape {town} Etc reports
Announced during the parliamentary budget vote debate, the STAGES and MEETS visas aim to streamline entry for international filmmakers, athletes and business delegates, as mentioned by BusinessTech.
STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) will fast-track visas for film crews, allowing applications via a dedicated online portal with approvals in hours, eliminating the need for in-person embassy visits.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber cited a lost Netflix production worth R400 million due to bureaucratic delays as a key reason for the reform.
MEETS (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Tourism Scheme) targets major conferences, sports tournaments and exhibitions by speeding up visa processing for attendees. Schreiber highlighted events like the SA20 cricket league and World Rugby Sevens as beneficiaries, ensuring athletes and delegates face no entry delays.
The City of Cape Town welcomed the move, hoping for a surge in high-value tourism. Upcoming events in the city are projected to inject R745 million into the economy and attract 27 000 delegates by 2028.
Additionally, Home Affairs confirmed the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will launch by September, automating tourist visa approvals in seconds for arrivals at OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports.
The department also expanded its Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), adding 45 new operators to facilitate group travel from key markets like China and India, already responsible for 17 000 visitors since February.
These reforms signal a major shift in South Africa’s approach to immigration, prioritising economic growth through tourism and creative industries.
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