During his address on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, in the coming financial year, Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the e-Visa systems will see expansion, including more visa types as well as more countries eligible for the service.

In order to aid President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic investments, Motsoaledi said that through Operation Vulindlela, Home Affairs has received the mandate to make improvements to the country’s visa regime. These improvements will include an expansion of over 20 countries during this year, such as African countries Algeria, Congo, and Ghana, as well as European countries like Romania and the Slovak Republic, amongst many others.

As of right now, the e-visa system has been in place for 14 countries, such as Iran, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, India, China, as well as a few others.

The improvements will benefit countries that do not have visa-free access to South Africa, and aims for travellers from the eligible nations to apply for their visas “on a platform in the comfort of their own home”. More visa types will also be added to the system, such as business, study, intra-company transfers, and general work visas.

“Ultimately, all visas will be available on the system,” Motsoaledi said.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk