In a boost to India-South Africa travel and tourism ties, Patricia de Lille, the Minister of Tourism for the Republic of South Africa, announced measures to simplify travel for Indian tourists.
Speaking to CNBC TV18, de Lille announced that South Africa will replace its e-visa system with a new electronic travel agreement, enabling visa processing within two to three days when applied through accredited tour operators.
“Direct flights are on the agenda. We are in talks with Indian airlines to unlock the market potential,” De Lille stated.
The ongoing talks between South African Airways (SAA) representatives and Indian airlines, including Indigo and SpiceJet are expected to materialise by early next year.
These direct flights could reduce travel time to 8-9 hours from Mumbai or Delhi.
Looking ahead to South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, de Lille shared plans to focus on tourism, building on the legacies of India, Brazil, and Indonesia. The focus will be on sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.