Question NW3288 to the Minister of Home Affairs
06 November 2023 - NW3288
De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
With reference to his reply to question 2018 on 28 June 2023, what (a) steps have been taken to introduce automated online tourism visa applications and not e-visas, (b)(i) measures, (ii) processes, (iii) procedures and (iv) mechanisms are in place to introduce such a system and (c) are the (i) deadlines, (ii) milestones, (iii) time frames and (iv) timelines in this regard?
Reply:
(a) The type of automated online tourism visa application system the Department has launched is the electronic-visa (e-Visa) system which is similar to the ones many other countries have implemented. The e-Visa platform is designed to accept tourism visas. This is a fully automated system whereby clients apply for their tourist visas online, pay online as well as upload their supporting documents for adjudication at the hub in Pretoria.
(b)(i – iv) The e-Visa is a fully automated system that was launched to allow clients to apply for their tourist visas from the convenience of their homes.
(c) The e-Visa system was piloted in 2022, enhanced in April 2023 and expanded to 20 additional non-visa exempted countries. In total there are 34 countries who are utilising this system.
END