TravTalk India Online Magazine
South Africa is stepping up its India push with a new e-visa system and a dedicated visa desk for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Alongside fresh attractions and wider aviation talks, the aim is to make travel faster, easier and far more appealing for Indians.
South Africa has entered a new phase of growth, and India is firmly at the centre of its plans. Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, Republic of South AFrica, outlined how a faster visa process, new aviation discussions, and a wider set of experiences will drive the next wave of Indian arrivals.
Building momentum
South Africa welcomed 7.6 million visitors between January and September this year, crossing pre-pandemic benchmarks and adding a full million more travellers compared to 2024. For de Lille, the numbers are encouraging, but the goal now is to fix long-standing bottlenecks and widen the destination’s appeal.
‘A key breakthrough is the new electronic travel authorisation system. After months of testing, the e-visa will go live for G20 markets including India. Travellers will be able to apply from home, with approvals expected in under 72 hours. The system uses AI to verify travel history and link to global databases, cutting paperwork and easing a process that has historically discouraged many first-timers’, she adds.
Reaching the Indian traveller
The minister was candid about the next challenge. Direct connectivity remains a stumbling block. Discussions with IndiGo and South African Airways are ongoing, but both sides are waiting for new aircraft deliveries. Once that unlocks, she expects numbers to grow in both directions, supported by joint marketing and stronger trade linkages. TravTalk found out that good news is around the corner.
South Africa is also preparing to leverage upcoming events. With the G20 and the Cricket World Cup arriving in 2027, de Lille said her team has already begun working on Indian-focused packages. A dedicated visa facilitation desk will be set up at the World Cup venues so fans can travel with ease.
A broader South Africa
De Lille stressed that South Africa wants repeat travellers as much as first-timers. New products and cultural links with India are being brought to the front.
‘A newly built temple outside Johannesburg opens a fresh spiritual circuit for Indian travellers. Family ties in Durban and Cape Town remain a strong draw, but the idea now is to layer itineraries with more depth.’
For 2026, South Africa is bundling all its UNESCO-accredited heritage sites into curated circuits, making it easier for travellers to experience them in one trip.
New attractions on the ground
Among the most striking additions is the new dinosaur interpretation centre, built around the world’s oldest dinosaur fossils and embryos discovered in South Africa. The attraction sits in a rural town, giving travellers a reason to explore lesser-known regions and engage directly with local communities.
Medical and wellness tourism is another area gaining traction. Visitors can combine specialist treatments with recovery in nature-led environments, supported by high-quality healthcare and hospitality.
Strengthening Africa’s appeal
South Africa will also host two major industry events aimed at boosting business travel.
The first, scheduled for February next year, will bring together 20 to 30 African countries, global airlines and MICE stakeholders. The second, in May 2026, will be a trade-led Africa-level showcase designed to deepen intra-continental tourism and investment.
For India, de Lille said the message is simple. “Tell us what more we can do. We are ready to listen and improve.” South Africa sees India as a priority market, and with visas easing, events lining up and new experiences ready to be explored, the destination is pushing for a stronger, sustained presence across the Indian outbound landscape.
