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South Africa introducing electronic visas

Source: Biometric Update, 27/03/2018

South Africaâ€™s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) confirmed that the
first phase of the electronic visa system will be piloted by the end of
March 2019. According to a Business Tech report, this will make it
easier for tourists to enter the country thanks to the online visa and
permit application process and capturing of applicantsâ€™ biometrics both
locally and abroad.
The rollout of the first phase of the e-visa system is expected to take
place at a foreign mission, embassy or local DHA office and the pilot
will initially cover temporary residence visas, adjudication of
temporary residence visas, applications for waivers, applicant
notifications and biometric details.
â€œThe rollout programme will be gradual starting with Phase 1, which
entails applications for temporary residence visas, adjudication of
temporary residence visas, applications for waivers, notifications to
the applicant via email and biometrics captured at the Mission,â€
explained Member of Parliament for the Democratic Alliance and Shadow
Minister of Tourism James Vos.
â€œElectronic visas will boost the tourism industry by cutting turnaround
times for the issuing of travel documentation while ensuring the
information of applicants is secure,â€ added Vos. â€œMost importantly,
improved tourist arrivals will facilitate more job growth in the
industry while guaranteeing job security for 1.4 million South Africans
already working in the tourism industry.â€
According to Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of the World
Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the implementation of biometrics
technology to facilitate secure borders is the single biggest
opportunity for the travel and tourism sector in 2018.

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