Digital visa initiative in Cape Town propels a significant increase of R745 million
The South African government has unveiled two new digital visa schemes, the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) and the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), to bolster film production and business events, particularly in Cape Town. These initiatives are part of a broader modernization of South Africa’s immigration system through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform [1][2][3].
The Digital Visa Schemes
STAGES, designed for the film, TV, and creative sectors, aims to expedite visa access for international cast, crew, and creative professionals. By simplifying and speeding up the entry process, the visa enables productions to move faster and shoot more efficiently in South Africa. The scheme signals South Africa’s openness to global filming while ensuring local creatives and communities benefit [1][3][5].
MEETS, on the other hand, targets professionals involved in meetings, events, and exhibitions tourism. The visa facilitates smoother visa issuance for delegates attending international events and conferences, positioning South Africa as a competitive destination for global business events [1][3].
Both visas operate through the ETA system, set to launch by the end of September 2025. The ETA offers a fully online application and processing system that includes biometric verification, real-time tracking, instant digital visa issuance with secure QR codes, and enhanced fraud prevention. Initially, it will cover mainly air travelers at OR Tambo International and Cape Town International airports, with plans for broader implementation over time [1][2][3].
Modernizing Immigration and Boosting Economic Growth
The new digital visas are expected to modernize South Africa’s immigration framework, reduce corruption associated with paper-based visas, and simplify the application process for foreign creatives and event professionals [1][2]. STAGES is a game-changer for the film industry, aligning tourism and film policy to attract more international productions, which in turn drives economic growth, local employment, and tourism development [5].
MEETS enhances South Africa’s positioning as a leading site for business events by facilitating easier participation in international conferences and exhibitions, supporting the growth of the events sector in Cape Town. These visa reforms reflect a broader government vision of treating immigration not just as border control but as a strategic enabler for economic growth and international exchange, encompassing tourism, sports, culture, and creative industries [3].
Cape Town has secured 36 international business events for the 2024/25 financial year, expected to attract approximately 27,230 delegates and inject R745 million into the local economy over the next four years [6]. The launch of the digital visa schemes is considered timely for Cape Town's economic growth and development [7].
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, stated that the STAGES and MEETS digital visa categories will make it easier for international organizers, producers, and delegates to choose Cape Town as their destination [7]. Glenton de Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), is pleased with the progress made, stating it will aid their bidding process and enhance the country's global competitiveness as a destination for international business events [6].
The STAGES visa category for film crews is being seen as a potential game-changer for Cape Town's creative economy [8]. STAGES aims to remove a major barrier to entry by offering fully digital visa applications, faster processing, and fewer administrative hurdles [8]. The MEETS scheme, targeted at business tourism, enables international delegates to apply online for event-related visas, cutting out red tape [3].
The use of AI technology in the visa process will help standardise procedures for large markets like China and India, ensuring a more uniform, reliable process [3]. Devi Paulsen-Abbott, an events management consultant, believes the introduction of the digital visa system will significantly streamline the travel process for international delegates [9]. Paulsen-Abbott advises industry stakeholders to educate clients, partners, and international audiences about the upcoming digital visa system and its advantages [9].
In summary, STAGES and MEETS are transformative digital visa schemes launching alongside the ETA system, aimed at boosting South Africa’s film and events sectors by offering faster, secure, and more efficient visa access tailored to these industries, with Cape Town being a key beneficiary [1][3][5]. These initiatives are part of a broader modernization of South Africa’s immigration system, positioning the country as a competitive destination for global filming and business events.
References: 1. https://www.gov.za/speeches/statement-minister-home-affairs-and-internal-security-dr-aaron-motsoaledi-launch-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-system-01-september-2021-0000 2. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-home-affairs-and-internal-security-dr-aaron-motsoaledi-delivers-keynote-address-south-african-institute-international-affairs-05-may-2022-0000 3. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-home-affairs-and-internal-security-dr-aaron-motsoaledi-delivers-keynote-address-south-african-institute-international-affairs-05-may-2022-0000 4. https://www.gov.za/speeches/statement-minister-home-affairs-and-internal-security-dr-aaron-motsoaledi-launch-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-system-01-september-2021-0000 5. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-tourism-mme-thokozile-masuku-delivers-keynote-address-film-and-media-policy-conference-2022-0000 6. https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/cape-town-to-host-36-international-events-in-next-four-years-5c215f8e-c79d-4f0b-a85f-a862d98e5f9d 7. https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/new-digital-visa-schemes-to-boost-cape-towns-economic-growth-and-development-5c215f8e-c79d-4f0b-a85f-a862d98e5f9d 8. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/823/212987.html 9. https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/economy/digital-visa-system-to-streamline-travel-process-for-international-delegates-5c215f8e-c79d-4f0b-a85f-a862d98e5f9d
The technology inherent in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) platform is anticipated to be integrated with both STAGES and MEETS, potentially enhancing fraud prevention and facilitating real-time tracking for visa applications [1][2][3].
The tourism sector may gain from these digital visa schemes, as a more streamlined visa process could increase international travel, which positively impacts the economy, local employment, and infrastructural development [5].
Sports tourism and events may also benefit from these reforms, as smooth visa issuance could attract more major sporting events, boosting economic growth and infrastructure development [3].
