Tag Archives: Patricia de Lille

Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa met Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, India, to explore opportunities for enhancing tourism between the two nations. Lille announced that the country has launched a new digital Entry Travel Agreement (ETA) system to simplify the visa process for Indians.

Celebrating its 30 years of diplomatic relations with India, South African Tourism held a Press Meet in New Delhi. During the address, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, announced the launch of a new digital Entry Travel Agreement (ETA) system to boost tourism ties with India. The move will replace the existing e-visa programme to simplify and expedite the visa application process. She said they have cut down extra documentation required for the visa application to three international documents across South African missions. She further revealed that mass visa processing for group travellers will now be made possible via a recently gazetted Trusted Tourist Tour Operator System Scheme that is primarily targeted at the Chinese and Indian markets. So far, 23 Indian tour operators have applied for this program in its first phase, demonstrating the positive response it has already received. The system will take effect on 20 January 2025. Highlighting that air connectivity remains a challenge for Indian tourists, Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa, said, “We will be meeting Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet to explore possibilities of direct flight between India and South Africa as we currently lack any direct route.” The session was focused on economic growth and strategic collaboration, delving into the future travel outlook, India-focused initiatives, and key insights to shape and strengthen outbound Indian travel to South Africa.