CAPE TOWN – The South African government has introduced two new visa schemes aimed at boosting the country’s appeal as a destination for film productions and international events.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber announced the launch of the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) and the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) during the department’s budget vote in Parliament.
STAGES will streamline visa access for foreign film crews and entertainers. Applicants will be able to use an online platform to submit applications and receive responses within hours—removing the current requirement of in-person visits to embassies. Schreiber cited the recent loss of a Netflix production from Mexico, which cost South Africa an estimated R400 million in lost revenue, as a wake-up call to modernise the system. 
MEETS is designed to fast-track visa processing for international delegates attending large-scale events in South Africa, such as the SA20 cricket tournament and the World Rugby Sevens. According to Schreiber, the aim is to avoid delays and make entry seamless for sportspeople, conference attendees, and exhibition participants.
The two schemes form part of a broader plan to reposition South Africa as a global hub for tourism, entertainment, arts, and business. The City of Cape Town has backed the rollout, with Economic Growth MMC James Vos stating that Cape Town is already tracking over R745 million in projected economic impact from events scheduled through 2028.
The visa updates come alongside other immigration initiatives, including the upcoming launch of a fully automated Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system by September. The ETA will initially cover air arrivals at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports ahead of the G20 summit in November. Home Affairs says the system will deliver instant decisions using machine learning to prevent fraud.
Additionally, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has expanded to 110 approved companies, helping to accelerate group visa processing for tourists, particularly from India and China. Since February, over 17,000 tourists from those countries have entered South Africa through the scheme.
