South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has unveiled two new digital visa schemes – STAGES and MEETS – aimed at strengthening the country’s appeal as a premier destination for film production and global events. Announced by Minister Leon Schreiber during the Home Affairs budget vote, the initiatives will streamline visa access for international film crews and attendees at large-scale events such as conferences and sports tournaments. STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) is designed to facilitate rapid visa approvals for production companies, while MEETS (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme) will enable faster, online processing for event participants.
The new visas align with broader efforts to position South Africa as a competitive hub for cultural, sporting, and business tourism, with backing from the City of Cape Town. Events hosted in Cape Town over the coming years are forecast to generate R745 million in economic impact and draw over 27,000 delegates by 2028. Complementing these efforts, Home Affairs is also rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system by September and expanding its Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which has already brought over 17,000 tourists from India and China since February. These measures support tourism growth and job creation across the industry.
