Travel
South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) Sees Rapid Growth

Phase Two of TTOS Kicks Off
South Africa’s new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has made significant strides since its launch in February 2025. The Department of Home Affairs has entered phase two of the programme, which includes the addition of 45 new vetted tour operators. This brings the total number of approved operators to 110, up from 65 earlier this year.
What is the TTOS?
The TTOS was created to streamline visa applications for large tour groups, particularly from two of South Africa’s fastest-growing tourism markets—India and China.
Key Benefits of the TTOS
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Digital Visa Approvals: Approved tour operators can now submit visa applications online and receive digital approvals within 24 hours, significantly reducing the processing time.
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Increased Tourist Arrivals: The programme has already attracted 25,000 visitors from India and China, showcasing the impact of this streamlined approach.
Minister’s Statement on TTOS Success
Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, praised the programme for its role in driving South Africa’s tourism growth. “TTOS demonstrates the power of our digital transformation agenda to enable economic growth and create jobs,” Schreiber said. He added that the rapid success of TTOS, especially in attracting thousands of tourists in just six months, proves its potential.
Source:The South African
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