New Zealanders will soon be able to visit South Africa visa-free, after the country revised its entry requirements.
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs announced the change Wednesday (local time).
"Tourism will soar if we relax visa requirements for entry into South Africa," said Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi. "We know that tourism is very important for job creation."
Visa-free entry for tourism was also granted to citizens of Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudia Arabia, Cuba, Ghana and Sao Tome and Principe. Full implementation is expected by November this year.
Vuyiswa Tulelo, South Africa's High Commissioner in New Zealand says she is awaiting further instructions from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the implementation process of the waiver.
"The High Commission will only be able to provide more details once the directive has been received," she says.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says that current visa requirements apply.
"New Zealand is awaiting formal advice from the South African Department of Home Affairs as to the specific implementation of the visa waiver scheme."
The newly announced countries join 75 others with visa-free status to enter South Africa.
Currently, South African citizens require a visa to enter New Zealand.
Newshub.
