Controversial new immigration regulations will be simplified and supported by better systems.
This emerged at a press conference by Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom and the tourism industry yesterday.
Gigaba said the laws had to ensure the South African tourism experience did not become an administrative nightmare, causing foreigners to go elsewhere.
About the requirement for an unabridged birth certificate for visiting children, he said any equivalent document issued in the tourist's home country would suffice.
South Africa had to be strict on the issue to prevent child trafficking and child prostitution, he said.
About foreigners having to apply for visas in person, Gigaba said more facilitation centres would be opened in countries such as China and India to speed up the process.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
