South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is launching two new visas to boost the country’s appeal as a filming location and events hub. 

Minister Leon Schreiber announced the two “pioneering digital visa schemes” – STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) and MEETS (Meetings, Events and Exhibitions Tourism Scheme) – during this week’s Home Affairs budget vote debate in Parliament.

Schrieber said the STAGES visa initiative “will simplify visa access for film production companies.

“Currently, outdated and paper-based systems hinder the industry. In just one example, a major Netflix production from Mexico was lost due to visa delays, costing South Africa an estimated R400 million in lost income. But thanks to STAGES, companies will now be able to apply via a dedicated online portal, receive visa decisions within hours, and will no longer be required to visit missions in-person abroad.”

“Together, STAGES and MEETS are set to transform South Africa into a leading destination for film, tourism, sports, arts, culture and events – all sectors with enormous potential for growth and job creation,” the minister added.

FIVA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating the entry of foreign nationals into South Africa for filming and modelling purposes, announced that the STAGES visa initiative is the result of its sustained and strategic lobbying efforts on behalf of the South African film and television industry.

“This pioneering digital visa initiative, introduced by the Department of Home Affairs after months of consultation, marks a significant step toward streamlining access for international screen talent and crew. It reflects FIVA’s ongoing commitment to enabling growth and reducing red tape within the creative production sector,” stated FIVA CEO Rudi Riek.

“More detailed information on how STAGES will operate in practice will be shared with our stakeholders in the coming months. We remain engaged with the department to ensure the scheme meets the real-world needs of the industry,” Riek added.

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