Visa reform to woo India, China tourists

South Africa plans to ease visa rules for visitors from India and China within days to lure tourists from the world's two most populated nations, who have been deterred by red tape.

Travellers from many Western nations, including the US and UK, don't need visas for short visits to SA. Tourists from India and China, which are part of the Brics group, require authorisation before they travel, which is a deterrent.

The department of home affairs will implement a so-called trusted tour operators system from January, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said.

The tour operators, which will be vetted by authorities, will be responsible for the tour groups from the two countries.