South Africa seeks to woo Indian tourists with visa reform

The Department of Home Affairs plans to introduce a "Trusted Tour Operators" system in January, where vetted operators will manage tour groups from India and China. This initiative follows successful visa reforms in other countries like Thailand a...

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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.

Travelers from many Western nations including the US and UK don’t need visas for short visits to South Africa. Tourists from India and China — who are part of the BRICS group — require authorization before they travel, which is a deterrent.

The Department of Home Affairs will implement a so-called Trusted Tour Operators system from January, Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s home minister said. The tour operators, which will be vetted by the African nation’s authorities, will be responsible for the tour groups from the two countries.


Easier visa rules have helped countries including Thailand attract Indian tourists. Nations such as Peru and Morocco are opening or expanding travel offices in Indian cities. Saudi Arabia, which says it wants 7.5 million Indian tourists annually by 2030, up from 1.5 million last year, has opened visa offices, and introduced a four-day stopover visa for Indians on long-haul flights with transfers in the kingdom.

“Tourism is one of South Africa’s natural advantages, it’s one of the things we should be excelling at,” Schreiber said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. “Yet we have seen in terms of the statistics that South Africa lags behind in terms of major source markets, China and India specifically.”

The government eventually plans to move to an electronic travel authorization system, the minister said, adding that the Trusted Tour Operators program is temporary.
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The changes to tourism visas are part of wider reforms to South Africa’s legislation and attitude toward migration. Since Schreiber took the post at the end of June he has eased work permit laws to simplify a byzantine system that had resulted in processing times exceeding a year. The aim is to tackle a chronic skills shortage in the country.

The difficulty in obtaining tourism visas is reflected in the country’s visitor statistics.

Last year about 350,000 tourists each arrived from US and the UK, as well as 245,000 from Germany, according to Statistics South Africa. Arrivals from India totaled about 80,000, while 37,000 came from China.

“We believe that that’s low hanging fruit that can really boost the South African economy,” Schreiber said.
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10 delicious vegetarian options for Indians travelling abroad ​
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Indians often seek vegetarian options when travelling abroad, reflecting cultural dietary preferences. In countries with diverse culinary scenes, such as the United States, Canada, and the UK, Indian travelers may discover a variety of vegetarian-friendly establishments, including specialized vegetarian restaurants and eateries that cater to a range of dietary needs. Here are 10 common vegetarian foods you can find almost anywhere in the world:

Indians often seek vegetarian options when travelling abroad, reflecting cultural dietary preferences. In countries with diverse culinary scenes, such as the United States, Canada, and the UK, Indian..
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Black bean burgers are a popular vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers, known for their hearty texture and rich flavor. Made primarily from black beans, these burgers often include ingredients like breadcrumbs, spices, garlic, onions, and sometimes vegetables like bell peppers or corn to enhance their taste and nutrition. The mixture is formed into patties and can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful center.

Black bean burgers are a popular vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers, known for their hearty texture and rich flavor. Made primarily from black beans, these burgers often include ingre..
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Mushrooms are a beloved ingredient in vegetarian dishes worldwide, prized for their rich umami flavor and versatility. In Italian cuisine, they star in creamy risottos and savory stuffed mushrooms, while in Mexican dishes, sautéed mushrooms fill tacos, topped with fresh ingredients. Grilled or roasted, mushrooms make a delightful addition to salads and sides.

Mushrooms are a beloved ingredient in vegetarian dishes worldwide, prized for their rich umami flavor and versatility. In Italian cuisine, they star in creamy risottos and savory stuffed mushrooms, w..
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Ratatouille is a traditional Provençal dish from France, celebrated for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. This vegetable medley typically includes eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, all sautéed with garlic and seasoned with herbs like thyme and basil. The ingredients are often cooked slowly to allow their natural flavors to meld together, resulting in a hearty and aromatic dish.

Ratatouille is a traditional Provençal dish from France, celebrated for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. This vegetable medley typically includes eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and o..
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Vegetarian sandwiches are widely available around the globe, reflecting diverse culinary traditions and local ingredients. These sandwiches range from simple to gourmet, catering to various tastes and preferences. In Italy, panini showcase fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes, highlighting the country's emphasis on quality ingredients. In Mexico, tortas are filled with beans, avocado, and grilled vegetables, while in Japan, katsu sando features a breaded and fried vegetable patty.

Vegetarian sandwiches are widely available around the globe, reflecting diverse culinary traditions and local ingredients. These sandwiches range from simple to gourmet, catering to various tastes an..
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Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic and onion. This mixture is formed into small balls or patties and deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Often served in pita bread or flatbreads, falafel is typically accompanied by fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces such as tahini or yogurt.

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic and onion. This mixture is formed into small balls or patties an..
Read More

Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option enjoyed worldwide, celebrated for their vibrant flavours and versatility. Cooking vegetables over an open flame or on a grill enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful smoky char. In addition to being delicious, grilled veggies are packed with nutrients, making them a popular choice for health-conscious eaters.

Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option enjoyed worldwide, celebrated for their vibrant flavours and versatility. Cooking vegetables over an open flame or on a grill enhances their natu..
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Spinach is a globally cherished ingredient that enhances a variety of vegetarian dishes with its vibrant color and nutritional benefits. In the United States, spinach salads are popular, often topped with nuts, fruits, and dressings for a refreshing meal. Additionally, sautéed spinach is a common side dish, easily prepared with garlic and olive oil. Its versatility allows spinach to complement a wide range of flavors, making it a staple in vegetarian cooking across cultures.

Spinach is a globally cherished ingredient that enhances a variety of vegetarian dishes with its vibrant color and nutritional benefits. In the United States, spinach salads are popular, often topped..
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Classic vegetable salads often feature a mix of leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or kale, combined with an assortment of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots. Adding ingredients like avocados, nuts, seeds, or cheese can enhance both flavor and nutritional value. Caprese Salad, Panzanella, are a couple of option you can explore on your next Europe trip.


Classic vegetable salads often feature a mix of leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or kale, combined with an assortment of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots. A..
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Roasted potatoes are a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide, known for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They are typically made by cutting potatoes into chunks or wedges, tossing them in olive oil, and seasoning them with herbs and spices like rosemary, garlic, or paprika before roasting them in the oven.

Roasted potatoes are a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide, known for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They are typically made by cutting potatoes into chunks or wedges, tossing them in olive oi..
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