The new visa regulations specifically relating to documentation required for those travelling with minors has hampered tourism figures to South Africa this festive season.

Late last year various concessions were made by the Department of Home Affairs in order to ease the bureaucratic burden, but unfortunately these regulations would only be implemented at about the end of January 2016.

The Democratic Alliance has stated that it will be writing to Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the chair of the inter-ministerial committee on visa regulations, in order to fast track the practical implementation of the electronic visas.

It was reported that about 10 – 20 families per day were being denied travel to South Africa from London as they did not comply with the visa requirements.

The e-visa system that is being introduced should provide the solution to the present visa regulations and facilitate easier access for tourists to South Afica. The only hold up presently being the actual implementation of it.