South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has launched a new visa initiative aimed at making it easier for large international events to bring in delegates who need visas to enter the country. The programme, called the Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme, or MEETS, allows approved domestic event organisers to facilitate group visa applications through a digital platform once they have been accredited by Home Affairs.
The scheme is the second of two digital visa reforms announced by Home Affairs to support sectors seen as high value for tourism and economic activity. The first, the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme, or STAGES, was introduced for film and creative productions in late 2025.
What the MEETS visa scheme is
MEETS is designed for international attendees coming to South Africa for major conferences, conventions, exhibitions, trade shows, symposiums, sporting events, and other significant arts, culture, sports, and entertainment events. Home Affairs says the goal is to position the department as an economic enabler by reducing visa friction that can deter organisers from choosing South Africa as a host destination.
The scheme does not change who needs a visa. Visitors from non visa exempt countries still need visas to attend events in South Africa. What changes is how group applications can be facilitated when a domestic organiser is accredited and uses the MEETS platform.
How the system is intended to work
Under MEETS, accredited event organisers will be able to facilitate and submit group visa applications for registered delegates through a secure digital platform. Home Affairs says the process is subject to the risk profile of the delegates, and that accreditation will be governed through a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the department. That agreement will regulate participation and set out reduced visa requirements for participating organisers.
This structure is similar in concept to other Home Affairs “trusted” reforms, where vetted partners are allowed to use streamlined processes under stricter governance rules. Home Affairs has framed MEETS as part of its broader digital first direction, which also includes reforms such as the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme and the continuing rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation programme.
Who can apply for accreditation
MEETS is not aimed at individual travellers. It is aimed at domestic event organisers and related organisations that can demonstrate proven capacity to host large events and manage compliance.
Home Affairs’ Government Gazette notice invites domestic organisers with proven experience in the sector to submit an expression of interest for admission to the scheme, subject to a formal selection process.
The points system and qualifying criteria
The Gazette sets out a points based selection system with 140 points available in total. Applicants must score at least 120 points to qualify. Two criteria are mandatory for shortlisting:
- Regulatory compliance, supported by a letter of support from an appropriate authority
- Event capacity, shown by hosting an event with at least 500 registered delegates in the last two years
Home Affairs lists the full selection criteria as:
- Regulatory compliance: letter of support from the Minister, Director General of the relevant department, or a business organisation or chamber (25 points)
- Event capacity: hosted an event with at least 500 registered delegates in the last two years (25 points)
- Website: valid website with full details of the organisation (15 points)
- Register of delegates: willingness to develop and submit an online register of all foreign delegates expected to attend, 60 days before the event starts (20 points)
- Event compliance certificate: ability to provide the required certificate under section 25 of the Safety, Sports and Recreational Events Act framework for planned events (20 points)
- Visa submission team: capacity to submit digital visa applications on behalf of registered delegates on the Home Affairs platform (15 points)
- Memorandum of Agreement: willingness of the chair or local organising committee to sign the agreement with Home Affairs covering visa facilitation terms and conditions (20 points)
How selection will be decided and the timelines
Home Affairs says applications must include all information specified in the selection criteria. Scored results will be assessed and validated by an interdepartmental committee made up of technical officials from Home Affairs and other departments, including the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, along with any other relevant departments. Home Affairs will then make the final selection.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome within 60 days of submission, according to the Gazette notice. Approved companies will also be required to pay, or submit proof of payment of, an applicable prescribed fee per visitor processed on the MEETS platform for an international event.
Home Affairs notes there is no closing date for expressions of interest, but advises organisers to submit expressions of interest and register their international event at least four months before the event starts.
Why Home Affairs is prioritising events visas
South Africa competes internationally for business events and large conferences that can bring thousands of visitors and significant spending on accommodation, transport, venues, catering, and leisure travel before and after an event.
Home Affairs argues that South Africa already has world class venues and facilities, but that outdated visa systems have repeatedly frustrated international organisers. The MEETS scheme is intended to reduce that bottleneck by providing a structured, digital, group oriented processing channel for qualifying organisers.
How MEETS fits into wider visa reform
MEETS follows the introduction of STAGES, the digital visa scheme aimed at film and creative production companies. In announcing STAGES in November 2025, Home Affairs said the platform would allow online processing and reduce delays that had previously cost the country major productions.
Together, STAGES and MEETS signal a shift toward sector specific visa facilitation, where government focuses on industries viewed as high impact for jobs and investment, while using accredited partner models to manage risk and compliance.
What event businesses should do next
Domestic organisers who believe they qualify should prepare for a compliance heavy application process rather than a simple registration. Based on the Gazette criteria, the practical preparation checklist includes:
- Securing a credible letter of support for regulatory compliance
- Documenting past event delivery, including delegate numbers
- Ensuring the organisation website is complete and up to date
- Building a process to collect delegate details and submit an online register 60 days before the event
- Preparing for event compliance certification requirements
- Setting up a dedicated visa submission team and internal controls
- Being ready to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Home Affairs and comply with its terms
