

Biometric machines yet to arrive
29 Sep 2015 – Tourism Update
The biometric data machines have not yet arrived at the South African consulates in Russia, India and China.
South African embassies in China, India and Russia have not received any biometric machines and are not sure when they will be delivered. Tourism Update established as much when contacting the embassies this week.
Under the country’s immigration regulations, tourists who require visas to travel to South Africa are required to make visa applications in person to facilitate the intake of biometric data.
The SA consulate in China requires travellers to apply for a visa in person, however the consulate in India said travellers could apply for a visa in person or through a travel agent.
Mayihlome Tshwete, a spokesperson for DHA, said Home Affairs was waiting for the recommendations to come out of the inter-ministerial committee before moving forward with placing biometric machines at all South African consulates. “The committee may recommend taking biometrics in each country or at the port of entry but it doesn’t help doing one thing and the IMC coming out with another recommendation.”
Tshwete emphasised that people were still applying for visas to SA the same way they always have.
The Department of Home Affairs earlier this month revealed it was considering taking visitors’ biometrics on arrival but that wholesale changes to South Africa’s immigration regulations were unlikely.