On 10 November 2025, the DHA published an invitation to film and production federations and organisations to submit an expression of interest in STAGES (Invitation).

The Invitation emphasises that the DHA is reforming South Africa’s visa system to boost tourism and economic growth by making the country more attractive for film production. STAGES also aims to simplify visa processes for film crews and modelling agencies by reducing administrative burdens and enabling faster, more predictable access for trusted industry partners.

How STAGES will work

Accredited film industry partners will be able to submit visa applications for their members with fewer requirements, based on a risk profile and a memorandum of agreement concluded with the DHA. The process is designed to be efficient, with minimal supporting documents needed for visa applications.

In order to qualify for a STAGES membership, a federation or organisation needs to demonstrate that it adheres to certain regulatory requirements in the business sector and that it has relevant experience in facilitating film productions.

The selection criteria for a STAGES membership for both South African and foreign based federations/organisations is points based in relation to the following:

• legal compliance;
• operational experience;
• operating experience; and
• economic impact.

The Invitation includes an additional selection criterion for foreign-based federations/organisations that does not apply to South African-based applicants. This criterion is “collaboration” and entails a foreign-based federation/organisation being required to demonstrate that they are partnering with a South African federation, organisation or association in facilitating their film production.

For South African-based federations/organisations, a minimum score of 120 points (out of a possible 140 points) is required in order to qualify for a STAGES membership. Foreign-based federations/organisations on the other hand only qualify for a STAGES membership if they score a minimum of 150 points (out of a possible 170 points).

Application and selection process

Interested federations/organisations must submit an expression of interest form and the relevant supporting documents to the DHA using its website at www.dha.gov.za or at https://touroperator.dha.gov.za:8443/.

Applications will be assessed and validated by an Inter-Departmental Committee. This Committee will then make a recommendation on an applicant’s STAGES membership to the Minister of Home Affairs, who will in turn make the final decision on the application concerned.

Applicants will be notified within 30 working days of the outcome of their applications. Where an applicant is granted a STAGES membership, they will be required to pay a processing fee of R1,520 per submission of a group of between 1 to 25 digital visa applications on the STAGES platform.

The closing date for applications to submit expressions of interest for a STAGES membership is 10 December 2025 (i.e. 30 days after the Invitation’s publication date).