On 25 February 2026, the DHA published an invitation to domestic event organisers to submit an expression of interest for accreditation to MEETS (Invitation).

The Invitation emphasises that as South Africa is a prime spot for hosting global conferences, trade shows and conventions, MEETS is a critical step in reforming South Africa’s visa system and positioning the DHA as an economic enabler responsible for supercharging job creation.

How MEETS will work

MEETS aims to make South Africa a leading destination for international arts, culture, sports and entertainment events.

As international attendees to such events need visas to enter South Africa, unless they are from visa-exempt countries, MEETS will allow accredited organisers to submit group visa applications with a more streamlined application process via a secure digital platform, based on delegates’ risk profiles. Accreditation will be managed through a formal memorandum of agreement concluded with the DHA, which will outline the simplified visa requirements.

To qualify for membership to MEETS, an applicant must demonstrate that it:

• adheres to the regulatory requirements in the MEETS sector;
• promotes the employment of South Africans; and
• has sufficient administrative capacity to facilitate group visa applications for the event.

The specific selection criteria for a MEETS membership is points based and includes the following:

• regulatory compliance (25 points);
• event capacity (25 points);
• website (15 points);
• register of delegates (20 points);
• certificate of event compliance (20 points);
• visa submission team (15 points); and
• memorandum of agreement (20 points).

Applicants must score a minimum of 120 points (out of a possible 140 points) to qualify for a MEETS membership.

Application and selection process

Applications will be assessed and validated by an inter-departmental committee. This committee will then make a recommendation on an applicant’s MEETS membership to the Minister of Home Affairs, who will in turn make the final decision on the application concerned. Applicants will be notified within 60 days of the outcome of their applications.

Applicants that are approved for admission to MEETS will then be required to pay or submit proof of payment of the applicable prescribed fee per visitor processed on the MEETS platform for an international event.

There is no closing date for applications to submit expressions of interest for a MEETS membership, and event organisers are encouraged to submit expressions of interest and register their international event at least four months prior to the event date.

Interested parties are invited to visit the DHA’s website at www.dha.gov.za for more information regarding the application process, the qualification criteria, and the determination and awarding of points. In addition, any enquiries regarding the submission of expressions of interest may be directed to MEETS@dha.gov.za.