How South Africa’s New Film Visa Is Rewriting the Script for Tourism
Words By Thembi Sehloho | 6 August 2025
Image source: Gallo/Getty
South Africa’s storytelling is rich and resonant—from township narratives and sun-drenched coastlines to stories of struggle, renewal, and hope. Through film, these stories evoke emotion, connection, and curiosity in global audiences.
The launch of the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) visa marks a major leap forward, allowing faster entry for international film, TV, and creative productions as reported by Bizcommunity. More than a travel document, it’s a declaration that South Africa is open for filming, for business, and for unforgettable experiences.
A Game-Changer for Film and Tourism
The STAGES visa streamlines access for international cast, crew, and creatives. It optimises timelines, simplifies logistics, and deepens engagement with local communities—drawing direct investment into tourism and the broader economy.
This policy innovation aligns perfectly with South Africa’s tourism marketing. Powered by strategic regulation and global promotion, it turns awareness into action—and interest into visitation.
“South Africa isn’t just a filming location—it’s a living story,” says Thembi Sehloho, Chief Marketing Officer at South African Tourism. “The STAGES visa gives us agility. Our marketing gives us reach. Together, they turn interest into arrivals and awareness into action.”
Film: The Hidden Hero of Destination Marketing
South African settings—from the Karoo’s golden dunes to the verdant Tsitsikamma forests and dynamic streets of Johannesburg—have long inspired filmmakers. A single memorable shot can invite global audiences to experience South Africa firsthand.
While the country has powered global productions for years, the STAGES visa now positions it to compete more assertively—not just with breathtaking locations, but with streamlined processes and elevated service.
“We have what audiences crave—authenticity, diversity, and cinematic beauty,” says Azania Muendane of Locations Africa.
“The STAGES visa shows we’re ready to compete globally, not just with scenery, but with world-class service and smooth entry.”
Executive producer Wandile Molebatsi of Coal Stove Productions adds:
“It’s not just film revenue. It’s guesthouses booked, transport hired, meals catered, and local economies invigorated.”
The November 2024 Olsberg SPI white pages on Global Film and Television Production Incentives further underline the economic potential:
“The core opportunity for most public authorities is to stimulate the filming of high‑value film and television projects and the cross‑industry investment that this activity generates… In some cases… hundreds of millions of dollars of direct expenditure… often in a relatively short timeframe… The majority of this production expenditure goes towards salaries, creating high‑quality jobs.”
A G20 Moment for the Creative Economy
With South Africa hosting the G20 Summit, the STAGES visa arrives at a pivotal moment. As Molebatsi notes, film is more than art—it’s infrastructure. It drives logistics, hospitality, energy, transport, and services.
As a founding member of Creative 20 (C20), Molebatsi envisions cinema as a driver of transformative growth:
“We’re not just making movies. We’re building jobs, telling our stories, and developing a globally competitive economy.”
South Africa’s new film visa is more than policy—it’s a platform that delivers visibility, viability, and value. And that’s a story worth telling.
South Africa awaits.
Discover your story—on screen and in person—through our welcoming people, stunning landscapes, and unique culture.
