Industry bodies such as the Commercial Producers Association (CPA), the South African Association of Stills Producers (SAASP) and the National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA) reached an agreement with the Department of Home Affairs earlier this week. This will simplify the process for international clients wanting to bring their business to the South African film sector.

© Joyce Vincent – 123RF.com

Monica Rorvik, Head of Film Promotion at Wesgro, the Western Cape's Official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion agency, says the agreement takes into consideration two types of travellers to South Africa, namely: "the Oversight group, which consists of client, agency and production company personnel; and the Specialist group, which comprises actors, models, directors, DPs, technicians and art departments".

Members of the Oversight group from visa-exempt countries can now travel to South Africa without having to pre-apply at a South African embassy. All they need to do is present their DHA 84 form, copy of their travel itinerary and a letter from the CPA/SAASP/NAMA to the immigration officials at the airport. Their passports will then be endorsed with S11 (1)(a) authorisation.

You'll still need to apply to the South African embassy if you're part of the Specialist group, but this process has also been streamlined - you'll need to present just your DHA 84 form, travel itinerary and a letter from the CPA/SAASP/NAMA.