The South African MEETS Scheme

The Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) is a Department of Home Affairs initiative designed for accredited event organisers hosting qualifying international events in South Africa. It is not a standard visa category for individual travellers. Instead, it enables approved organisers to facilitate visa applications for groups of foreign delegates through a centralised digital platform.

The scheme is intended for organisers of international meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and tourism-related events that contribute to economic activity and visitor inflows. To participate, the organiser must apply for accreditation and meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Department. Only accredited organisers are permitted to use the MEETS system to support visa processing for their invited delegates.

Once approved, the organiser enters into a formal agreement with the Department of Home Affairs and gains access to the MEETS platform. This allows the organiser to submit and manage visa applications for event participants under a structured and simplified process, subject to compliance with the scheme’s requirements and conditions.

Last Updated: 24/03/2026

Participation in the MEETS Visa Scheme is based on accreditation of the event organiser rather than individual visa applicants. The organiser must satisfy specific eligibility criteria and provide detailed information about the event and its expected impact before access to the scheme is granted.

Requirements for event organisers include:

• Proof that the event is an international meeting, conference, exhibition, or tourism-related event
• Details of the event scale, duration, and expected number of international delegates
• Evidence of the economic and tourism value of the event to South Africa
• Confirmation of the organiser’s legal registration and operational capacity
• Submission of a formal application for accreditation to the Department of Home Affairs

The Department assesses applications using a mandatory threshold and points-based system. Only organisers who meet the required criteria and scoring thresholds will be approved to participate in the scheme.

Post-approval requirements:

• Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs
• Use of the MEETS digital platform to submit and manage visa applications for delegates
• Provision of delegate lists and supporting event documentation for each visa submission

Individual foreign delegates will still be required to provide standard identity and travel documentation, but the MEETS process allows for a more structured and coordinated submission managed by the accredited organiser.

The processing of the MEETS Visa Scheme occurs in two distinct stages: the accreditation of the event organiser and the processing of visa applications for foreign delegates submitted through the MEETS platform.

Accreditation processing time:

• The Department of Home Affairs typically provides an outcome on organiser accreditation within approximately 60 days from submission
• Organisers are advised to submit their applications at least 4 months before the event start date to allow sufficient time for evaluation and onboarding

Delegate visa processing:

• Once the organiser is accredited and the event is approved, visa applications for delegates are submitted through the MEETS platform
• Processing times for delegate visas are generally expedited compared to standard visa processes, subject to completeness and compliance
• Timelines may vary depending on the number of applicants and verification requirements

Processing times may be affected by application volume, accuracy of submitted information, and the complexity of the event. Early planning and complete submissions are key to ensuring timely approval.

The MEETS Visa Scheme operates on a structured fee model linked to the facilitation of visa applications for foreign delegates. Costs are not limited to a single visa fee but are applied in relation to participation in the scheme and the number of visa applications submitted through the platform.

Per-delegate visa facilitation fee:

A fee is charged per international visitor or delegate whose visa application is processed through the MEETS platform. The exact amount is determined by the Department of Home Affairs and may vary depending on policy updates and operational considerations.

Accreditation and participation costs:

Event organisers may incur administrative and compliance-related costs associated with the accreditation process, preparation of documentation, and onboarding into the MEETS system.

Additional costs:

These may include expenses related to document preparation, verification, coordination of delegate information, and platform usage, depending on the scale and complexity of the event.

All applicable fees are subject to change and are determined by the Department of Home Affairs. Organisers should confirm current fee structures as part of the accreditation and planning process.

The MEETS Visa Scheme application process is completed by the event organiser, not individual travellers. The organiser must first obtain accreditation from the Department of Home Affairs before being permitted to facilitate visa applications for foreign delegates.

Step 1: Prepare event and organiser information

The organiser must compile detailed information about the event, including its purpose, scale, expected international participation, and economic or tourism impact. Supporting documentation confirming the organiser’s legal status and operational capacity must also be prepared.

Step 2: Submit application for accreditation

The organiser submits a formal application to the Department of Home Affairs requesting accreditation under the MEETS scheme. The application is assessed against mandatory requirements and a points-based evaluation system.

Step 3: Await accreditation outcome

The Department reviews the application and provides an outcome, typically within a defined processing period. Only organisers who meet the required thresholds and criteria will be approved to participate in the scheme.

Step 4: Conclude agreement with the Department

Approved organisers are required to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. This agreement governs the organiser’s responsibilities and use of the MEETS platform.

Step 5: Submit delegate visa applications through the platform

Once accredited, the organiser uses the MEETS digital platform to submit and manage visa applications for international delegates attending the event. The organiser coordinates the submission of delegate information and supporting documentation.

Step 6: Manage approvals and delegate participation

The organiser monitors the progress of visa applications and ensures that all delegates receive the necessary approvals in time for the event. Compliance with the scheme’s conditions must be maintained throughout the process.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of South Africa. We are not affiliated with the South African government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Department of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs can visit their website at www.dha.gov.za/immigration-services/