The panel of experts appointed by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom had this to say about South Africa’s new visa rules: “The requirement of biometric visas and unabridged birth certificates is likely to have a real impact on the number of tourists that visit our country. While the intention behind these new procedures might be sound, the practical mechanics of compliance based on the current Home Affairs design appears impractical. Additional administrative burdens placed on tourists prior to their departure are likely to result in many simply switching destinations to other countries where travel is easier and more accessible.”