South African Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is South Africa’s new digital entry permit designed to simplify and modernise the country’s visa system. Instead of relying exclusively on a traditional paper visa application through a South African mission, eligible travellers can apply online, complete biometric verification and receive their travel authorisation electronically.

The ETA forms part of South Africa’s programme to digitalise immigration processes. The ETA forms part of South Africa’s programme to progressively digitalise immigration processes and reduce reliance on paper-based visa applications.

Summary of the ETA

• Digital authorisation tied to a traveller’s passport
• Applications are submitted through the official Department of Home Affairs ETA portal
• Electronic processing fee of R500
• Biometric verification, including facial recognition
• Issued with a secure QR code
• Compatible with mobile wallets, allowing the ETA to be stored alongside a boarding pass for quick access at the airport

Current ETA rollout

The ETA was initially introduced through testing in September 2025, followed by a pilot for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico using selected South African airports. The system has since moved beyond this initial pilot phase. As of August 2026, the previous nationality restriction displayed during ETA registration no longer appears to be in place, indicating that the platform has been opened more broadly. Travellers should nevertheless confirm their current eligibility through the official ETA platform, as the Department of Home Affairs continues to expand and update the system.

Last updated: 18/08/2026

The ETA is currently being rolled out across a broader range of travellers. It can be used by eligible visa-required travellers, while visa-exempt travellers may also apply to facilitate biometric processing at the border.

Visa-required nationals

Travellers from visa-required countries who are eligible for the ETA can apply digitally instead of following the traditional visitor’s visa process. The previous restriction to applicants from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico appears to have been removed from the registration process. IBN recommends confirming eligibility directly through the ETA portal before applying.

Visa-exempt nationals

South Africa is a beautiful place to visit, but before you arrive, you must confirm if your home country of nationality is on the South African Visa Exemption List for 30 – 90 days.

Those who are normally visa-exempt, such as citizens of Europe, the United States, and Canada, will not be obliged to apply for an ETA. However, they will have the option to use it for faster, biometric-based border processing.

Validity and restrictions

Each ETA allows stays of up to 90 days. Multiple entries are allowed during its validity period, but the ETA cannot be used to extend residence indefinitely or to take up employment or study. It applies only to holders of valid ordinary passports.

The ETA will begin at OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Lanseria International Airport. The system is being positioned as a tool for tourism and short-term business visits, using biometrics and automated fraud checks to speed up entry while enhancing security.

The Department of Home Affairs have confirmed a fee of R500 is to be paid when applying for an ETA.

The ETA will be applied for entirely online. You create a secure profile, complete a short form, upload your supporting documents, and pay the fee. The authorisation is then issued electronically and linked to your passport. Because the system is still in phased rollout, the exact screens and wording may change.

Step 1: Create an online profile

Visit the official ETA portal and register with your email address and a strong password.
You’ll verify your account and consent to data processing.
Keep your login details safe — you’ll use this profile to track your application, receive decisions, and request extensions.

Tip: Make sure the name, date of birth, and passport number in your profile match your passport exactly. Any mismatch can delay automated checks at the border.

Step 2: Fill and submit the online form

Complete the digital application with your personal details, travel dates, intended address in South Africa, and purpose of visit (tourism or short business). You will be required to take a photograph of your passport in order to confirm your passport details.
Submit the form for automated checks.

Step 3: Upload required documents

Typical uploads include your biographical passport page (with at least two blank pages and adequate validity),
proof of accommodation or invitation, and return/onward travel.
File uploads should be clear, legible scans or photos; avoid glare and cut-offs.
The platform will guide you on accepted formats and file size limits.

Step 4: Confirm secure payment

Pay the ETA fee of R500 online using the listed payment methods.
Once payment clears, your application moves to final automated checks.
If approved, your ETA is issued electronically, linked to your passport, and viewable in your account with a QR code you can store on your phone.

Home Affairs continues to expand the ETA across countries, immigration categories and ports of entry. In July it still described further expansion to all visa-required countries and additional visa categories as forthcoming. Over time, it is intended to cover all visa categories and apply at every port of entry, including land borders and seaports.

The ETA is also closely linked to other digital initiatives such as STAGES for film and television professionals and MEETS for international events and sports.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration consultancy, 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/