South Africa is all set to roll out its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that promises to simplify how international visitors enter the country. The first phase will go live by mid-October to coincide with the arrival of G20 delegates in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Dr Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, unveiled the first look of the upcoming ETA portal and said, “Our Electronic Travel Authorisation digitalises and automates visas through machine learning, eliminating inefficiency that deters tourism while supercharging security.”
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel pass that allows visitors to apply online instead of going through the traditional visa process. The system supports short-term stays for tourism, business visits, or family trips.
The ETA links directly to a traveller’s passport and includes a QR code for quick verification at border control. The goal is to speed up entry procedures and cut down on inefficiencies that have long frustrated tourists.
Initially, the ETA will be available only to visitors from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, the four G20 countries whose citizens currently require visas for South Africa. The rollout starts with G20 delegates and will later expand to all travellers from these countries.
However, in the longer term, the SA government plans to make the ETA the single entry system for all nationalities that require visas to visit South Africa.
For now, the ETA will be valid only for arrivals through:
The ETA comes loaded with practical features that make international travel more convenient:
This means the ETA is strictly for short stays. It cannot be used for employment, study, or indefinite extensions.
The government has confirmed a streamlined five-step ETA application process, designed for simplicity and speed, even though the official portal is not yet live.
Step 1: Register – Create a profile on the official platform
Step 2: Biometrics – Take a live selfie
Step 3: Passport – Photograph your passport
Step 4: Application Form – Answer basic questions about yourself and your trip
Step 5: Submit – Receive an instant decision
The approved ETA will be available as a downloadable PDF and can also be stored in Google Wallet or Apple Wallet for easy access.
It is worth mentioning here that applications are processed in real-time, with approvals promised within seconds for straightforward cases.
Before departure, travellers must also complete the Customs Online Traveller Declaration on the South African Revenue Service (SARS) portal. This is part of the country’s broader move toward fully digital border management.
After the G20 meeting in November, South Africa will gradually expand ETA eligibility to more travellers. Over the next few years, the system is expected to cover additional visa categories and introduce automated entry and exit checks using facial recognition at ports of entry.
