Last September, South Africa confirmed the upcoming launch of a new Electronic Travel Autorisation (ETA) system designed to simplify entry procedures for certain categories of travelers.
At the time, South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that the ETA system would be rolled out gradually, starting with a pilot phase reserved for G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. The goal of this first stage is to test the platform, biometric checks, and coordination between airlines and border authorities.
By 2026, the system is expected to open to the general public from these four countries, followed by a broader rollout to additional nationalities the following year.
Ultimately, the ETA is expected to replace certain short-stay visa procedures, allowing eligible travelers to apply online, receive a digital authorization linked to their passport, and travel without visiting a diplomatic mission.
As the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (scheduled for November 22–23, 2025) approaches, VisasNews has noted that the official ETA application portal is already live, an early sign that the reform has entered an active phase.
South Africa’s ETA portal is now accessible
Without any formal announcement from South African authorities, the website eta.dha.gov.za has quietly gone live and is now publicly accessible, indicating that the system’s launch is moving forward in concrete terms.
The platform outlines the main principles of the ETA system, eligibility conditions, and the application process (which is not yet functional).
The ETA is described as an Electronic Travel Autorisation linked to the traveler’s passport, allowing nationals from certain visa-required countries to visit South Africa for short tourist or visitor stays without a traditional visa.
Visa-exempt travelers will also be able to apply for an ETA to streamline border procedures and enhance their entry experience. According to the authorities, “the Department is exploring the most seamless and appropriate way to also obtain biometrics from visa exempt travellers.”
This authorization, valid for multiple trips during its validity period, is not intended for extended or repeated stays for other purposes, nor does it permit employment in South Africa.
The portal specifies that only holders of an ordinary passport valid for at least six months may apply, provided they arrive by air through one of the three main international airports: Johannesburg-OR Tambo, Cape Town, or Lanseria. Other entry points will gradually be added.
A fully digital and simplified process
The procedure described on the portal is entirely electronic.
Travelers must first create a personal profile, providing: passport number and issuing country, point of entry in South Africa, email address and mobile phone number, and a chosen password.
Once the account is verified, the applicant must complete the ETA application form, which requires:
- personal information,
- travel details,
- a scanned copy of the passport,
- a recent photo or selfie, and
- online payment of processing fees.
After submission, the approval decision is sent electronically and linked directly to the traveler’s passport, allowing for automated verification during flight check-in.
An automated system, according to the ETA FAQ
The FAQ section on the portal explains the system’s overall philosophy. South Africa’s ETA relies on automated processing, capable of evaluating profiles and risks using digital tools.
According to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), up to 85% of applications could be processed automatically “using AI-powered risk assessment,” with a target processing time of under 24 hours.
The system will connect directly to government databases and airlines, enabling verification of authorizations before boarding.
The FAQ also highlights a high level of data protection, compliant with South Africa’s POPIA legislation, as well as an “ETA Wallet”, a secure space where travelers can view and store their authorizations.
Finally, the authorities confirm that the project will be gradually expanded to include other visa and permit types (such as work, residence, or family reunification) as the platform evolves.
Although it is not yet possible to submit a full application, the online portal clearly demonstrates the advanced stage of the project. The site’s structure, sections, and documentation suggest a technically complete system, ready to go live once the official launch is announced.
No launch date or fee schedule has been published yet, but all indications suggest that the 2026 rollout timeline remains on track. The system will first serve citizens of the four pilot countries, before being extended to other eligible travelers later in the year.
