South Africa: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement Forthcoming

The situation

South Africa will implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement in a phased rollout starting October 2025. The ETA will leverage artificial intelligence and automation to streamline the entry process.

A closer look

• Rollout phases.
  • • In the first phase, the ETA requirement will apply to diplomats from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico who are attending the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, who are entering South Africa through either OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport.
    • In late November, the second phase will extend the requirement to obtain an ETA to all passport holders from these countries entering South Africa for business or tourism. During this initial phase, ETAs will be required only at identified airports.
    • Following the successful completion of the pilot phases, the ETA will be expanded to include both visa-required and visa-exempt nationals from all other countries entering South Africa for business or tourism through all airports, land and sea borders. The government has not confirmed the exact start date of this expanded application.
• Exempt entrants. Foreign nationals with South African residence rights or work permits will not need an ETA.
• Validity. Although the government has not yet published further information, it is expected that each ETA approval may allow multiple entries, be valid for up to 90 days per visit, and permit one 90-day extension (renewal applications will likely be available online).
• Application process. Foreign nationals will be required to apply online for an ETA (the online application platform has not yet been launched).
• Cost. The government has not yet released details regarding the fee for obtaining an ETA.

Background

• ETA purpose. The long-awaited ETA is being introduced to attract tourists and investment, and to ease mobility to South Africa. The ETA will offer faster entry than the current eVisa process.
• Global trend. The ETA is part of a general trend worldwide of countries tracking travelers’ entry through electronic travel authorization systems, such as Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

Impact

ETA holders will benefit from faster entry through automated immigration clearance gates at immigration checkpoints using the QR code on their ETA (which is accessible on Smartphones or can be printed on the online platform).

Those who require an ETA who arrive in South Africa without one will not be able to obtain one upon arrival, and will be denied entry.

Looking ahead

The government is expected to publish more information on the ETA, including whether it will replace or operate alongside the eVisa system. We will update this alert with related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].