South Africa: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement Updates

The situation 

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

A closer look 

• • Rollout phases.  
    • Phase 1: The ETA requirement applied to diplomats from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico who attended the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, who entered South Africa through either OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport.  
    • In November 2025, the Department of Home Affairs expanded the list of ETA ports of entry to include Lanseria International Airport.
    • Update February 12, 2026 - Phase 2: Nationals of Mainland China, India, Indonesia and Mexico on ordinary passports entering through OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport or Lanseria International Airport are now eligible to apply for an ETA or an eVisa online (consular visitor visas will likely no longer be issued for ETA nationals). 
       
      Those entering at other ports must obtain another types of visa (Evisa or consular).
    • Update February 13, 2026 - eVisa platform unreliability.  
      • Impact on nationals of Mainland China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. Since the eVisa platform can at times be unreliable due to system updates and other technical issues, causing applications to not be processed in a timely manner, nationals of Mainland China, India, Indonesia and Mexico are advised to submit ETA applications, rather than online eVisa applications, especially for urgent, imminent and/or time-sensitive trips.
      • Impact on eVisa and consular visa nationals. Other nationals should submit consular visa applications, rather than online eVisa applications, especially for urgent, imminent and/or time-sensitive trips.
    • Update February 13, 2026 - Next expansion. The president of South Africa announced in the State of the Nation Address that nationals who are eligible for the ETA will be able to enter all international airports and the busiest land ports (including Beitbridge (Zimbabwe), Lebombo (Mozambique), Kopfontein and Skilpadhek (Botswana) and Maseru Bridge (Lesotho) later in 2026 using their ETA.
  • Exempt entrants. Foreign nationals with South African residence rights or work permits will not need an ETA. 
  • Validity.  An issued ETA allows multiple entries, is valid for stays of up to 90 days per visit, and permits one 90-day extension, which can be applied for online. 
  • Application process.  The ETA online platform can be accessed here.
  • Cost.  Although not published by the government, the ETA fee is based on reciprocal visa fee arrangements between South Africa and the relevant country.
  • ETA portal/eVisa system. The Department of Home Affairs’ ETA portal operates alongside the eVisa system. Only applicants eligible for ETAs may apply through the ETA portal. 

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 or eVisa who arrive in South Africa without one will not be able to obtain one upon arrival, and will be denied entry. 

Looking ahead 

Following the successful completion of phases 1 and 2, the pilot project will end, and the ETA will be expanded to include visa nationals from all other countries entering South Africa for business or tourism purposes. We will update this alert with related developments. 

We will also report when the expansion to all international airports and the busiest land ports starts and when the Department of Home Affairs publishes further guidance. 

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].