South Africa ETA 2025: Easy Online Entry for Tourists & Business Travelers

 

South Africa ETA 2025: Easy Online Entry for Tourists & Business Travelers

South Africa Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

South Africa is set to simplify international travel with its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Launching in mid-October 2025, the ETA will initially serve visitors from four G20 countries, offering faster approvals and streamlined entry at major airports.

Dr. Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, announced, “Our ETA system automates visas using machine learning, enhancing security while removing entry delays for tourists.”

What Is the South Africa ETA?

The ETA is a digital travel pass that replaces the traditional visa process for short-term stays. It is suitable for:

• Tourism

• Business visits

• Family trips

Each ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport and comes with a secure QR code for quick verification at border control. The aim is to reduce long queues and improve overall travel experience.

Who Needs an ETA?

Initially, the ETA will be available to nationals of China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, all of whom currently require visas for South Africa.

• Visa-required travelers: Apply online instead of visiting consulates.

• Visa-exempt travelers: Optional, but speeds up border checks.

In the future, South Africa plans to extend ETA eligibility to all travelers needing a visa.

Where Can You Use the ETA?

The ETA is valid for entry at:

• O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

• Cape Town International Airport

Key Features & Validity

• Validity: 90 days, extendable once for another 90 days

• Purpose: Tourism, business, family visits (no work or study permits)

• Multiple entries: Allowed during validity

• Convenience: Store in Google Wallet or Apple Wallet

The ETA is strictly for short stays and cannot be converted into employment or study permits.

How to Apply for ETA

The ETA application process is simple and fast:

1. Register – Create an account on the official ETA platform

2. Biometrics – Upload a live selfie

3. Passport – Upload a passport photo

4. Application Form – Fill in travel details

5. Submit – Instant approval in straightforward cases

Approved ETAs are downloadable as PDFs and can also be stored digitally for convenience.

Customs Declaration Requirement

Before departure, travelers must complete the Customs Online Traveller Declaration via the South African Revenue Service (SARS) portal. This ensures a fully digitalized border management system.

Future Expansion

Post-G20, South Africa plans to gradually expand the ETA program to more travelers, introducing automated entry and exit checks using facial recognition. Over time, the ETA could become the standard for all visa-required travelers. South African Department of Home Affairs

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