Prime Highlights
- As of September 2025, every foreign visitor to South Africa will be required to apply for an electronic visa under a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
- The AI-based system will seek to streamline visa approval, increase security, and prevent fraud.
Key Facts
- To begin with, the ETA will be utilized by travelers entering the country by air via OR Tambo and Cape Town airports.
- Expansion into new ports and for other visa classes will then follow upon completion of the first phase of roll-out.
Key Background
South Africa is leading the world to digitize the visa process with a compulsory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) regime in September 2025. The reform will affect all visitors, both in terms of nationality and regardless of it, and they will have to apply online prior to flying to the country. The new regime is focused on better border security, reducing visa scamming, and improving processing.
Upon inauguration, the ETA will be accessible from South Africa’s two international airports, OR Tambo in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport. The system will first cater to short-term travel, which will primarily be tourism-related but will be expanded to other classes such as business and study visas in the future. It is hoped that the internet website will offer an uninterrupted experience for users and take off from the administrative burden for immigration officers.
ETA system will apply cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence and biometric verification to screen applications in real time. These individuals will receive electronic guarantee and readable QR code that can be stored in mobiles. The new system will avoid delays and related risks involved in manual paper-based visa procedures.
This is being done under a larger digital transformation initiative in South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. Earlier schemes like the Trusted Employer and Trusted Tour Operator schemes have already shown impressive success at attracting professional workers and tourist trade. The government also wants to utilize digital IDs and passports even more by increasing them in more banking locations, adding to ease and convenience for South African citizens.
The launch of ETA is a follow-up to South Africa’s desire to align with international traveling standards and promote the security of the country and stimulate economic growth through new immigration policy.
