South Africa officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on 12 August 2026, in a ceremony at OR Tambo International Airport attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber.
What the ETA Means for Visitors
The ETA is an online pre-clearance system that allows eligible travellers to obtain permission to visit South Africa before they depart. Applications are submitted via the Department of Home Affairs portal, cost R500 (approximately USD 27), and are processed within 24 hours in most cases. Approved ETAs cover stays of up to 90 days and are linked electronically to the applicant’s passport.
At launch, the ETA applies to nationals of visa-exempt countries — those who could previously arrive without any pre-approval. For this group, the ETA is currently optional while the system beds in, but it will become mandatory as the rollout progresses. From September 2026, the Department of Home Affairs plans to extend the ETA requirement to additional nationalities, with full implementation across all arriving countries to follow.
Minister Schreiber described the system as “a modernisation of South Africa’s borders” that replaces paper-based processes with a digital record tied directly to immigration systems. President Ramaphosa framed it as part of broader efforts to boost international tourism and streamline the arrival experience.
Practical Details
Travellers applying for the ETA need:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity
- A return or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Payment of the R500 fee (credit and debit cards accepted)
Processing time is stated as 24 hours, though the Department of Home Affairs advises applying at least 72 hours before departure to allow for any follow-up queries. The ETA is valid for a single entry and must be used within 30 days of issue.
Travellers who already hold a South African visa are not affected — the ETA is a separate system for those who do not require a visa.
What Changes at the Border
On arrival, the ETA is verified electronically against the traveller’s passport — there is no paper document to print or present. Immigration officers at OR Tambo, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, and other designated ports of entry will have access to the ETA database through the upgraded border management system.
For those planning a trip to South Africa, our practical travel guides cover the full entry requirements, what to expect at immigration, and how to prepare for your arrival. Browse our itineraries if you are putting together a first trip and want inspiration on how to combine Cape Town, the Garden Route, and a safari.
The ETA system represents a significant shift in how South Africa manages tourism arrivals, and we will update our guides as the mandatory rollout dates are confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs.