South Africa ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): 2026 Guide.
What Is the ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is South Africa’s digital entry system for short-term visitors. It replaced the traditional consular visa process for eligible nationalities when it launched in October 2025.
Apply online. Submit biometrics from your phone. Get an instant decision. The ETA is linked to your passport and stored as a QR code — it works in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
Apply here: eta.dha.gov.za
Do You Need One?
Yes — apply before you travel if you hold a passport from:
- Mainland China
- India
- Indonesia
- Mexico
These four countries are currently covered. All other nationalities follow existing visa rules — either visa-exempt entry or the consular visa process.
Expansion coming: The ETA will roll out to all visa-required countries during 2026. No confirmed date yet. Check eta.dha.gov.za before you travel.
You do not need an ETA if you hold:
- A South African permanent residence permit or valid work/study permit — enter on your existing documentation
- A passport from a visa-exempt country — you enter without a visa as before. You can apply for an ETA voluntarily if you want faster border processing, but it is not required.
Key Facts
| Valid for | Multiple entries, up to 90 days per stay |
| Extension | One 90-day extension available online (max 180 days total) |
| Decision time | Instant — or up to 72 hours |
| Permitted activities | Tourism and business only — no work, no study |
| Linked to | Your passport. Change passports, apply again. |
| Stored as | QR code — Apple Wallet and Google Wallet compatible |
| Fee | Based on reciprocal arrangements — check at application |
Where You Can Enter on an ETA
Airports (now):
- OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
- Cape Town International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
Land borders (later in 2026): Beitbridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein, Skilpadhek, Maseru Bridge. No confirmed date.
Arriving at a port not on this list? You need a different visa type — consular or eVisa. Check dha.gov.za before travel.
How to Apply
- Go to eta.dha.gov.za and create an account
- Take a live photo of yourself (biometrics)
- Photograph the passport you will travel on
- Fill in your personal and travel details
- Pay the fee
- Submit — receive your decision instantly
No consulate visit. No paper forms. Apply from your phone.
There is no on-arrival option. If you arrive without an ETA or valid visa, you will be denied entry.
eVisa vs ETA — Which to Use
If you are from China, India, Indonesia, or Mexico, the ETA is the better option right now. The eVisa platform has experienced reliability issues and DHA advises using the ETA instead where possible.
Scam Warning
The only legitimate application portal is eta.dha.gov.za. No third party can fast-track your ETA. Any agent charging to submit your application is unnecessary — the process is fully self-service. Report suspected scams to hacc@dha.gov.za.
Contact
| ETA portal | eta.dha.gov.za |
| DHA Contact Centre | 0800 60 11 90 |
| DHA Email | hacc@dha.gov.za |