South Africa ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): 2026 Guide
What Is the South Africa ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is South Africa’s digital entry system for short-term visitors. It launched in October 2025 during South Africa’s G20 Presidency and was formally launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa at OR Tambo International Airport on 12 August 2026.
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 – September 2026: DHA has confirmed a September 2026 target to expand the ETA to all visa-required countries. Once live, nationals of all countries that currently require a visa to visit South Africa will be able to apply for an ETA instead of a consular visa. Monitor eta.dha.gov.za for the official announcement.
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 upon submission |
| Fee | R500 (approximately US$30) – proposed fee, subject to final regulation. Fees were waived during the pilot phase. |
| 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 |
Where You Can Enter on an ETA
Airports (now):
- OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
- Cape Town International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport, Durban
Land borders (planned): 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 R500 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. The eVisa platform has experienced reliability issues and DHA advises using the ETA instead where possible.
What’s Coming Next
DHA has confirmed plans to extend the ETA beyond tourism and business to additional visa categories including work, study, and group visas. No timeline has been confirmed for these categories. The September 2026 expansion covers geographic reach – all visa-required countries for tourism and business – not new visa types.
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 |
Related Guides
- eHomeAffairs Portal Guide
- Passport Application
- Citizenship Reinstatement
. ETA rollout is ongoing – check eta.dha.gov.za for current eligibility, fee, and port information before travel. Not affiliated with the Department of Home Affairs.