South Africa will launch an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system in mid-October 2025, starting with selected G20 countries before expanding in phases, according to the Department of Home Affairs.
Why it matters
The shift to a digital entry system marks South Africa’s move away from traditional visas, promising faster approvals, tighter security, and smoother integration with biometric border controls.
How it works:
- The rollout begins during the G20 summit period.
- First eligible travelers: nationals from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico.
- Phase one access is limited to summit attendees, expanding shortly after to tourists from the same countries.
- Applications must be submitted online prior to departure — no on-arrival option will be available.
Zoom in
The eTA is designed as a single online entry point for tourist visas once stabilized, aligning with South Africa’s broader digital transformation strategy that emphasizes:
- Fraud prevention and stronger border data integration.
- Alignment with the country’s multi-year digital ID and services modernization plan.
What they’re saying
Tourism officials have welcomed the change, noting airlines and operators will benefit from streamlined compliance checks and fewer last-minute denials.
The big picture
- South Africa joins a global trend toward pre-travel authorizations and biometric screening.
- Similar systems are being rolled out in the EU (biometric Entry/Exit System) and Israel (digital entry permits).
- Within South Africa, the eTA complements broader modernization projects, including a multi-agency digital ID platform.
What’s next
- Travelers eligible in the first phase should apply online in advance and travel with the same passport used during the application.
- Eligibility will expand after the G20 period, with timelines dependent on system performance.
Source: ID Tech Wire
