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Sunday, 15 June 2025

South Africa’s New ETA to Replace Tourist Visas for Select Countries in 2025

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Get ready for a smoother, faster journey to the Rainbow Nation! South Africa will revolutionise its immigration process by launching a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in September 2025.

This cutting-edge, AI-powered ETA promises to reduce border queues, combat fraud, and significantly streamline administrative processes for short-term tourists.

South Africa’s ETA Goes Live Soon

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber recently demonstrated the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to President Ramaphosa, after first introducing it during the President’s SONA in February 2024. He showcased a live, smartphone-ready version for travel.

Schreiber explained that the AI-driven ETA will simplify visa applications, cut airport delays, and prevent fraud. He confirmed that the system is fully operational and will launch at key international airports by September 2025.

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“This is a real ETA visa, stored in my real smartphone wallet. It was issued online within seconds,” said Minister Schreiber on June 12, 2025.

Who Will Need the New South African ETA?

Travellers from visa-required countries will need the ETA for short stays in South Africa (under 90 days). Although the official list is pending, the ETA will likely replace the current e-Visa system for these countries:

Countries Likely to Require South Africa ETA

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  • Asia (India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran)
  • Africa (Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tunisia, Cameroon)
  • South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru)
  • Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine)

✅ Note: These are the same countries currently eligible for South Africa’s e-Visa, and are likely to transition to the ETA system. A full official list will be confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs.

What Happens to the Existing e-Visa System?

South Africa’s current e-Visa portal (ehome.dha.gov.za) remains operational and is used by tourists from over 30 countries. However, the government has not yet clarified whether the ETA system will replace or integrate with the existing platform.

Travellers are advised to keep an eye on updates from the Department of Home Affairs to avoid confusion.

Apply for a Visa in Seconds

One of the biggest advantages of the new ETA system is the ability to apply for and receive a visa instantly on a mobile phone. Schreiber said the system processes tourist visa applications in seconds, removing the need for paperwork, in-person appointments, or long queues at border posts.

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ETA for All Visa Types

The government plans to expand the ETA system to all visa categories, including work, study, and residency permits, after initially launching it for tourist visas. The Department of Home Affairs hopes to make all immigration processes fully digital in the coming years.

“Over time, we will expand the ETA so that every visa application is processed only through this AI-based system to eliminate fraud and inefficiency – forever,” said Schreiber.

What Travellers Should Know

South Africa’s ETA system is a major upgrade for digital-savvy travellers, offering speed, security, and convenience. As the country prepares for a September 2025 launch, travellers from visa-required nations should watch for updates, especially regarding:

  • How the ETA will interact with the existing e-Visa system
  • Whether the application portal will change
  • The final list of eligible countries

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