South Africa will revolutionise its immigration course of by launching a completely digital Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) system in September 2025 for short-term vacationers from visa-required international locations.
This cutting-edge, AI-powered platform guarantees sooner approvals, lowered border queues, enhanced fraud prevention, and a seamless visa expertise by way of cell units, considerably streamlining administrative processes.
Residence Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber not too long ago showcased a reside, smartphone-ready model of the Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) system to President Ramaphosa, following its preliminary introduction in the course of the President’s State of the Nation Deal with (SONA) in February 2024.
Schreiber defined that the AI-driven ETA will simplify visa functions, scale back airport delays, and improve fraud prevention.
He confirmed that the system is totally operational and set to launch at key worldwide airports by September 2025.
“It is a actual ETA visa, saved in my actual smartphone pockets. It was issued on-line inside seconds,” mentioned Minister Schreiber on June 12, 2025.
Travellers from visa-required international locations will want the brand new Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) for brief stays in South Africa (below 90 days).
Whereas the official listing of eligible international locations is but to be confirmed by the Division of Residence Affairs, the ETA is anticipated to exchange the present e-Visa system for a similar set of nations.
These possible embody Asia: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran.
These international locations at present qualify for South Africa’s e-Visa and are anticipated to transition to the brand new ETA system as soon as it goes reside.
South Africa’s present e-Visa portal stays operational and continues to serve vacationers from over 30 international locations.
Nonetheless, the federal government has but to make clear whether or not the upcoming ETA system will totally exchange or be built-in with the present platform.
One of many key benefits of the brand new ETA system is its mobile-friendly, on the spot processing functionality.
The South African authorities plans to develop the Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) system past vacationer visas to incorporate all visa classes, similar to work, examine, and residency permits, within the close to future.
The Division of Residence Affairs envisions a completely digital immigration course of within the coming years.
“Over time, we’ll develop the ETA so that each visa software is processed solely by way of this AI-based system to get rid of fraud and inefficiency ceaselessly,” mentioned Residence Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
Designed for digital-savvy travellers, the ETA system gives pace, safety, and comfort. Because the nation gears up for its September 2025 launch, travellers from visa-required nations ought to intently monitor updates, notably concerning:
