Freshness tracker · ZASouth Africa

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot launched

In force Visa & immigration

DHA launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot programme from late 2025 — applying initially to select visa-exempt countries as a pre-travel online authorisation (similar to ESTA or ETIAS). Expected to streamline border processing and enhance security screening. Full rollout expected through 2026.

Who it affects

Visa-exempt short-term visitors from specific participating countries.

Sources

Primary: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗

Corroborating: South African Government ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction