South Africa · Electronic travel authorisation
South Africa ETA: who can apply, the fee and the official website
In brief
The ETA lets travellers from eligible visa-required countries travel to South Africa for tourism or visits without a traditional visitor's visa; visa-exempt travellers can also apply for faster processing at the border.1 DHA's fee schedule (updated as per Gazette 55209 of 17 August 2026) lists an electronic processing fee of ZAR 500,00 applicable to the ETA.2 Most applications are processed automatically and applicants typically receive an outcome within 24 hours.3
Apply only on the official site: eta.dha.gov.za. Other websites are not the government's.
Checked 6 Nov 2026Source: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa)Report a change
Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.
ContentsIn brief
South Africa ETA at a glance
| Who can apply | The Minister said at the launch on 12 August 2026 that the ETA was first piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico.4 |
|---|---|
| Fee | DHA's fee schedule (updated as per Gazette 55209 of 17 August 2026) lists an electronic processing fee of ZAR 500,00 applicable to the ETA.2 |
| Valid for | ETA validity is linked to the intended travel dates, typically up to 6 months from issue, with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days each.3 |
| Stay per visit | The visa issued on arrival allows a stay of up to 90 days; the length of stay is decided at the port of entry, not by the ETA's validity.3 |
| Official website | eta.dha.gov.za4 |
| Decision | Most applications are processed automatically and applicants typically receive an outcome within 24 hours.3 |
Who can apply for a South Africa ETA
The ETA lets travellers from eligible visa-required countries travel to South Africa for tourism or visits without a traditional visitor's visa; visa-exempt travellers can also apply for faster processing at the border.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital authorisation that allows prospective travelers from eligible visa required countries to travel to South Africa for tourism or visitors purposes, without the need for a traditional visitor’s visa. Visa-exempt travelers can also apply for an ETA that will facilitate more efficient processing at the border, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedTravellers from visa-required countries are issued a Port of Entry Visa (Section 10(a)) through the ETA, and travellers from visa-exempt countries an Electronic Travel Authorisation; the visitor's visa (Section 11) is issued at the port of entry.
The ETA is a digital travel authorisation that allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to the Republic of South Africa and report to a port of entry. ... Travellers from visa-required countries are issued with a Port of Entry Visa (Section 10(a)) ... Travellers from visa-exempt countries receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation ... Once processed at the port of entry, travellers are issued with the relevant visitor’s visa (Section 11).
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedThe Minister said at the launch on 12 August 2026 that the ETA was first piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico.
Published: 12 August 2026 ... All of these features are live as we speak, after we initially piloted the ETA during South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedShow the list: 4 countries and territories
China
India
Indonesia
Mexico
Official website
eta.dha.gov.za: where to apply
The process begins with a traveller registering a profile on the website eta.dha.gov.za, which includes One-Time Pin verification of their cell phone number and email address.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
How much a South Africa ETA costs
DHA's fee schedule (updated as per Gazette 55209 of 17 August 2026) lists an electronic processing fee of ZAR 500,00 applicable to the ETA.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
South Africa ETA fee history
Each amount with the act or notice that set it, newest first.
- The First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees, published in Government Gazette No. 55209 on 17 August 2026 and in operation from publication, sets an electronic processing fee of ZAR 500,00 applicable to the ETA. Set by: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees made under the Immigration Act, 2002 (Government Notice No. R. 7834, Government Gazette No. 55209, 17 August 2026). Minister of Home Affairs · checked
How long a South Africa ETA lasts and how long you can stay
ETA validity is linked to the intended travel dates, typically up to 6 months from issue, with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days each.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedThe visa issued on arrival allows a stay of up to 90 days; the length of stay is decided at the port of entry, not by the ETA's validity.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedThe ETA allows its holder to travel to South Africa multiple times while it is valid.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
How to apply for a South Africa ETA
Apply only on the official site: eta.dha.gov.za. Other websites are not the government's.
eta.dha.gov.za describes itself as the Government of South Africa's official website to apply for an ETA.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedRegister a profile on eta.dha.gov.za with one-time PIN checks, scan your passport and upload a selfie, then pay; an approved ETA arrives within 24 hours and can be stored in a phone wallet.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedAt the port of entry you may be asked for a valid passport, the ETA approval, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, an invitation letter for work, proof of funds and a yellow fever certificate if applicable.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
Official warnings about other sites
We found no warning about other websites from a government, regulator or court on the official pages we read.
How long a South Africa ETA takes
Most applications are processed automatically and applicants typically receive an outcome within 24 hours.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
When you need a visa instead
If an ETA is not approved, travellers can still apply through a South African mission or embassy, or through the eVisa system where available.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
More about the South Africa ETA
Applicants with valid ordinary passports may apply online if they will land at O. R. Tambo, Cape Town, Lanseria or King Shaka International Airport.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedThe ETA is used at OR Tambo, Cape Town, Lanseria and King Shaka international airports, with other ports of entry to follow.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedTravellers who enter for up to 90 days can apply through the ETA to extend their stay by up to a further 90 days.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedAll ETA fees are non-refundable, whatever the outcome.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedETA applications for minors will be introduced in a future phase.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedThe passport must be valid for at least 7 months from the intended travel or employment start date.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
Recent changes
- In a speech published on 19 May 2026 the Minister said the ETA went live 'in October last year' for tourists from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
- DHA announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa would officially launch the ETA at OR Tambo International Airport on 12 August 2026. Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
- On 12 August 2026 the Minister said the ETA will progressively become compulsory for short-stay visits from countries that need port-of-entry visas, open on a voluntary basis to visa-exempt travellers, with embassies informed as countries are added. Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
South Africa ETA for Indian citizens
eVisa Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at eta.dha.gov.za, a visa issued online, for arrivals at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka or Lanseria airports; otherwise a visa from a South African mission before travel.
Minister of Tourism, South African Government · checkedIndia is among the four nationalities the Minister named for the ETA's pilot. The Minister said at the launch on 12 August 2026 that the ETA was first piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico.
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checked
Everything for this trip: South Africa visa for Indian citizens.
South Africa ETA for US citizens
Visa-free, 90 days
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedEverything for this trip: South Africa visa for US citizens.
South Africa ETA for UK citizens
Visa-free, 90 days
Department of Home Affairs, South Africa · checkedEverything for this trip: South Africa visa for British citizens.
FAQ
What is the official South Africa ETA website?
Official application site: eta.dha.gov.za.
How much does a South Africa ETA cost?
DHA's fee schedule (updated as per Gazette 55209 of 17 August 2026) lists an electronic processing fee of ZAR 500,00 applicable to the ETA.
Do Indian citizens need a South Africa ETA?
Indian citizens: eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at eta.dha.gov.za, a visa issued online, for arrivals at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka or Lanseria airports; otherwise a visa from a South African mission before travel), according to Minister of Tourism, South African Government, checked 6 Nov 2026. India is among the four nationalities the Minister named for the ETA's pilot. See South Africa ETA for Indian citizens.
Do US citizens need a South Africa ETA?
US citizens: visa-free, 90 days, according to Department of Home Affairs, South Africa, checked 6 Nov 2026. See South Africa ETA for US citizens.
How long does a South Africa ETA take?
Most applications are processed automatically and applicants typically receive an outcome within 24 hours.
How long is a South Africa ETA valid?
ETA validity is linked to the intended travel dates, typically up to 6 months from issue, with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days each. The visa issued on arrival allows a stay of up to 90 days; the length of stay is decided at the port of entry, not by the ETA's validity.
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (South African ETA portal): who can apply, validity and stay, how to apply and more
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: fee
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (South African ETA portal): who can apply, validity and stay, how to apply, processing time, visa instead and more
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (address by the Minister of Home Affairs at the ETA launch, 12 August 2026): who can apply, official website, how to apply, more, recent changes and by nationality
- Minister of Home Affairs (Government Gazette No. 55209, published by the Department of Home Affairs): fee history
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa (Minister's budget vote speech in the NCOP, published 19 May 2026): recent changes
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: recent changes
- Minister of Tourism, South African Government (gov.za): entry rules
- Department of Home Affairs, South Africa: entry rules
More: South Africa entry rules by nationality · all visa guides.
About this page
By the Visa Almanac editorial team. Every rule, fee and date on this page comes from the official sources listed above, each read on the day shown; where they are silent, we say so. Editorial policy · Change log
- Updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Last checked
- Official sources
- 9