South Africa has announced the continued expansion of its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, introducing new capabilities designed to simplify and streamline travel for eligible visitors across India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The enhanced platform introduces new features aimed at simplifying the travel authorization process, enabling more travellers to experience the country’s renowned wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
The ETA enables eligible Indian passport holders to apply for travel authorization entirely online, without the need to visit a visa processing center or obtain a traditional visa sticker. The digital system is designed to streamline the application process, making it easier for travellers to plan their holidays and prepare for their journey to South Africa.
With the latest enhancements, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system now supports applications for minors, including biometric capture and enrolment on the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS) for children aged seven years and older. The platform also introduces a multi-applicant capability, enabling families and groups to submit applications through a single portal. Together, these enhancements are designed to deliver a more seamless, convenient and user-friendly travel authorization experience for Indian travellers.
The expansion of the ETA is being implemented in phases, with additional country waves introduced during August and September 2026. The platform is now available across 53 countries, including all markets previously covered under South Africa’s eVisa programme, which has now transitioned to the ETA system. This milestone represents a significant step in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to modernize and digitize its travel authorization process, making access to the destination more efficient and convenient for international visitors.
The next phase of the ETA expansion will target key growth markets ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, supporting South Africa’s efforts to boost tourism and improve accessibility for international visitors. Indian travellers will be able to pair the tournament experience with the destination’s renowned safari, culture and leisure offerings.
The transition to ETA will also see the decommissioning of the eVisa system on 1 December 2026, with a full move to the digital authorization platform. The system is being actively monitored for stability and scalability, while communication and stakeholder onboarding initiatives are underway to support the transition and familiarize travellers and industry partners with the new process.
Commenting on the developments, Neliswa Nkani Hub Head MEISEA, South African Tourism, said, “Indian travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer memorable experiences alongside greater convenience. The continued expansion of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorization is an important step towards making travel planning simpler for eligible visitors, including families and groups. As we look ahead to the ICC Cricket World Cup, we hope more Indian travellers will take the opportunity to experience South Africa beyond the game, discovering our extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage.”
The continued expansion of the ETA reflects South Africa’s efforts to create a more seamless travel experience for eligible international visitors, while supporting its tourism ambitions and strengthening its appeal among Indian travellers.
Travellers are encouraged to check their eligibility and complete their applications through the official South African Department of Home Affairs ETA portal ahead of their planned visit. The ETA serves as pre-authorization to travel, with final admission determined by South African border authorities upon arrival
