Since September 25, 2025, the South African government has been developing its new digital ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) systemwith a gradual launch. This procedure is designed to facilitate entry into the country for foreign travelers. Depending on your nationality, you may be exempt from the visa requirement for a specific length of stay, or you may need a visa (e-visa or classic visa) to travel to South Africa. In this article, we explain what you need to know to enter South Africa. upcoming changes and differences between e-visa and ETA.
Current entry formalities for travel to South Africa
Currently, most nationalities are visa-freefor stays of up to 90 or 30 days. European nationals can travel without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.
If your stay exceeds the duration of the visa waiver, or if your nationality is not visa-exempt, an electronic visa application is required. The application can be made online, from the official government platform.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to obtain an e-visa: Albania, Algeria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo (Kinshasa), Congo (Brazzaville), Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Lithuania, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, China, Philippines, Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Slovakia, Uganda.
ETA, a gradual deployment
The South African authorities have opened their new platform, dedicated to obtaining ETA : eta.dha.gov.za. The aim over the next few years is to make the ETA available to all travellers who currently have to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa).
The first step is to create your account to access the ETA application form. Follow the step-by-step procedure, adding a passport photo and a copy of your passport, and answering questions about your personal details and your planned trip to South Africa. Once you've paid the consular fee, your application will be validated. Then all you have to do is wait for the authorities to reply!
From November 22 to 23, 2025, South Africa will host the G20 summit. The ETA is only available to delegations from the 4 G20 member countries requiring a visa (China, India, Indonesia, Mexico) and arriving at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) and Cape Town airports. During November, all nationals of these 4 countries will be able to obtain the ETA.
The authorities are expected to confirm in the coming months or years which nationalities will be eligible for the ETA.
The differences between e-visa and ETA
L'e-visa is a electronic visa It replaces the traditional visa and often requires several documents and supporting evidence. Depending on the immigration department, approval may be immediate or may require a set processing time. The e-visa is always sent by e-mail, or in very rare cases can be downloaded from the official website (via your account or with your application reference number).
L'ETA Or AVEon the other hand, is a electronic travel authorizationIt is generally intended for visa-exempt travelers. Its main purpose is to inform the authorities before your arrival in the country, and to check your basic travel history.
In short, the e-visa gives the right to enter, while the ETA gives prior authorization to travel to the country.
You have a trip planned to a country that may require a e-visa or electronic travel authorizationdiscover all our destinations and check if you're eligible! Go to visamundi.co.
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