New digital travel authorisation simplifies entry for short-term leisure and business visits
Johannesburg: South Africa has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for eligible Indian travellers, enabling them to apply for travel approval entirely online, with applications expected to be processed within 24 to 48 hours.
The initiative is aimed at streamlining entry procedures for visitors travelling to South Africa for leisure or business stays of up to 90 days, replacing the conventional paper-based visa application process with a fully digital platform.
According to South African Tourism, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and permits multiple entries during its period of validity, offering greater convenience for frequent visitors.
Applicants are required to register on the official South African Department of Home Affairs ETA portal, complete the online application, upload the necessary supporting documents, verify their identity using smartphone-based biometric authentication, pay the applicable fee and submit the application electronically. Travellers can also monitor the status of their application online throughout the process.
The ETA is currently available for travellers arriving through O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, and Lanseria International Airport, with plans to gradually expand the system to additional ports of entry across the country.
South African authorities said the digital platform is designed to simplify immigration procedures while strengthening border security through biometric identity verification and automated processing. Final admission into the country will continue to rest with immigration officials at the port of entry.
To support the rollout, South African Tourism has launched a digital awareness campaign across its social media channels to familiarise prospective travellers with the new application process.
The introduction of the ETA comes as India continues to emerge as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets, with the destination seeking to make travel planning quicker and more convenient for Indian visitors.
Commenting on the initiative, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South Asia (MEISA), South African Tourism, said the new system reflects South Africa’s commitment to improving the visitor experience.
“Indian travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that combine extraordinary experiences with greater convenience. South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation is an important step towards making travel planning simpler and faster for eligible visitors, allowing them to spend less time navigating paperwork and more time looking forward to everything our country has to offer. From iconic wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, South Africa is ready to welcome Indian travellers with greater ease than ever before.”
Travellers are advised to verify their eligibility and complete the application through the official Department of Home Affairs ETA portal before commencing their journey.
