South Africa is preparing to usher in a transformative chapter for its travel and tourism sector with the rollout of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to go live by September 30, 2025. Touted as the most significant update to the country’s immigration framework in decades, the ETA aims to simplify and expedite visa applications—initially targeting tourists entering through OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
Designed to streamline entry into the country and eliminate the inefficiencies of the current paper-based process, the ETA rollout will eventually expand to cover additional visa categories and ports of entry. The shift marks a bold step toward aligning South Africa’s immigration services with international standards, enhancing its appeal as a global destination.
Driving Growth Through Digital Innovation
The ETA system is just the first phase of a broader digital transformation. Speaking during the 2025 Budget Vote Debate, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs unveiled two key digital visa initiatives tied to the ETA platform:
- STAGES (Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme)
- MEETS (Meetings, Events and Exhibitions Tourism Scheme)
Both initiatives aim to address long-standing challenges in the creative, entertainment, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors—industries where time-sensitive visa approvals are critical.
STAGES: Fast-Tracking Film and TV Production
The STAGES initiative specifically targets the global film and television production industry, which has often been deterred by slow visa processing times. Under this scheme, production companies will be able to submit digital applications, with visa approvals issued in a matter of hours.
The urgency of this reform is underscored by the R400 million loss incurred earlier this year when South Africa lost a major international film project due to visa delays. With STAGES, South Africa aims to reclaim its status as a top filming destination by offering a streamlined, efficient, and competitive alternative to other global production hubs.
MEETS: Supporting South Africa’s Event Economy
MEETS will cater to the broader events ecosystem, covering athletes, musicians, performers, speakers, and technical staff attending sports and cultural events. From major sporting spectacles like the SA20 cricket tournament and World Rugby Sevens to global conferences and exhibitions, MEETS is set to remove key administrative bottlenecks that have historically complicated planning and participation.
Organizers will benefit from a centralized, online application platform that accelerates visa processing, making South Africa a more attractive venue for high-profile international events.
A New Era for South African Tourism and Beyond
Together, the ETA, STAGES, and MEETS initiatives represent a coordinated effort to modernize South Africa’s immigration infrastructure while unlocking new economic potential. As these reforms take hold, the country stands to attract a broader array of international visitors—ranging from leisure tourists to industry professionals.
While some implementation details are still pending—including rollout timelines for additional visa categories—the direction is clear: South Africa is embracing digital innovation to power its next wave of tourism, entertainment, and event-driven growth.
By reducing red tape and adopting globally competitive systems, the country is poised to become a more accessible, efficient, and welcoming destination for travelers worldwide.
In Brief
South Africa is set to launch a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in September 2025, aiming to digitize and streamline the visa application process for short-term tourists. This AI-powered system will allow for online visa applications, with near-instant approvals, and is expected to reduce border wait times and enhance security. The ETA will initially focus on short-stay tourist visas, but the system will eventually be expanded to include other visa categories.
Here’s a more detailed look at the key aspects of this initiative:
- Digitalization of Visa Processes:The ETA system will move visa applications online, eliminating the need for physical document submission and in-person visits to embassies or consulates.
- AI-Powered Efficiency:The system will utilize artificial intelligence to enhance security, detect fraudulent applications, and expedite the approval process.
- Focus on Tourists:The initial rollout will focus on short-stay tourist visas, specifically those under 90 days.
- Streamlined Application:The online application process is expected to be faster, more convenient, and more secure than the current system.
- Integration with Biometrics:The ETA system will integrate with biometric verification and digital document uploads.
- Future Expansion:The system is designed to eventually handle all visa categories, including work, study, and long-term visas.
- No Impact on Visa-Free Travel:The ETA system will not affect travelers who are already exempt from visa requirements.
This initiative is part of South Africa’s broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to modernize immigration procedures and enhance service delivery. The launch of the ETA system is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for visitors to South Africa, while also strengthening border security and promoting tourism.
