On September 18, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially launched a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The ETA will enable visa applicants to apply online, capture biometrics, and receive approvals in real-time, eliminating lengthy processing times and cumbersome documentation. It will be integrated with an upgraded facial recognition system at ports of entry, starting with OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport. This will ensure seamless arrivals through automated biometric checks and minimal queuing.
User acceptance testing will commence at the end of September, with the first phase set to open for applicants in mid-October. The first phase will focus on delegates attending G20 meetings from the four G20 member countries that require visas to visit South Africa, namely China, India, Indonesia and Mexico and who arrive at OR Tambo or Cape Town International Airport.
The second phase will commence following the conclusion of the G20 leaders meeting in late November, which will open applications to all tourists from the same four countries. Once the system is stable, the ETA will be expanded to become the single entry-point for tourist visas from all countries that require visas to visit South Africa.
Over the coming years, the ETA will be expanded to other visa categories, with automated entry-and-exit, based on facial recognition, to be rolled out to all ports of entry.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.