DHA Launches Electronic Travel Authorisation System

Posted 12 August 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Immigration Law

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, introducing digital pre-travel processing to replace paper-based visitor visa applications for selected international travellers.

Implemented under the broader regulatory framework of the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002 and aligned with the DHA’s ‘Home Affairs @ home’ digital strategy, the ETA enables foreign nationals to apply online for entry clearance from anywhere in the world without physically attending South African diplomatic missions or visa processing centres.

The system forms part of the structural economic reforms coordinated under Operation Vulindlela and is integrated with the operational workflows of the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Key operational parameters of the initial deployment include:

  • Initial scope: Phased implementation deployed for passport holders from four primary source markets: China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico.
  • Phased expansion: Scheduled extension to additional visa-restricted jurisdictions, with long-term policy intent to expand digital processing to work visas, study visas, and corporate immigration permits.
  • Border security mechanism: Pre-arrival data capture enabling advance passenger risk profiling, biometric identity verification, and automated cross-referencing prior to arrival at ports of entry.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Verify entry requirement changes prior to international business travel if holding dual citizenship or facilitating entry for foreign colleagues from participating pilot countries.
  • For your business: Update corporate travel management and global mobility policies to ensure foreign personnel and technical advisors from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico submit digital ETA filings prior to short-term business visits.
  • For your clients: Advise international corporate clients and investor delegations on shortened lead times for visitor visas, while ensuring ongoing compliance with general immigration conditions set out under the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/south-africa-ushers-eta-make-international-travel-easier-more-secure

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