South Africa will revolutionise its immigration course of by launching a completely digital Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) system in September 2025 for short-term vacationers from visa-required nations.
This cutting-edge, AI-powered platform guarantees quicker approvals, lowered border queues, enhanced fraud prevention, and a seamless visa expertise by way of cell units, considerably streamlining administrative processes.
Dwelling Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber just lately showcased a stay, smartphone-ready model of the Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) system to President Ramaphosa, following its preliminary introduction in the course of the President’s State of the Nation Tackle (SONA) in February 2024.
Schreiber defined that the AI-driven ETA will simplify visa purposes, scale back airport delays, and improve fraud prevention.
He confirmed that the system is totally operational and set to launch at key worldwide airports by September 2025.
“It is a actual ETA visa, saved in my actual smartphone pockets. It was issued on-line inside seconds,” stated Minister Schreiber on June 12, 2025.
Travellers from visa-required nations will want the brand new Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) for brief stays in South Africa (beneath 90 days).
Whereas the official checklist of eligible nations is but to be confirmed by the Division of Dwelling Affairs, the ETA is anticipated to switch the present e-Visa system for a similar set of nations.
These seemingly embody Asia: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran.
These nations at present qualify for South Africa’s e-Visa and are anticipated to transition to the brand new ETA system as soon as it goes stay.
South Africa’s present e-Visa portal stays operational and continues to serve vacationers from over 30 nations.
Nonetheless, the federal government has but to make clear whether or not the upcoming ETA system will totally exchange or be built-in with the present platform.
One of many key benefits of the brand new ETA system is its mobile-friendly, prompt processing functionality.
The South African authorities plans to develop the Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) system past vacationer visas to incorporate all visa classes, reminiscent of work, research, and residency permits, within the close to future.
The Division of Dwelling Affairs envisions a completely digital immigration course of within the coming years.
“Over time, we are going to develop the ETA so that each visa software is processed solely by means of this AI-based system to eradicate fraud and inefficiency perpetually,” stated Dwelling Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
Designed for digital-savvy travellers, the ETA system gives velocity, safety, and comfort. Because the nation gears up for its September 2025 launch, travellers from visa-required nations ought to intently monitor updates, notably concerning:
