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South Africa: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or eVisa, depending on nationality

South Africa launched a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on 12 August 2026, run by the Department of Home Affairs, alongside its existing eVisa system for nationalities that need a full visa.

Official site

FeeR500 ETA fee; R925 total for nationalities that also need the underlying visa feeDepartment of Home Affairs fee gazette, Aug 2026, via Erickson Immigration Group and press reports

Open eta.dha.gov.za

Source: South African Department of Home Affairs ETA portal, via VisasNews and industry reporting (Aug-Sep 2026). Last checked 28 September 2026.

No visa or ETA needed forMany nationalities remain visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days and do not need the ETA or eVisa at all; it's optional for them.

Who needs it

As of September 2026, media reports described the ETA's live portal as limited to nationals of China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, with a wider rollout to more visa-required nationalities planned. Many other nationalities remain visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days, and can optionally use the ETA for faster border processing once it's available to them.

Key facts

The ETA fee is R500, gazetted in August 2026. For nationalities that also need the underlying visa, the total is R925, which includes the R425 visa fee.
Visa-exempt travellers are not required to pay anything and can continue entering without an ETA; it is optional for them.
The ETA currently covers entry through OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, and Lanseria International airports.

Watch out for

This system is very new and was still being actively rolled out as of late 2026, so eligibility and process details may change quickly; always check the official portal for your nationality's current status rather than relying on an older guide.

Before you pay

Check that the address matches the link above, confirm the amount on the portal, and never pay a site that adds a large service fee. Our guide to spotting fake visa websites explains the warning signs, and the FAQ covers common questions.

This page is a summary for general information and can go out of date, and exemptions depend on your own nationality, so always confirm on the official portal. See our disclaimer.