India, China, Egypt, Colombia, Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and more are set to significantly boost South Africa’s tourism by embracing the new AI-powered Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, set to launch in September 2025. This digital innovation aims to streamline the visa process for short-term tourists, offering faster approvals and reducing administrative burdens. By providing a more seamless and mobile-friendly visa experience, the new ETA system will encourage greater travel from these key nations, enhancing the overall efficiency of South Africa’s immigration process and attracting more international visitors. With the promise of speed, security, and convenience, the ETA system is poised to make South Africa an even more attractive destination for travellers from these countries.

South Africa to Launch Digital ETA System for Tourists in 2025

South Africa is set to transform its tourism immigration process with the introduction of a fully digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for short-term tourists from visa-required nations. Slated for launch in September 2025, the AI-powered platform promises to enhance the travel experience, offering faster approvals, improved security, and a seamless visa process accessible via mobile devices.

A New Era for South African Tourism

In a move set to redefine travel to the Rainbow Nation, South Africa will roll out its state-of-the-art ETA system in September 2025. This innovative AI-powered system is designed to streamline the visa application process, offering tourists from visa-required countries an expedited and digital-first experience.

The new system is expected to significantly reduce waiting times at airports, minimize fraud, and ease administrative burdens associated with international travel. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber demonstrated the functionality of the ETA system to President Cyril Ramaphosa, providing a preview of the system’s smartphone-friendly interface, which can be used from the moment travellers begin planning their trips.

How Will the New ETA System Work?

The ETA system aims to provide a simpler, faster, and more efficient way for international visitors to secure their travel authorization for short stays in South Africa. Minister Schreiber highlighted that the AI-powered platform would enable tourists to apply for their travel authorization in seconds, all through their mobile phones. This means no more time-consuming paperwork, in-person appointments, or long queues at immigration counters.

South Africa is set to launch a cutting-edge Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as part of its immigration process. This fully integrated system is scheduled to be operational at major international airports by September 2025. According to Schreiber, the new ETA system has undergone extensive testing to ensure its readiness and efficiency in managing large volumes of applications, providing travelers with a seamless and expedited entry process.

Which Countries Will Be Affected?

The ETA will apply to short-term visitors (under 90 days) from countries that currently require a visa to enter South Africa. While the official list of countries has not yet been confirmed, it is expected that the new ETA system will largely replace the existing e-Visa system for the same nations.

Countries likely to be included in the new system are:

• Asia: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran
• Africa: Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tunisia, Cameroon
• South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
• Eastern Europe: Russia, Ukraine

These countries are currently eligible for South Africa’s e-Visa, and the ETA is expected to be rolled out for these travellers. The full list of eligible nations will be officially announced by the Department of Home Affairs closer to the system’s launch date.

What About the Existing e-Visa System?

As of now, South Africa’s existing e-Visa platform remains operational and continues to serve tourists from over 30 countries. However, there has been no official announcement about whether the ETA system will fully replace the e-Visa or if it will integrate with the existing system. The Department of Home Affairs has assured that travellers will be kept informed about any changes and advised to stay updated to avoid confusion.

Instant Visa Approvals via Mobile

A standout feature of the new ETA system is its fast and straightforward visa application process. Tourists will be able to apply for and receive their travel authorization almost instantly, directly through their smartphones. Schreiber emphasized that the AI-driven system processes visa applications in seconds, bypassing the need for physical paperwork or long processing times that typically accompany traditional visa applications.

This digital-first approach will make it easier for visitors to gain quick approval for their trips, leading to a smoother, faster travel experience overall. With the convenience of applying for a visa directly from a mobile device, travellers can rest assured knowing that their visa status will be handled swiftly and securely.

Expanding the ETA System to Other Visa Categories

Although the initial rollout of the ETA system will be limited to short-term tourist visas, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has ambitious plans to expand the platform to cover all visa types. After its debut in 2025, the ETA system will eventually include work visas, study permits, and even residency applications. The goal is to create a fully digital immigration experience for all types of travellers.

What Travellers Should Expect in 2025

For travellers planning to visit South Africa from visa-required countries, the upcoming ETA system promises to offer enhanced convenience, security, and speed. It’s essential to consider a few key factors:

1. Transition from e-Visa: The main concern for travellers is how the ETA system will interact with the existing e-Visa platform. It is still unclear whether the ETA will fully replace the e-Visa system or if the two will coexist.
2. Application Process: The new system promises a quicker and easier application process, but travellers should stay informed about any updates regarding the ETA application portal and specific steps involved.
3. Final Country List: While the majority of visa-required countries will likely transition to the ETA, an official list of countries eligible for the system will be shared by the Department of Home Affairs closer to the September 2025 launch date.

A New Chapter for South African Tourism

With the ETA system, South Africa is making a major leap toward a digital and future-proof immigration framework. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure while improving the efficiency of border management.

For international travellers, the introduction of the ETA marks a significant step forward in simplifying the visa application process. By reducing the administrative burden and leveraging AI to enhance security, the ETA system is set to deliver a seamless and efficient immigration experience.

India, China, Egypt, Colombia, Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and more are set to boost South Africa’s tourism with the introduction of the AI-powered Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in 2025. This digital platform will simplify the visa process, offering faster approvals and a seamless experience, attracting more travellers from these key nations.

As the launch date approaches, tourists planning to visit South Africa should closely monitor updates from the Department of Home Affairs to ensure they are well-prepared for the transition to the new system. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or study, the ETA will pave the way for a smoother, hassle-free journey to South Africa, making it an even more appealing destination for global travellers.

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