Keypoints:
- AI-driven ETA system launches in September 2025
- Instant tourist visa approvals via smartphone
- Expected to replace existing e-Visa platform
SOUTH Africa is set to transform its immigration landscape with the launch of a cutting-edge Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in September 2025, promising instant, mobile-based tourist visas for travellers from visa-required countries.
The new AI-powered platform, designed to eliminate red tape and streamline entry, was recently showcased by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Described as a game-changer for global travellers, the system will deliver fast approvals, improved fraud detection, and seamless processing—entirely via smartphone.
First introduced during the 2024 State of the Nation Address, the ETA forms a central part of South Africa’s digital modernisation push and tourism revival strategy.
A visa in seconds, stored on your phone
Speaking at a media demonstration on June 12, 2025, Minister Schreiber confirmed the ETA is fully operational and will be rolled out at key international airports from September. Using his own smartphone, he revealed a real-time, issued ETA stored in a digital wallet.
‘This is a real ETA visa, stored in my real smartphone wallet. It was issued online within seconds,’ Schreiber said. ‘No paper. No queues. No embassy visits.’
The system allows tourists to apply for short-stay visas entirely online. No in-person appointments or physical documents are needed. Approvals are processed within seconds using artificial intelligence, with the final visa delivered directly to mobile devices.
Who will need it?
The ETA will be mandatory for visitors from countries currently requiring a visa for short visits of up to 90 days. While the full list is yet to be finalised, it is expected to reflect South Africa’s current e-Visa framework.
Likely countries include:
- Asia: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran
- Africa: Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Tunisia, Cameroon
- South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
- Eastern Europe: Russia, Ukraine
The ETA is expected to eventually replace the current e-Visa system for these nations, although the Department of Home Affairs has not confirmed whether both systems will operate simultaneously during the transition.
For now, the e-Visa platform remains live and continues to process applications from over 30 countries.
Faster travel, safer borders
Minister Schreiber emphasised that the ETA is not only about speed but also security. The AI engine behind the system includes automated fraud detection, identity verification, and document scanning capabilities that reduce the risk of visa misuse or manipulation.
‘Over time, we will expand the ETA so that every visa application—whether for tourism, work, study or residence—is processed through this AI-based platform,’ he said. ‘Our goal is to eliminate inefficiencies and fraud across the board.’
The Department of Home Affairs envisions a fully digital visa regime in the near future, with the ETA forming the foundation for future innovation in immigration services.
What travellers should watch for
As South Africa gears up for the September rollout, travellers from affected countries are encouraged to:
- Stay updated on the confirmed list of eligible ETA countries
- Monitor whether the current e-Visa portal will be phased out or integrated
- Watch for updates on visa fees, application procedures, and documentation
The Department of Home Affairs is expected to release additional guidance closer to the launch date to help travellers avoid confusion during the changeover.
A boost for tourism and tech leadership
The ETA system is a central pillar in South Africa’s plan to re-energise tourism after years of global travel disruption. By eliminating paperwork and delays, the government hopes to position South Africa as a traveller-friendly, tech-forward destination.
Digital-savvy tourists—especially from key markets like Asia, Africa, and South America—will be able to complete their visa process on the go, making spontaneous travel to South Africa easier than ever.
With the smart visa system going live in just a few months, South Africa is taking a bold step toward digitising its borders and simplifying global mobility—setting a precedent for the rest of the continent.
