ETA for South Africa

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Planning to visit South Africa for a short stay? The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-clearance you may need before boarding your flight.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • What the South Africa ETA is
  • Who needs an ETA
  • Document requirements
  • Application process

What is the ETA for South Africa?

The South Africa Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel authorisation required for certain foreign nationals who want to visit South Africa for a short stay (such as tourism or visiting family).

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport and checked by airlines and border officers when you travel.

ETA overview:

  • Validity: 12 months
  • Entries: Multiple entries
  • Length of stay: 90 days each visit

Apply for an ETA

Difference between a South African ETA and a visa

Although they’re both entry documents, an ETA and a visa are not the same:

Visa: A South African visa is usually required for longer stays or specific purposes such as work, study, or residence. It often involves more documentation and often an in-person application at an embassy or consulate.

ETA: A South African ETA is designed for short visits and is obtained entirely online. It is simpler, faster and focused on basic security and travel checks for eligible travellers.

If you plan to work, study or stay long-term, you will generally need a visa, not an ETA.

If you’re visiting for a short time, you may be able to travel with an ETA.

Difference between a South African ETA and a Travel Declaration

A Traveller Declaration is a separate requirement that relates to customs, not immigration:

Travel Declaration: The Traveller Declaration is about the goods, currency and specific items you bring into or take out of the country.

ETA: The ETA is about your permission to travel and request entry into South Africa.

Many travellers will need both documents.

Key differences between the ETA, visa, and travel declaration

ETA Visa Traveller Declaration
Main purpose Pre-authorisation for short visits Permission for longer or specific stays Customs and tax control on goods/currency
Uses Tourism, visiting friends/family Work, study, residence, long visits Declaring goods, cash, restricted items
When to obtain Before travel, fully online Before travel, often via embassy/consulate Shortly before arrival/departure
Format Electronic, linked to passport Sticker, stamp, or electronic record Digital or paper declaration
Controls your entry? Yes, for eligible short-stay travellers Yes, for relevant categories No (controls goods, not immigration)
Controls your goods? No No Yes
Allows work/study? No Depends on visa type Not applicable
Responsible authority Immigration authorities Immigration authorities Customs authorities

Do I need an ETA for South Africa?

Whether you need an ETA depends mainly on:

  • Nationality
  • Reason for travel
  • Length of stay

South African authorities are slowly rolling out the ETA in stages. Currently only citizens of the following countries can apply:

  • China
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Mexico

They must be travelling for either business or tourism.

South Africa ETA valid airports

To enter South Africa with an ETA, you must arrive at one of the following airports:

  • Cape Town International Airport
  • O. R. Tambo International Airport
  • Lanseria International Airport

The ETA is only valid for use at the airports listed above. If you’re going to arrive through another entry point, you’ll need a different travel document.

Document requirements for an ETA

To apply for a South Africa ETA online through our platform, you’ll need to prepare the following.

  • Passport: Valid for 6+ months and with at least one blank page
  • Photo: Recent passport-style photo of yourself
  • Email address: To receive all updates and the approved ETA
  • Credit or debit card: Authorised for online payments

Continue to the section below for steps on how to apply.

How to get a South African ETA

You can easily apply for your ETA using our streamlined platform. Just follow these steps:

  1. Complete the digital form
  2. Pay the processing fee
  3. Receive the approved ETA by email

It’s that simple! All you need is a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

Apply for an ETA