Last year, in October 2025, South Africa started rolling out the new Electronic Travel Authorization system, also known as the ETA. Now the government is planning to apply this new requirement to more visitors.

If you travel often for business or tourism, this is something you need to understand clearly.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is South Africa’s ETA?

The ETA is an online travel authorization you must get before boarding your flight to South Africa. It is not a visa issued at the airport. You must apply online and receive approval before you travel.

South Africa’s ETA system uses automation and digital checks to speed up immigration when you land. Once approved, you receive a QR code. You show that QR code at the airport, either on your phone or printed out.

The goal of ETA is quite simple: faster entry and less paperwork at the border.

When Does the ETA Start?

The rollout began in October 2025.

Phase One

At first, the ETA applied only to diplomats from:

• Mainland China
• India
• Indonesia
• Mexico

This applied to those attending the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Entry was limited to:

• OR Tambo International Airport
• Cape Town International Airport

Soon after, Lanseria International Airport was added to the system.

Phase Two

By late November 2025, the ETA requirement expanded.

Now, all passport holders from:

• Mainland China
• India
• Indonesia
• Mexico

must apply for an ETA if travelling to South Africa for tourism or business.

As of February 12, 2026, ordinary passport holders from these four countries must apply before travel.

For now, the ETA is required only at selected airports during the early stage of implementation.

Who Does NOT Need an ETA?

Some travellers are exempt. You do not need an ETA if you:

• Hold a South African permanent residence
• Have valid South African residence rights
• Hold a South African work permit

Everyone else from the listed countries must apply.

How Long Is the ETA Valid?

An approved ETA allows:

• Multiple entries
• Up to 90 days per visit
• One additional 90-day extension

The extension can be requested online.

That means, in total, you may stay up to 180 days if your extension is approved.

How Much Does the ETA Cost?

The government has not officially published a fixed fee.

Instead, the cost is based on reciprocal visa agreements between South Africa and each country. In simple terms, the fee depends on what your country charges South African travellers.

Always check the official portal before applying to confirm the latest fee.

ETA vs eVisa: What’s the Difference?

South Africa already has an eVisa system.

Now, the ETA portal operates alongside it.

Only travellers eligible for the ETA can use the ETA portal. Others must continue using the regular eVisa system.

The key difference is speed. The ETA is designed to be faster and more automated at the airport.

Why Is South Africa Introducing the ETA?

Here’s the bigger picture.

Many countries now use electronic travel authorization systems to monitor entries before travellers board a flight.

For example:

• Kenya
• United Kingdom
• Israel

South Africa is following this global trend.

The aim is to:

• Improve border control
• Speed up airport processing
• Attract more tourists and investors
• Reduce long immigration queues

In short, it allows authorities to screen travellers before they arrive.

What Happens If You Arrive Without an ETA?

This part is important.

If you are required to have an ETA and you arrive without one:

• You cannot apply at the airport
• You will be denied entry

There is no on-arrival option.

If you are from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, or Mexico and travelling for tourism or business, you must apply before boarding your flight.

What This Means for Travellers

If you are planning a trip to South Africa in 2026 and you hold a passport from one of the affected countries, add the ETA to your travel checklist.

• Apply early.
• Double-check airport eligibility.
• Keep your QR code ready.

The system is meant to make entry smoother, but only if you follow the rules.

For regular travellers, this is simply another step in the growing move toward digital border control worldwide.

The post South Africa’s ETA Rollout Expands in 2026: Entry Rules Explained appeared first on .