The South African government is preparing a significant change to the way visitors enter the country, which was announced on 18 September 2025. The Department of Home Affairs plans to roll out an Artificial Intelligence-powered Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) beginning in September 2025. The system is designed to streamline entry for short-term visitors, enhance security checks, and provide a faster alternative to traditional visa processing.

Instead of embassy appointments and processing that can take weeks, applicants would complete the formalities online and receive a decision before they fly. The authorisation is intended for short visits of up to 90 days, covering holidays, business trips, and event attendance. 

In the pilot phase, applications will open online for a limited group of travellers and approvals will be issued electronically for presentation at the airport. The ministry states that trials will commence at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport. Early eligibility will focus on delegates from select G20 countries, including China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. They plan to expand access as systems are validated.

This move brings South Africa in line with a growing list of destinations that use electronic travel authorisations to balance smoother passenger flows with stronger border controls. For a tourism economy that is rebounding, the promise is clear. A digital pre-screen could reduce airport queues, cut paperwork, and limit fraud while keeping the focus on welcoming visitors.

Currently, South Africa offers two options for visa processing: the sticker visa and the eVisa. The sticker visa requires physical submission, whereas the eVisa can be obtained through the South African Immigration website.

For Nigerians, both processes can be challenging, as the regular processing time ranges from 1 to 8 weeks, or even longer, for sticker visa applications. However, at Afari Travels & Tours, we utilise advanced application measures and liaisons to ensure the timely delivery of eVisas within 2 – 7 days and sticker visas within 1-3 weeks.

What travellers should know?

Once fully operational, it should shorten the time spent at immigration and give visitors more time to experience the country’s marquee attractions, from Cape Town’s winelands to Johannesburg’s museums and game viewing in Kruger National Park.

Some details remain pending. The government has not yet named the official portal for applications or the fee for international travellers. There is also the question of how this new authorisation will sit alongside South Africa’s existing eVisa platform. Officials indicate that the electronic authorisation is aimed at short stays. Longer permits and work visas will continue to follow the existing process.

Travellers planning trips later this year should monitor updates from the Department of Home Affairs and confirm which channel applies to their itinerary. Reputable travel advisors can help interpret eligibility requirements, prepare necessary paperwork, and navigate any early issues that may arise during the rollout. The broader signal is unmistakable. South Africa is modernising its entry systems to make arrival easier without compromising safety.

1. Who is it for?
   Short-term visitors. Initial access will be limited and widened after the pilot.
2. Where does it apply?
   OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
3. How does it work?
   Apply online before travel. Receive electronic approval to present on arrival.
4. What is the visa duration?
   Up to 90 days for tourism, business, and conferences.
5. What is not changing?
   Long stay permits and work visas will continue through the standard route.
   

As the system comes online, we recommend early preparations to map out itineraries and gather required documents. With digital pre-clearance and quicker arrivals, the journey from touchdown to the Table Mountain or the street of Soweto could soon be simpler & faster!