Skip to content

Visitor & short-stay visas

South African South Africa Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

South Africa's electronic travel authorisation system for eligible visitors, operated by the Department of Home Affairs to approve short trips before travel.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Book a consultation

Under review — check current rules

Could not verify from an official DHA source the ETA fee, validity period, permitted maximum stay, or the current list of eligible nationalities — these figures are omitted and should be confirmed on eta.dha.gov.za before publication.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official South Africa government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Route type
Electronic travel authorisation
Where to apply
Online at eta.dha.gov.za
Official Department of Home Affairs ETA portal
Biometrics
Required
Travellers must provide their biometrics to Home Affairs as part of the ETA application
Adjudication
Instant, automated
Applications are adjudicated instantly; human intervention only if the system detects an anomaly

Who can apply

  • Travellers using South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation system (per the Department of Home Affairs)

What you can do

  • Applying for travel authorisation through the official ETA system, per the official conditions

Requirements

  • Applicants must provide their biometrics to the Department of Home Affairs as part of the ETA application.
  • Applications are screened by an automated risk engine that detects fraudulent or re-used documents and cross-references applications against domestic and international criminal and other databases before an outcome is issued.
  • Whether the ETA applies to your nationality and trip is set by the Department of Home Affairs — confirm on the official portal before you travel.

How to apply

  • Go to the official ETA portal at eta.dha.gov.za.
  • Complete the online application and submit the required biometrics and information.
  • The application is adjudicated automatically, with a decision returned electronically (human review only if an anomaly is flagged).

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

Related South African visas

Book a consultation