South Africa launches ETA: Indians can now get digital travel approval in 24-48 hours

South Africa has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for eligible Indian travellers, allowing them to apply online for short-term visits without visiting a visa application centre. The digital authorisation is expected to be processed within 24 to 48 hours and is designed for tourism and certain visitor and business trips of up to 90 days.

The ETA replaces the conventional visa sticker with a digital travel authorisation linked directly to a traveller's passport. It allows multiple entries during its validity but cannot be used for employment or repeated long-term stays. Final entry into South Africa remains subject to immigration checks at the port of arrival.

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The programme is currently available to eligible travellers holding ordinary passports from India, China, Indonesia and Mexico.

For now, the ETA can only be used by travellers entering South Africa through O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport or Lanseria International Airport. Authorities said more ports of entry will be added as the programme expands.

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According to South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, additional ports of entry will be added to the programme in the future.

How to apply for South Africa's ETA

The application process is completed entirely online through the official Department of Home Affairs ETA portal.

Applicants need to:

1. Create an account on the official ETA portal.
2. Upload a photograph of the passport they will use for travel.
3. Complete the online application form with personal and travel details.
4. Verify their identity by taking a live biometric photograph using a smartphone.
5. Pay the applicable application fee online.
6. Submit the application and track its status online.

The applicants can monitor the progress of their ETA application in real time through the online portal.

Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to the traveller's passport, removing the need for a physical visa sticker. Applicants also receive a digital confirmation containing a QR code, which can be presented during travel.

The Department of Home Affairs said the new system is intended to simplify entry procedures by moving the entire visa application process online while reducing processing times for eligible travellers.