South Africa is gradually expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, with Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirming that short-stay visa applications from 53 countries could be processed through the platform by 01 October 2026. Recent announcements from South African diplomatic missions have also confirmed the inclusion of Colombian and Ugandan passport holders.
The expansion means that more international travellers can now apply for South African travel authorisation online rather than relying on the traditional visa application process. However, the ETA is not a new entry requirement for everyone visiting South Africa. Whether travellers need to apply depends on their nationality and existing visa requirements.
South Africa's ETA now covers 53 countries
South Africa officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation system on 12 August 2026, following an initial pilot involving travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico.
Speaking at the Department of Home Affairs' Quantum Leap event on 01 October 2026, Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that the platform had already been extended to short-stay visa applications from 53 countries, with further countries being added every week.
The system uses biometric checks, passport verification and automated risk assessments to process applications. According to the Minister, approved applications are generally issued within 24 hours.
Although the Minister confirmed the 53-country figure, Home Affairs has not published a comprehensive list of all eligible nationalities on its public-facing ETA portal. An overview published by the South African Embassy in Caracas on 19 October 2026 provides a useful snapshot of the rollout up to 25 September 2026.
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The embassy's graphic lists countries added in several stages, including Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Colombia.
Colombia and Uganda included in the rollout
The South African Embassy in Caracas, which is also accredited to Colombia, published a diplomatic note on 19 October 2026 confirming the inclusion of Colombian passport holders in the ETA system.
The embassy's country-coverage overview actually places Colombia in the group of countries added on 28 August. The October notice therefore provides a specific diplomatic confirmation of Colombian eligibility rather than indicating that the country was only added to the system in October.
Uganda is another country whose inclusion has been confirmed. The South African High Commission in Kampala communicated the development to Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in September. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola subsequently referred to the expansion to Ugandan passport holders in his remarks at the South Africa–Uganda Joint Commission for Cooperation on 20 October 2026.
These announcements are useful for travellers because they provide country-specific confirmation of the expanding ETA arrangements.
Does everyone from these 53 countries need an ETA?
No. The distinction between being able to apply for an ETA and being required to obtain one is important.
The system is primarily intended for short-stay visitors from countries whose nationals require a visa to enter South Africa. Eligible travellers can apply online for the necessary travel authorisation instead of following the traditional visitor visa application process.
Travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, can also use the ETA voluntarily. This allows them to access the dedicated ETA arrival queue and apply for an extension of their stay through the platform, subject to the applicable immigration requirements.
In other words, the expansion to 53 countries does not mean that visitors from all 53 countries must obtain an ETA before travelling to South Africa. Travellers who already qualify for visa-free entry can continue to use the existing arrangements for ordinary visits.
How to apply for South Africa's ETA
Eligible travellers can submit their applications through the official South African ETA portal.
The online process involves creating an account, scanning the passport that will be used for travel, completing the application form and submitting a live photograph for biometric verification. Applicants must also pay the applicable fee before submitting their application.
The electronic processing fee of R500 came into effect on 17 August 2026. Travellers should check the portal for the applicable charges and requirements for their nationality before applying.
An approved ETA is linked to the applicant's passport and can allow multiple entries during its validity period. However, an ETA does not guarantee admission to South Africa, as travellers remain subject to the country's immigration requirements at the border. It also does not permit employment in South Africa.
Which South African airports accept ETA travellers?
The ETA system is currently operational at four international airports:
- OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
- Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town)
- King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
- Lanseria International Airport (Johannesburg)
The government plans to extend the system to additional ports of entry, including land and sea borders. Further visa categories, such as study and work visas, are also expected to be integrated into the platform during 2027. These are planned developments, however, and should not be confused with the current operational arrangements.
Check the latest requirements before travelling
South Africa's ETA rollout is continuing, with additional nationalities expected to be added. As the Department of Home Affairs has not yet published a comprehensive public list of all 53 countries, travellers should check their individual eligibility through the official ETA portal before making travel arrangements.
The most important point is that the ETA is changing how eligible visa-required travellers apply to visit South Africa, but it does not replace existing visa-exemption arrangements for nationalities that can already enter the country without a visa.
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