🇿🇦 Tourism & short stay

What changed

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs is making big changes under 'Home Affairs @ home'. It is moving immigration and citizen services online. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now active for short-stay visitors from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. Before, the ETA was only a plan. The Department plans to add other visa types, like study visas, by the end of 2026. This system has handled over 203,000 applications. It has also found fraud. The Trusted Employer Scheme now includes major infrastructure projects, companies setting up headquarters, and financial services. Applications for this scheme are due by 4 September. Visitors already in South Africa can now apply online for a 90-day visa extension using the ETA. This replaces an old paper system. More South Africans can now get Smart ID Cards. Services are available at over 500 bank branches, with a goal of 750 by the end of the year. Passport applications and first-time Smart ID applications will also move to bank branches later.

What changed

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026. This directive waives the need for people to give a medical report when they apply for a temporary residence visa or permanent residence. This waiver applies to applications made inside or outside South Africa. It also covers applications that were already waiting for a decision.

What changed

South Africa started a system called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This changes its visa and immigration rules. Travellers must register online. They must use their passport and a photo of their face to prove who they are. An automated check will assess their risk. They will get an ETA within 24 hours after they pay. When they arrive, travellers will use a camera to check their face at special ETA desks. This uses the improved Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0). The system also lets lawful visitors who stay for up to 90 days ask to stay for another 90 days. It can also find people who stay longer than allowed, right away. First, this system is for travellers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. It is used at four main international airports. The ETA will later become a must for certain nationalities who need port-of-entry visas. It will be optional for travellers who do not need a visa.