Tourism & short stayEffectiveHigh impactVerified

South Africa launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system

🇿🇦 South AfricaEntry Rules2 recorded versionsLast change 12 Aug 2026

ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The medical-report requirement is waived for temporary residence visa and permanent residence applications. The waiver applies to applications submitted in South Africa and abroad and, following the Department's clarification, to pending applications as well as new applications. All other immigration requirements remain in place.

Overview

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has officially launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on 12 August 2026. This new digital platform is designed to modernise the country's immigration process, enhancing security through biometric verification and automated risk analysis while facilitating legitimate travel and combating visa fraud. It aims to streamline entry for short-term visitors and will eventually expand to cover all visa categories, including study, spousal, and work visas.

Who is affected by the latest change

Temporary residence visa applicants
Permanent residence applicants
Applicants inside South Africa
Applicants outside South Africa
Applicants with pending applications
Work visa applicants
Study visa applicants
Business visa applicants
Critical Skills visa applicants
General Work visa applicants
Retired Person visa applicants

What changed in the latest version

Before

People applying for a temporary residence visa or a permanent residence permit generally had to give a medical report. This report showed they had a medical check-up. The report usually could not be older than six months when they submitted it.

After

People do not need a medical report for temporary residence visa or permanent residence applications. This waiver applies to applications made in South Africa. It also applies to applications made outside South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has also said it applies to applications already waiting for a decision, as well as new applications. All other immigration rules still apply.

This waiver makes the application process simpler for everyone applying for a visa or permanent residence in South Africa. It removes a document that was always needed. Applicants will have less paperwork to do. They might prepare their applications faster. This is because they no longer need to arrange and get a medical report. This change affects the list of documents for new applications. It may also affect applications that are already being processed. The directive does not give specific details on how this affects applications in progress. This change removes a step that could cause delays or extra costs for applicants.

Explained simply

Hey, if you want to move to South Africa or get a visa to visit for a long time, you used to have to get a doctor's check-up and turn in a report. But now, you don't have to anymore! South Africa has decided to skip that step for everyone applying for these things, making it a bit easier.

Frequently asked

Version history

v3Effective 8 Jul 2026EffectiveHigh impact
South Africa waives medical report requirement for Visa and Permanent Residence applications
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.
v1Effective 18 Sept 2025EffectiveCritical impact
South Africa launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system
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.

Timeline

Announced
12 Aug 2026
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has officially launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on 12 August 2026. This new digital platform is designed to modernise the country's immigration process, enhancing security through biometric verification and automated risk analysis while facilitating legitimate travel and combating visa fraud. It aims to streamline entry for short-t
Announced
1 Jan 2026
Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026, published in Gazette No. 55016, introduces a blanket waiver for the mandatory submission of a medical report for all visa and permanent residence applications in South Africa. This change simplifies the application process by removing a previous requirement. The directive became effective upon its gazetting.
Takes effect
1 Jan 2026
Applicants for visas and permanent residence are not required to submit a medical report.

goborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.