South Africa launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system
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.
Does this affect you?
Create a Mobility Profile to see whether this record relates to your nationality, residence and the pathways you follow.
Create your profileThe detail
Policy history
Each version stays exactly as it was published. This one is version 1 and sits in a chain of versions you can read separately.
South Africa launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) systemgoborda 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.
Related changes
U.S. Plans to Revoke B-1 and B-2 Visas for Certain Asylum Seekers
What changed
The United States government plans to revoke B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visas for up to 200,000 people. These people have applied for or are now seeking asylum in the United States. The Department of State, working with the Department of Homeland Security, will announce this plan soon. This action will not lead to immediate deportation. But, people affected will lose their status as short-term visitors.
Published 24 Aug 2026Associated Press
US Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump-Era Immigrant Visa Ban Affecting 75 Countries
What changed
A federal judge in Manhattan has cancelled the Trump administration's ban on immigrant visas for people from 75 countries. The judge said the ban was 'contrary to law'. The United States (US) Department of State had stopped issuing immigrant visas to people from these countries. These countries included Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, and Russia. The department was worried that these people would use public benefits. This ruling came out on Friday. It changes any visa denials that happened only because of this specific policy. It confirms that the government must look at each person individually to decide if they are likely to need public benefits. This decision must consider their money, age, health, skills, and family situation, not just their country of origin.
Published 21 Aug 2026Effective 21 Aug 2026Al Jazeera English — All news
IRS Proposes Immigration-Based Restrictions on Refundable Tax Credit Refunds
What changed
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published a Proposed Rule in the Federal Register on 20 August 2026. This rule states that the refunded part of specific individual refundable income tax credits are 'Federal public benefits'. These credits include the Adoption Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, Premium Tax Credit, and Saver's Match. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) defines these benefits. The proposal also explains what the 'refunded part' means. It sets rules for checking a person's alien status. It deals with joint tax returns where some people are subject to PRWORA rules. It also includes a rule for people to confirm their own eligibility. The public can comment on this Proposed Rule until 5 October 2026.
Published 20 Aug 2026Effective 20 Aug 2026Federal Register — Immigration rules & notices
Immigration Act: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees
What changed
South Africa published an amendment to its Immigration Act. It is called 'Immigration Act: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees'. This amendment changes the fees for immigration services or applications. The government published this notice on 17 August 2026. The specific new fees and when they start are not in this notice.
Published 17 Aug 2026South African Government — Gazette notices feed