South Africa expands Electronic Travel Authorisation to India, SE Asia and Middle East
South Africa has broadened its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to include visitors from India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The change rolls out after phased additions in August and September 2026 and will replace the eVisa system entirely on 1 December 2026.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- ETA now covers India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East
- Timing
- Phased rollout in August‑September 2026, eVisa ends 1 December 2026
- Who is affected
- Indian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern passport holders, plus families with minors
The details
- Previous rule
- Travelers previously needed to apply for an eVisa through a traditional process.
- New rule
- The ETA system now accepts applications online from 53 countries, including India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and replaces the eVisa programme.
Scope of the expansion
The South African Department of Home Affairs has added India, a range of Southeast Asian nations and several Middle Eastern countries to its Electronic Travel Authorisation list. The ETA replaces the earlier eVisa scheme and is now available to travelers from 53 markets.
- Indian passport holders can apply online without a separate visa.
- Parents or guardians may submit applications for children aged seven and older.
- Biometric capture and enrolment in the National Identification System are required for minors.
How the new ETA works
Applicants complete a digital form on the Department of Home Affairs ETA portal. A new multi‑applicant feature lets families and groups submit a single application, streamlining the process. Once approved, the ETA provides pre‑authorisation; final entry decisions remain with border officials.
- Online submission replaces paper visa forms.
- Biometric data must be recorded for children seven years or older.
- The system issues a digital authorisation that travelers present on arrival.
Timeline and transition
The expansion was introduced in phases, with additional countries added in August and September 2026. The older eVisa platform will be decommissioned on 1 December 2026, completing the shift to the digital ETA system. The government intends to continue adding key growth markets ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Phased country additions occurred in August‑September 2026.
- eVisa service ends on 1 December 2026.
- Further market expansions are planned before the 2027 cricket tournament.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers from the newly added markets must obtain an ETA before departure instead of an eVisa.
- Families can now submit a single application for all members, simplifying group travel arrangements.
Cost and documents
- No additional fee is mentioned for the ETA compared with the previous eVisa.
- Children aged seven and older must provide biometric data and enroll in the national ID system.
What you need to do
- Apply for the ETA through the South African Department of Home Affairs portal before travel.
- Parents should submit applications on behalf of minors and arrange biometric capture.
- Check eligibility and submit the application well before the 1 December 2026 eVisa cutoff.
Who this affects
-
Indian passport holders
India is now included in the expanded ETA list.
What to do Apply online for an ETA instead of an eVisa.
-
Southeast Asian nationals
Southeast Asian countries were added during the August‑September 2026 phase.
What to do Submit an ETA application via the official portal.
-
Middle Eastern passport holders
Middle East markets are part of the new ETA coverage.
What to do Obtain an ETA before travel.
-
Parents or guardians of children 7+
The update allows adults to apply on behalf of minors and requires biometric enrolment.
What to do Complete the ETA for the child and arrange biometric capture.
-
Travelers with existing eVisa applications
The eVisa system will be discontinued on 1 December 2026.
What to do Switch to the ETA process if travel is after that date.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian citizens travel to South Africa with an ETA?
Yes, Indian passport holders can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation online, removing the need for a traditional eVisa.
When does the South African eVisa stop working?
The eVisa system will be decommissioned on 1 December 2026, after which only the ETA will be accepted for entry.
Do I need a visa for South Africa if I am from Southeast Asia?
No, travelers from the newly added Southeast Asian countries can obtain an ETA online instead of a visa.
What documents are required for children applying for an ETA?
Children aged seven and older must complete biometric capture and enrol in the Department of Home Affairs National Identification System as part of the ETA process.
How can families apply for South Africa ETA together?
A multi‑applicant feature on the ETA portal allows families and groups to submit a single application, simplifying the submission for all members.
