Immigration
South Africa | Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Summary
South Africa is set to modernise its immigration infrastructure with the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (“ETA”) system.
The detail
What is the ETA?
- Digital Entry System: Fully online travel authorisation replacing traditional visitors visa procedures (tourism / business purposes) with a streamlined digital process assisted by AI to enable quicker outcomes.
- Advance of Travel: Non-visa exempt tourism and business travellers must receive an ETA prior to arrival in South Africa (it is not possible to apply for an ETA at a South African Port of Entry).
- Security: Approved applicants will receive the ETA, featuring a QR code, for ease of storage and use.
Implementation
- Phase 1: Applicable to G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, arriving via OR Tambo or Cape Town International Airports (commencing mid-October after user-acceptance testing).
- Phase 2: Expansion to all applicants (Tourism / Business) from the same four countries.
- Phase 3: Expansion to all visa-requiring countries and additional ports of entry (air, land, sea). Visa-exempt travellers may also be brought under the ETA regime in the future.
Benefits
- Simplicity: The ETA will replace the existing e-Visa system thereby reducing administration and processing times for applicants.
- Enhanced Security: AI-powered processing and advanced digital safeguards will further strengthen South Africa’s border control.
Film and Event Industries
The Immigration Department is further seeking to introduce the following new visa regimes to promote economic access to South Africa:
- STAGES Visa (Screening Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme) to simplify access for film production companies through online applications and reduced processing times.
- MEETS Visa (Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme) to streamline access to visas for international participants of sporting events, conferences, exhibitions or other similar global events in South Africa through online applications and reduced processing times.
Clarifications
- The Immigration Department must confirm how the ETA will integrate (or replace) the existing e-Visa system;
- Requirements for the STAGES and MEETS visas are pending; and
- Measures for visa-exempt travellers, particularly around biometric requirements, are still under development with the focus on avoiding additional hurdles.
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Stephen Marlin
Territory Leader
Supriya Boodhena
Senior Manager
Natalie McLean
Manager
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