South Africa is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and the change could affect travellers who currently enter visa-exempt. Multiple reports say the country is moving toward a new pre-travel requirement for eligible visitors, with an announced or anticipated fee of R500 associated with the ETA.
The coverage outlines how entry requirements can vary by nationality. It notes that travellers from certain visa-exempt countries typically do not need a visa for short visits, but may be required to obtain an ETA before travel as South Africa implements the expanded system. Other travellers who already require visas to enter South Africa would continue to do so, based on the existing visa rules and categories.
A published list identifies major countries that currently need visas and contrasts them with those that are generally visa-exempt, explaining that the ETA expansion is aimed at people who do not already require a visa. The reports indicate the proposed fee could be introduced as the system is rolled out.
