South Africa has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to make travel easier for eligible Indian passport holders, allowing them to apply for travel permission entirely online without visiting a visa processing centre.
The enhanced platform introduces new features, including applications for minors, biometric enrolment for children aged seven years and above, and a multi-applicant facility that allows families and groups to submit applications through a single portal.
The expansion is part of South Africa’s efforts to simplify travel procedures and attract more international visitors, including tourists from India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The ETA platform is now available across 53 countries, including all markets previously covered under South Africa’s eVisa programme, which is transitioning to the new digital system.
The next phase of the expansion will focus on key growth markets ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, with South Africa looking to boost tourism and attract Indian cricket fans.
The transition will also see the eVisa system decommissioned from December 1, 2026, with a complete shift to the ETA platform. Commenting on the development, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head MEISEA, South African Tourism, said the expansion would make travel planning easier for eligible Indian visitors, particularly families and groups.
She also encouraged Indian travellers visiting for the cricket tournament to explore South Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, cities and cultural heritage. The ETA serves as pre-authorisation to travel, while final admission remains subject to approval by South African border authorities upon arrival.
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