- President Ramaphosa will launch the mandatory ETA at OR Tambo International Airport on August twelfth, twenty twenty-six.
- The initial phase targets travelers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico visiting for business or tourism.
- Visa-exempt nationals from the US and UK remain unaffected for now, though a voluntary biometric option is available.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will launch South Africa's ETA at OR Tambo International Airport on 12 August 2026, turning a pilot into a live entry rule for business and tourism travelers. Officials are packaging the system as part of a wider push to modernize immigration checks and move them online before arrival. It starts small.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber and Border Management Authority Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato are set to join him. The permit is built to work before a traveler reaches the terminal, not after landing. The gate is digital.
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The first mandatory users are selected ordinary-passport holders from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico who are traveling for business or tourism through the rollout points now in use. Those entry points include Cape Town International Airport and Lanseria International Airport, along with the Johannesburg airport. Arrive without the permit, and entry stops there. No ETA, no entry.
Visa-exempt travelers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and much of Europe do not need the document in this mandatory phase. They can still enter under existing visa-free rules unless the government widens the system later. Officials have also floated a voluntary ETA for those travelers, which would let them use a fast-track biometric process. The mandatory phase stays narrow.
Starting 12 August 2026, the department intends to open the ETA to all nationals who currently need a visitor’s visa for business or tourism. The permit allows stays of up to 90 days and multiple entries within that validity period. It does not allow work. Airport desks will not fix a missing permit.
The rollout follows a phased pilot that began in October 2025 during South Africa's G20 Presidency, when the system was first tested for diplomats. Home Affairs built it under the Home Affairs @ Home modernization drive. The design uses biometrics, including live facial recognition, and the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System, eMCS 2.0. Officials can run background checks before a passenger boards. The check comes early.
"The ETA has, so far, been operating as a fully subsidised service, which is unsustainable. [We are] ready to roll out additional functionality, including an integrated online payment system to collect application fees."
Schreiber used that line to defend the new charge. He linked the fee to the move toward an online payment system.
The fee still needs signoff
A draft change published in July 2026 proposed a R500 electronic processing fee for ETA applications. Public comment stays open until 11 August 2026, with implementation proposed for 17 August 2026. The payment step is still being built into the rollout.
Tourism still carries the load behind the rollout
Tourism remains a major part of the backdrop. The sector contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs. The new permit lands inside that economy. The scale is large.
On Wednesday, Masiapato will lead the guided tour and demonstration of the system. The rollout team also includes Mr. Yusuf Simons, the project leader for Operation Vulindlela, and Mrs. Elize Breytenbach, the acting chief director for permits. The test run is not over.
