South Africa has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for eligible Indian travellers, allowing them to apply online for short-term visits without visiting a visa application centre. The digital authorisation is expected to be processed within 24 to 48 hours and is designed for tourism and certain visitor and business trips of up to 90 days.
The ETA replaces the conventional visa sticker with a digital travel authorisation linked directly to a traveller's passport. It allows multiple entries during its validity but cannot be used for employment or repeated long-term stays. Final entry into South Africa remains subject to immigration checks at the port of arrival.
