South Africa ETA for China, India, Indonesia, Mexico

South Africa’s ETA is now live for short-term visitor applications from Chinese passport holders, Indian passport holders, Indonesian passport holders, and Mexican passport holders. It’s an eVisa-style system linked to the passport and handled electronically. It was first piloted for G20 travelers before being opened up to tourist use for the same four nationalities.

What changed

South Africa has moved the short-term visitor process for those four nationalities onto its ETA platform. Instead of the old paper-heavy handling, applicants now submit online, go through biometrics, and get an electronic decision. Government materials say the ETA covers multiple trips during its validity period, but it doesn’t allow work in South Africa.

Who is affected

This applies to ordinary passport holders from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, and it’s for tourism or short-term visits only. If your trip doesn’t fall into that category, the ETA won’t stand in for the permission you actually need.

When it takes effect

Applications are open now. Government statements tie the first phase to G20 travelers, focused on OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports. The wider tourist rollout for the same four nationalities came after that, and government updates haven’t been fully consistent on the exact public launch timing.

Why South Africa made the change

Officials say the goal is to make travel faster, simpler, and more secure. They also point to reducing visa fraud and queues, tightening border control, and making South Africa more competitive for tourism and investment.

What travelers should do

Apply through the official ETA portal before booking travel, and submit your passport details and biometrics online. Make sure your trip is actually for tourism or a short-term visit, and check the current rules again before departure, since the rollout has come in phases and the official description has shifted along the way. Remember, the ETA doesn’t permit work in South Africa.

Live: President Ramaphosa officially launches South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation https://t.co/IZHsKjE1ZE

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 12, 2026

Apply now

• eta.dha.gov.za

Sources

• South African ETA – Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation – Department of Home Affairs
• Minister Leon Schreiber presents new Electronic Travel Authorisation – South African Government
• Minister Leon Schreiber: Home Affairs Dept Budget Vote 2026/27, NCOP – South African Government
• Visa info – South African Embassy in Mexico
• South Africa opens digital visa system to 4 countries – Business Insider Africa