South Africa Expands ETA System for Indian Travellers, Introduces Group Applications and Online Processing

South Africa has announced new enhancements to its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Indian travellers, making the process of planning a holiday to the country more convenient for families and groups. The updated system introduces applications for minors, a multi-applicant facility and wider global access, allowing eligible Indian passport holders to complete the travel authorisation process completely online.

The announcement, shared by South African Tourism with its trade partners, is part of the country's continued efforts to simplify travel formalities and attract more Indian visitors.

One of the key changes is the introduction of a facility that allows families and groups to submit multiple ETA applications through a single portal. This is expected to make the process easier for travellers planning holidays together, particularly families travelling with children.

South Africa introduces new ETA features for Indian families and groups

Another important addition is the support for applications for minors. The updated platform now allows parents and guardians to submit applications for children, including biometric capture and enrolment on South Africa's Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS) for children aged seven years and above.

This means families travelling with children can complete their travel authorisation formalities through the digital platform rather than managing separate traditional visa application processes.

The ETA platform has also been expanded to cover 53 countries, including all markets that were previously covered under South Africa's eVisa programme. This widens access to the digital travel authorisation system beyond its initial rollout markets.

Existing eVisa platform to be decommissioned on 1 December 2026

South Africa will complete its transition to the ETA system with the decommissioning of its existing eVisa platform on 1 December 2026.

Following this transition, the ETA platform will become the central digital route for eligible travellers to apply for travel authorisation. Travellers should check their eligibility and the applicable application process before making their travel arrangements.

The updated platform is available through the South African Department of Home Affairs' official website, where applicants can register, submit individual or group applications and track their travel authorisation process.

South Africa looks to attract more Indian tourists ahead of Cricket World Cup 2027

South Africa is also looking at the next phase of its ETA expansion, with a focus on key growth markets ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

The tournament is expected to create an opportunity for Indian cricket fans to combine their visit with South Africa's wildlife safaris, cultural attractions, coastal destinations and other leisure experiences.

The country has been strengthening its engagement with Indian travel trade partners to familiarise them with the new application process. In September 2026, South African Tourism organised a digital ETA workshop for 65 travel trade partners in Pune, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs. The session covered application procedures, processing timelines, child applications and group travel arrangements.

With the latest enhancements, South Africa is looking to make travel planning easier for Indian families, group travellers and cricket enthusiasts. The shift to a fully digital authorisation system is also expected to help travel agents guide customers through the application process with fewer paperwork-related complications.

Indian travellers can check their eligibility and apply through the official South African ETA portal.