Ukrainians have an easier way to obtain visas to South Africa: processing promised within 24 hours

The Republic of South Africa has simplified entry permits for citizens of Ukraine. Ukrainians now have access to a new ETA electronic system that allows them to complete documents from a smartphone, and a decision on the application is promised within 24 hours.

This was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha. According to him, Ukraine became one of the first countries whose citizens were granted access to the new system, and the first permits for Ukrainians have already been issued.

The changes apply to trips to South Africa of up to 90 days. Previously, processing such a visa could take about two months, and Ukrainians had to travel twice to neighboring Poland — for document submission and subsequent visa collection.

Now the entire procedure can be completed remotely. The applicant registers in the ETA system, confirms a phone number and email, photographs the passport, uploads their photo and fills in details about the upcoming trip.

The South African system uses biometric identification: the applicant's photo is compared with the picture in the passport, and the document itself is automatically checked using more than 40 parameters. After completing the application and paying the relevant fee, the system performs an automated risk assessment.

If the application is approved, the ETA electronic permit should arrive within 24 hours. It can be saved directly on the smartphone. The permit is linked to the passport and can be used for multiple trips during its validity period.

Note that ETA is intended for tourist and guest visits and does not grant the right to work in South Africa.

Who can use the new system

According to the Department of Home Affairs of South Africa, electronic applications can be submitted by holders of valid ordinary passports from countries that have access to ETA.

At the current stage, the system is used for entry through four international airports: O. R. Tambo in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lanseria, and King Shaka in Durban.

South Africa officially launched the new electronic authorisation system in August 2026 after a pilot. The authorities expect it to significantly speed up travel processing while strengthening document checks and biometric control at the border.

Sybiha thanked the government of South Africa, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber for granting Ukrainians access to the system.

“We look forward to new positive steps,” — said the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

Based on materials from: Andrii Sybiha, Department of Home Affairs of South Africa, Government of South Africa