Official source
Source domain: sanews.gov.za
Collected on 23 July 2026
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Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travel applications (piloted and expanding)
Travellers can apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which uses machine learning, biometric verification and automated risk analysis; it has already processed more than 203 000 applications and rejected fraudulent applications, and it will be expanded to additional countries and visa categories.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Reference
GOVNEWS-83019 at https://www.sanews.gov.za
Opening Date
22 July 2026
Closing Date
22 July 2026
The ETA, initially piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, has already processed more than 203 000 applications, according to the Minister.
Smart ID Card applications at participating bank branches (no paperwork or appointments)
South Africans can apply for Smart ID Cards at participating bank branches without paperwork or appointments through a partnership with the banking sector.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
A key part of the programme has been a partnership with the banking sector, which has enabled South Africans to apply for Smart ID Cards at participating bank branches without paperwork or appointments.
Courier delivery of IDs and passports to homes (before end of 2026)
Citizens will have the option of having their IDs and passports delivered by courier to their homes before the end of 2026.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Schreiber said citizens would additionally have the option of having their IDs and passports delivered by courier to their homes before the end of 2026.
Trusted Employer Scheme participation (apply by 4 September)
Companies can apply to participate in the Trusted Employer Scheme, which has been broadened to include major infrastructure projects, headquarters companies in South Africa and the financial services sector, and is being streamlined through reduced red tape and greater digitalisation.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Companies interested in participating have until 4 September to apply.
Replacement Smart ID services at expanded locations and bank branches
Citizens can obtain replacement Smart IDs at an increased number of locations, including Home Affairs sites and an expected expansion to more than 750 bank branches offering services by the end of the year.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
The number of locations where citizens can obtain replacement Smart IDs has increased from 214 Home Affairs offices to 541 sites, with more than 750 bank branches expected to offer services by the end of the year.
ETA expansion to additional countries and visa categories (including study visas by end of the year)
The ETA system will be expanded to additional countries and visa categories, with study visas expected to be added by the end of the year.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Schreiber said the system would be expanded to additional countries and visa categories, with study visas among the categories expected to be added by the end of the year.
Voluntary Digital ID system (secure digital versions on mobile devices)
South Africans will eventually be able to access secure digital versions of Home Affairs documents on their mobile devices through a voluntary Digital ID system, while retaining the option of using physical identity documents.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
Schreiber said South Africans would eventually be able to access secure digital versions of Home Affairs documents on their mobile devices, while retaining the option of using physical identity documents.
Passports and first-time Smart ID applications at participating bank branches (by end of the year)
By the end of the year, passports and first-time Smart ID applications for adults and minors are expected to become available at participating bank branches.
The document's recorded date is 22 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.
By the end of the year, passports and first-time Smart ID applications for adults and minors are also expected to become available at participating bank branches.
