Understanding ETA, MEETS & Stages – What You Need to Know

Following Minister Leon Schreiber's recent budget speech, we want to provide you with a recap of South Africa's new digital immigration initiatives and what they mean for our industry.

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA)

What we know:

• Current Status: Despite media speculation, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has not yet confirmed that ETA will be required for all travellers entering South Africa.

• What’s Official: The ETA system is set to launch by end-September 2025, initially focused on tourist visas for air arrivals at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports.

• What’s Unconfirmed: Whether the ETA will apply universally (i.e., “for everyone”) is still unknown; official confirmation and further details are expected only in September.

• Industry Implication: Until further notice from DHA, existing visa exemption arrangements remain in place.

MEETINGS, EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS & TOURISM SCHEME (MEETS)

What we know:

• Purpose: Designed as a digital-first solution for international attendees at major conferences, sporting events, exhibitions and other international events.

• Process: Visa applications under MEETS will be processed entirely online with rapid turnaround times.

• Target Events: Specifically mentioned to support events such as the SA20 cricket tournament and the World Rugby Sevens.

• Launch Timeline: No specific launch date has been announced by DHA. The scheme is described as a new initiative, but implementation timeline remains unclear.

• Industry Implication: Could be a game-changer for MICE operators, removing traditional friction points for event organisers and delegates.

SCREEN TALENT & GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT SCHEME (STAGES)

What we know:

• Purpose: Tailored specifically for film production companies and global entertainment projects to address visa delays that have cost South Africa productions (Netflix example cited: R400 million loss due to visa delays).

• Process: Companies will apply via a dedicated online portal and receive visa decisions within hours rather than weeks.

• Key Benefit: No more mandatory visits to overseas missions for production crews.

• Launch Timeline: No specific launch date has been announced by DHA. The scheme is described as ready to launch but timing remains unclear.

• Industry Implication: Could position South Africa as a leading film destination if implementation matches the promised efficiency gains.

Download the SATSA FAQ Guide here. 

As soon as new details emerge, particularly following expected updates from DHA in September, we will provide prompt guidance tailored to your business needs.