South Africa, — The Government of the Republic of South Africa has approved the inclusion of holders of Ugandan passports in its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regime, according to a diplomatic communication from the High Commission of South Africa in Kampala to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Under the new arrangement, Ugandan nationals holding valid passports may apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to travelling to South Africa.
Subject to approval of the eTA and compliance with applicable immigration and entry requirements, eligible travellers may be permitted to travel to and seek entry into South Africa for ordinary visits, including tourism, holidays and short-term business-related activities, in accordance with the conditions attached to the approved authorisation.
The South African High Commission has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring the development to the attention of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, airlines operating in Uganda, relevant stakeholders and the general public.
The introduction of the eTA facility provides an additional digital mechanism through which eligible Ugandan travellers can obtain travel authorisation before departure, while maintaining South Africa’s applicable immigration and border-entry requirements.
Ugandan travellers intending to visit South Africa are advised to submit applications through the official Electronic Travel Authorisation platform of the Government of South Africa.
Official eTA application: South Africa Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
For enquiries and technical assistance, applicants may contact:
- ETA enquiries: ETAenquiries@dha.gov.za
- South African High Commission, Kampala: Sahc@dirco.gov.za
The development comes as Uganda and South Africa continue to maintain longstanding diplomatic, political, economic and people-to-people relations. The facilitation of travel authorisation through a digital platform also has potential relevance for tourism, business engagement and other short-term exchanges between the two countries. The South African High Commission conveyed the information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Ref. No. 17/1/8/UGA/V8, File No. DN 40/98.
