South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is ushering in a new era of immigration modernisation, driven by digital innovation and sector-specific visa categories. These reforms aim to streamline processes, bolster economic growth, and cement South Africa's position as a competitive global hub for talent and tourism.

Digital Visa System (ETA) Launching September 2025

In July 2025, in a speech delivered by the Minister of Home Affairs, it was confirmed that the official rollout of South Africa's ETA-style Digital Visa System would be by the end of September 2025. This platform promises fully online visa applications, real-time application tracking, and issuance of secure, QR-coded digital visas—accessible via smartphone wallets—with robust biometric and fraud-detection features. Initially targeting tourists arriving at OR Tambo and Cape Town ahead of the G20 summit, the system is designed for phased extension across all visa categories and ports of entry.

Special Visa Categories: STAGES & MEETS

Two tailored visa schemes are embedded within the digital system:

• STAGES Visa: The Screening Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme enables simplified access for international film productions and creative professionals—offered entirely online via a dedicated online portal, reducing the need for in-person embassy visits.
• MEETS Visa: The Meetings, Events, Exhibitions, and Tourism Scheme fast-tracks visas for business-tourism, enabling swift entry for conferences, sporting events, trade shows, and large gatherings—tailored to support major international events and boost associated tourism revenue.

Why It Matters

The shift to a digital platform with STAGES and MEETS categories modernises immigration for key economic drivers—tourism, film, and events—making South Africa a leading destination for foreign investment in sports, arts, culture, and more. Legal practitioners can guide clients on using real-time tracking, preparing digital documentation, and navigating the anticipated quick-turnaround structure of these new visa types.

Conclusion

STAGES and MEETS aim to promote sectors with enormous potential for economic growth and employment. As South Africa embraces digital transformation in immigration, these new systems offer efficiency, transparency, and purpose-built access that align with global mobility trends. Lawyers and businesses alike must stay informed to leverage these advancements in immigration for their clients.