You take a live selfie with your device camera during the application, on a computer or on a phone by scanning a QR code. You also scan your passport. You cannot upload a ready-made photo file. Source: eta.dha.gov.za, checked 28 Sep 2026.
For the South Africa ETA photo, you take a live selfie during the application; a ready-made file is not accepted.
| Who makes the photo | You take a live selfie during the application; a ready-made file is not accepted. |
|---|---|
| Size (official rule) | Not applicable (live camera selfie) |
| File size | No file for you to upload |
| Background | Not stated (you take a live selfie) |
| Source | eta.dha.gov.za |
| Checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation is an online application for short visits of up to 90 days, for tourism, or for short-term work, which needs an invitation from an organisation registered on the ETA platform and a Section 11(2) visa. It is currently used at four airports: OR Tambo, Cape Town, Lanseria and King Shaka. You do not upload a portrait. First you photograph the passport you will travel on, and later, at the Biometrics step, you take a live picture of yourself.
The passport matters as much as the selfie. Home Affairs says an application may be rejected if the passport is not machine-readable, has no clear, scannable photo, or is damaged or hard to read. Your details are read straight from the passport and cannot be corrected afterwards. Most outcomes arrive by email within 24 hours. Minors need an ETA too, but applications for minors will open in a later phase. If your ETA is not approved, you can still apply through a South African mission or the eVisa system.
Sources, checked 5 Oct 2026: South African ETA (Department of Home Affairs) and ETA questions and answers.
No. You take a live selfie with your device camera during the application, on a computer or on a phone by scanning a QR code. You also scan your passport. You cannot upload a ready-made photo file.
None. For the South Africa ETA photo, you take a live selfie during the application; a ready-made file is not accepted.
Background: not stated (you take a live selfie). The live selfie checks that you are a real person and that nothing covers your face, such as sunglasses or headwear. In a group, each person takes their own live selfie and passport scan.
The official rules say: The live selfie checks that you are a real person and that nothing covers your face, such as sunglasses or headwear.
On eta.dha.gov.za. We checked them on 28 Sep 2026.
Source: eta.dha.gov.za, checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.