Ukrainians can now apply for visas to the Republic of South Africa much more quickly. Instead of waiting up to two months and making two trips to Poland, applicants can submit their documents via smartphone using the new ETA system, and a decision is promised within 24 hours.
The Republic of South Africa has simplified its visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga announced this on September 8. This refers to applying for a 90-day visa through the new ETA electronic system. Now, applicants no longer need to wait weeks or travel to another country to submit their documents.
“Another country has simplified its visa regime with Ukraine—this time, the Republic of South Africa. Obtaining a 90-day visa, which previously took two months and two (!) trips to neighboring Poland, is now a matter of just a few minutes on a smartphone,” Sibiga said. According to him, after submitting an application through the new system, a person should receive a visa within 24 hours.
Ukraine was one of the first countries
Ukrainians were among the first to gain access to the ETA system. As Sibiga reported, the first visas under the new procedure have already been issued. This means that the new system has not merely been announced but is already being used in practice. Ukrainians can submit applications remotely, without having to personally complete the preliminary procedure in another country.
Previously, obtaining a South African visa was significantly more complicated. According to the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the process could take about two months, and Ukrainians had to travel to Poland twice to submit their documents. Now, most of this procedure can be completed online. This is precisely what should make travel to South Africa more accessible for Ukrainian citizens.
What Is the ETA System?
ETA is an electronic system for pre-approval of travel authorization. Under the new system, applicants can submit the required information online using a smartphone. For travelers, this means less paperwork and no need to make a special trip to a visa center abroad just to submit documents. South Africa is using the new system to make visa procedures faster and more convenient. For Ukrainians, this is a particularly noticeable change, as the procedure previously required significantly more time and organizational effort.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between a simplified procedure and a visa-free regime. Ukraine and South Africa have not abolished visas. Ukrainians still need to obtain the appropriate authorization to travel, but applying is now much easier.
The visa is valid for 90 days
The new procedure applies to a 90-day visa. In other words, it allows travelers to stay in the Republic of South Africa for the period specified in the relevant permit. For tourists and other travelers, this can significantly simplify trip planning. There is no need to factor in long waits for documents in advance or to make separate trips to Poland.
However, specific entry conditions and document requirements depend on the type of visa and the decision of South African authorities. Therefore, travelers should check the current application and entry rules before their trip.
Sybiga Anticipates Further Changes
The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked the government of the Republic of South Africa for its decision to introduce a new system for Ukrainians. He specifically acknowledged his South African counterparts, Ronald Lamola and Leon Schreiber, who worked on this issue. “We look forward to further positive steps,” Sibiga concluded.
For Ukrainians, the new system means, first and foremost, significantly less time spent on paperwork. Whereas the procedure used to take months and required trips to Poland, applications can now be submitted via smartphone, with a response expected within 24 hours. This was announced by Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga.
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