Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has welcomed South Africa’s decision to include Ugandan passport holders in its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, saying the development reflects strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
In a message celebrating the development, Muhoozi said eligible Ugandans could now apply online for authorisation to make short-term visits to South Africa for up to 90 days without physically visiting a South African diplomatic mission or visa centre.
“I welcome the inclusion of Ugandan passport holders into South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Eligible travellers can now apply online for short-term visits of up to 90 days via eta.dha.gov.za,” Muhoozi said.
He said the online application process would make travel more convenient and reliable for Ugandans intending to visit South Africa for eligible purposes.
“No physical visits to their mission or visa centre is required. This process is faster, more convenient and reliable,” he said.
Muhoozi also credited the two countries’ diplomatic engagement for helping achieve the arrangement, thanking their foreign ministers for working towards its implementation.
“This is a practical and welcome result of our strong bilateral cooperation. I thank the two foreign ministers of our countries for quickly working towards this goal. Ugandan and South African friendship and co-operation remains strong. Mwebare,” he said.
The development comes weeks after Muhoozi held talks with his South African counterpart, Gen Rudzani Maphwanya, on the sidelines of the inaugural African Defence Chiefs Conference on Military Operations Other Than War at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
The October 7, 2026, meeting focused on strengthening military relations between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which have maintained cooperation through military training and exchange programmes.
Maphwanya had previously visited Uganda in November 2024. The October engagement formed part of wider efforts by African defence leaders to strengthen cooperation in responding to security threats, including terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats, public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Although the military discussions and the travel authorisation arrangement fall under different areas of bilateral cooperation, both reflect ongoing engagement between Uganda and South Africa.
The two countries also held the Third Session of their Joint Commission for Cooperation in Pretoria on October 20, 2026, bringing together Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.
The meeting reviewed political, economic, security and social cooperation, with both sides calling for stronger trade, investment and movement of people.
South Africa welcomed Uganda’s inclusion in the eTA system as a practical step towards facilitating legitimate travel and strengthening commercial links between the two countries.
Uganda, meanwhile, called for more business forums and trade missions to connect investors and companies, while urging the two governments to address barriers to trade, high logistics costs and regulatory challenges.
South Africa launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation system in August 2026 as part of efforts to modernise immigration processing, improve border security and make travel more convenient.
The digital platform allows eligible travellers to submit applications online, verify their contact details, scan their passports and upload a photograph for identity verification. The system uses biometric technology and automated checks to assess applications.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has said approved applicants can receive their authorisation within 24 hours, although processing and approval depend on the application and applicable requirements.
Ugandan passport holders can apply through the official government portal at https://eta.dha.gov.za for eligible short-term visits, including tourism, holidays and short-term business activities.
However, the authorisation must be approved before travel. An approved eTA does not automatically guarantee admission into South Africa, as travellers must still comply with immigration and entry requirements.
The inclusion of Ugandans in the system is expected to ease travel arrangements for businesspeople, students and tourists who previously faced the conventional visa application process.
The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1994, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, security, tourism and regional integration.
South African companies, including MTN, Stanbic Bank Uganda and Absa, have established a presence in Uganda, while both governments are seeking to expand opportunities for businesses and investors in each other’s markets.
This travel arrangement adds to efforts to strengthen people-to-people contact and economic cooperation between the two countries.
