JOHANNESBURG – South Africa is accelerating the rollout of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a digital pre-travel authorisation platform designed to streamline visa processes and boost tourism. The expanded implementation, announced during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on , will encompass all international airports and the country’s busiest land ports of entry.
The move signals a significant shift in South Africa’s approach to border management, aiming to balance enhanced security with improved accessibility for international visitors. For years, complex and often slow visa procedures have been identified as a hindrance to the country’s tourism potential. The ETA system is intended to address these longstanding issues by digitizing the application process and reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption.
The Department of Home Affairs initially launched the ETA system in , beginning with a pilot program involving travelers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico – all G20 member states requiring visas for entry. Following a successful trial period, the system was extended to tourists from these nations in . The current expansion represents a commitment to making the system universally available to all visa-required travelers.
According to officials, the ETA system utilizes a fully digital, AI-powered platform that links directly to the Department of Home Affairs’ backend systems. This allows authorities to assess travelers before their arrival, improving border screening and risk assessment while simultaneously speeding up processing times. The system also incorporates facial biometric technology for enhanced security, particularly at international airports and major land borders.
The implementation of the ETA system is not merely a technological upgrade. it is part of a broader strategy to modernize South Africa’s immigration processes. The shift from physical visa stickers and manual verification to a digital system is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has welcomed the expanded rollout, describing it as a “significant breakthrough” for the sector. The TBCSA has long advocated for simplified visa procedures, arguing that they were a major impediment to attracting international tourists and realizing the full economic potential of the industry.
Tourism is a vital component of the South African economy, generating R618.7 billion in 2024 and supporting 1.8 million jobs. Projections indicate that the sector could contribute R900 billion to the economy and create 2.6 million jobs by 2035, contingent upon the successful implementation of reforms like the ETA system. Every 13 international tourist arrivals currently supports one job within the country.
In 2025, South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors, marking a significant step in the recovery of the tourism industry following disruptions caused by the global pandemic. The government hopes that the ETA system will catalyze further growth, particularly by attracting visitors from key markets such as India, China, and Indonesia.
Business Unity South Africa has also highlighted the potential of the ETA system to support job creation within the tourism sector. The organization believes that streamlining the visa process will unlock new opportunities for growth and investment, benefiting businesses and communities across the country.
The Department of Home Affairs is concurrently enhancing the Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS) to complement the ETA rollout. This includes activating facial recognition technology at key points of entry, ensuring a seamless and integrated border management system.
While the ETA system is viewed as a positive development, its ultimate success will depend on effective implementation and ongoing collaboration between government and industry stakeholders. The TBCSA has emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to address any challenges that may arise and ensure that the system operates smoothly and efficiently. The ability of the system to handle a high volume of applications accurately and reliably will be crucial to its long-term viability.
The expansion of the ETA system represents a significant investment in the future of South African tourism, signaling a commitment to embracing technology and innovation to enhance the country’s competitiveness as a global travel destination.