A New Era for Travel to South Africa
South Africa has taken a decisive step towards modernising its immigration and tourism systems. On 11 October 2025, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, officially launched the country’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a fully digital platform that will transform how short-term visitors apply to enter South Africa.
The introduction of the ETA marks a major reform in the Department of Home Affairs’ digital transformation agenda, aiming to boost tourism, streamline visa processing, and enhance national security through technology.
What Is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The ETA is a secure, online visa-processing system that allows eligible travellers to apply electronically, capture biometrics, and receive approvals in real time, eliminating the need for paper-based submissions or long queues at consulates.
Integrated with EMCS 2.0, the department’s new facial recognition-based movement control system, the ETA ensures that traveller verification is fast, accurate, and seamless at ports of entry such as OR Tambo International and Cape Town International Airport.
This system represents a move toward a contactless, technology-driven border control framework, aligning South Africa with international best practice in digital immigration management.
How the ETA System Works
Travellers from visa-required countries can complete their application through a dedicated online portal, upload the required documents, and pay electronically. Once processed, an ETA approval is linked to the traveller’s passport and automatically verified upon arrival.
At border posts, the system performs automated biometric and facial recognition checks, significantly reducing waiting times while maintaining high security standards.
Phased Roll-Out Timeline
The Department of Home Affairs has announced a phased implementation schedule to ensure a smooth transition:
- End of September 2025: User testing and pilot deployment begin.
- Mid-October 2025: Phase 1 opens to G20 delegates from visa-required countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico.
- Late November 2025: Phase 2 extends ETA eligibility to all short-term tourists from these countries.
- 2026 onwards: Expansion to include all visa-required countries and additional visa categories, including business and transit visas.
Why the ETA Matters
This initiative is not just a technological innovation, it’s a strategic catalyst for economic growth.
The ETA builds on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which attracted over 35,000 tourists from China and India within just seven months of implementation. With tourism identified as one of the key drivers of post-pandemic recovery, the ETA is expected to support job creation, where every 13 tourists create one new job in the sector.
Moreover, it reinforces the Home Affairs @ Home vision of digital governance, delivering efficient, citizen-centric services while safeguarding the integrity of South Africa’s borders.
Looking Ahead
The Electronic Travel Authorisation system is more than a convenience tool; it is a policy instrument for transformation. By digitising entry processes and integrating biometric verification, South Africa signals its readiness to compete globally as a smart, secure, and welcoming destination.
For businesses, tourism operators, and travellers alike, the ETA represents a new standard of efficiency and accessibility. As implementation progresses through 2026, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for a fully digital visa environment.
