South Africa’s New ETA System Boosts Travel, Security

Last updated on 7 minutes ago

South Africa is set to revolutionize its immigration and travel processes with the launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, unveiled on September 18, 2025, by Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Leadership Conference.

This cutting-edge, AI-powered digital visa platform marks a significant step toward modernizing South Africa’s visa processes, enhancing tourism, and bolstering border security. Here’s everything you need to know about this transformative initiative, designed to make travel to South Africa seamless, secure, and efficient.

What is the ETA System?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is a fully digital platform that replaces outdated, paper-based visa processes with a streamlined, user-friendly experience. Powered by advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, the ETA allows travelers to apply for visas online, submit biometric data, and receive approvals in near real-time. The system is integrated with the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0), which introduces facial recognition technology at key ports of entry, starting with OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport.

The ETA is a cornerstone of the Department of Home Affairs’ “Home Affairs @ Home” vision, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, reduce fraud, and enhance the traveler experience while strengthening national security. By digitizing and automating visa processes, South Africa is positioning itself as a globally competitive and accessible destination for tourists and business travelers alike.

How Does the ETA System Work?

The ETA system is designed to be intuitive and efficient, leveraging technology to simplify the visa application process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

Online Application: Travelers can apply for their ETA through a dedicated online platform (official URL to be announced). The process is accessible via smartphones or computers, eliminating the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates.
Biometric Submission: Applicants upload a selfie and scan their passport. The system performs 40 different authenticity checks on the passport and matches the selfie to the passport photo using facial recognition technology.
Real-Time Processing: Powered by AI, the system processes applications almost instantly, though approvals may be delayed by an hour or two for additional security checks. Once approved, travelers receive a digital ETA visa, complete with a QR code, stored in their smartphone wallet alongside other digital documents like boarding passes or bank cards.
Seamless Entry: At ports of entry, the ETA integrates with EMCS 2.0, enabling automated biometric checks via facial recognition. This reduces queuing times and enhances the arrival experience at airports like OR Tambo and Cape Town International.

The ETA is initially valid for short-stay tourist visas of up to 90 days, with multiple entries permitted and the option to renew once for an additional 90 days. However, it does not allow conversions to work or study permits.

Phased Rollout of the ETA System

The ETA system will be implemented in stages to ensure stability and scalability:

September 25, 2025: User acceptance testing begins to fine-tune the system.
Mid-October 2025: The first phase launches, targeting G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico—countries whose citizens require visas to enter South Africa. This phase will apply to arrivals at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports.
Late November 2025: Following the G20 Leaders’ Summit (November 22–23, 2025), the second phase opens the ETA to all tourists from the same four countries.
Future Phases: Once the system is stable, the ETA will become the single entry point for all tourist visa applications from visa-required countries. Over the coming years, it will expand to include other visa categories (e.g., work, study, and residency permits) and roll out automated entry-and-exit processes with facial recognition at all South African ports of entry.

Why the ETA System Matters

The launch of the ETA system is a pivotal moment for South Africa’s tourism and immigration landscape. Here’s why

it’s a game-changer:

1. Boosting Tourism

South Africa’s tourism sector is a vital economic driver, contributing 8.5% to the country’s GDP and welcoming over 880,000 visitors in July 2025 alone, a 26% increase from the previous year. However, visa bottlenecks have long suppressed the country’s tourism potential. The ETA addresses this by:

Eliminating lengthy processing times and cumbersome paperwork.
Enabling faster, more accessible visa applications for travelers worldwide.
Building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which brought in over 35,000 additional tourists from China and India in just seven months. The ETA is expected to “turbocharge” these numbers in 2026, with projections of up to 1 million additional travelers from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico alone, potentially creating 80,000–100,000 new jobs.

Enhancing Security

The ETA system leverages AI and facial recognition to combat fraud, corruption, and illegal immigration. By conducting 40 authenticity checks on passports and cross-referencing biometric data, the system ensures that only legitimate travelers are granted entry. The integration with EMCS 2.0 further strengthens border security through automated checks, reducing human error and enhancing efficiency.

3. Modernizing Immigration

The ETA marks the end of paper-based visa processes, which have been plagued by inefficiency and corruption. As Minister Schreiber stated, “The days of pieces of paper and handwritten visa documents are coming to an end before our eyes because we are tired of corruption, we are tired of fraud, and we are tired of illegal immigration.” The system aligns South Africa with global standards, making it a more attractive destination for tourists, skilled workers, and investors.

4. Economic Growth and Job Creation

The ETA is part of broader immigration reforms, including the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which has streamlined visa processes for skilled workers (e.g., 246 software engineers and 147 nuclear engineers for Eskom). By attracting more tourists and skilled professionals, the ETA is expected to drive economic growth and create thousands of jobs. The tourism sector alone attracted $39 million in venture capital for startups between 2019 and 2024, underscoring its potential as an economic catalyst.

What Travelers Need to Know

For those planning to visit South Africa, the ETA system promises a smoother, more efficient experience. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Eligibility: Initially, the ETA applies to short-stay tourist visas (up to 90 days) for travelers from visa-required countries, starting with China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. The full list of eligible nationalities will be announced closer to the official launch.
Application Process: You’ll need a smartphone or computer, a valid passport, and a selfie for biometric verification. The process is designed to be quick, with approvals issued within minutes in most cases.
Entry Points: In the initial phases, the ETA is valid only for arrivals at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports. Expansion to other ports of entry will follow.
Existing e-Visa System: The relationship between the ETA and the current e-Visa portal (ehome.dha.gov.za) remains unclear. Travelers should monitor official announcements for updates on whether the existing portal will be phased out.

What’s Next for the ETA System?

The ETA is just the beginning of South Africa’s immigration overhaul. In the coming years, the system will expand to include:

All visa-required countries for tourist visas.
Additional visa categories, such as work, study, and residency permits.
Automated entry-and-exit processes with facial recognition at all ports of entry.

The Department of Home Affairs is also exploring synergies with other initiatives, such as the points-based work visa system and improved family immigration rights, to attract skilled workers and support economic growth.

Why This Matters for Travelers and the Tourism Industry

For travelers, the ETA means faster visa approvals, less hassle, and a more welcoming entry experience. For South Africa’s tourism industry, it’s a lifeline to unlock the country’s full potential as a global destination. As Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille noted at the G20 Tourism Investment Summit, the ETA, combined with initiatives like the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme, is part of a broader strategy to boost international arrivals, attract investment, and drive job creation.

The ETA’s launch comes at a critical time as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, showcasing its commitment to innovation and global competitiveness. By removing visa barriers and enhancing security, the ETA positions South Africa as a must-visit destination for tourists and a hub for economic opportunity.

South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is a bold step toward modernizing immigration and unlocking the country’s tourism potential. By leveraging AI, facial recognition, and digital platforms, the ETA promises to make travel to South Africa faster, safer, and more accessible. With a phased rollout starting in September 2025 and ambitious plans for expansion, this system is set to transform the way the world experiences South Africa.

2 Post Views