- The new ETA system replaces outdated paper-based visas with quick digital approvals and cutting-edge biometrics for added security.
- The first phase will focus on G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, arriving at OR Tambo and Cape Town airports.
- After the initial rollout, the ETA is set to expand to more countries and visa categories, with a vision to streamline every port of entry in South Africa.
South Africa is taking a big step toward modernising travel with the launch of its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Minister Leon Schreiber introduced the system at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Leadership Conference on 18 September 2025, highlighting it as a major part of the Department of Home Affairs’ digital transformation journey.
The ETA replaces slow, paper-heavy visa applications with a secure, traveller-friendly digital platform. Now, visitors can apply online, provide biometric information, and get visa approvals almost instantly, with no more long queues or mountains of paperwork.
The ETA works hand-in-hand with the new Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0), bringing facial recognition to South Africa’s borders. OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports are leading the way, using automated biometric checks so travellers can breeze through arrival with fewer delays.
Testing for the ETA begins at the end of September. G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, arriving for upcoming meetings, will be the first to try out the new system firsthand.
From pilot to global gateway
After the G20 summit in November, all tourists from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico will be able to use the ETA. Once the system is running smoothly, it will be opened up to travellers from all visa-required countries, eventually covering every tourist visa. The long-term plan is to bring facial recognition-based entry and exit to all ports and visa types across South Africa.
Schreiber pointed to the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which brought more than 35,000 extra tourists from China and India in just seven months. He’s confident that the ETA will help boost these numbers even more in 2026, breaking down old visa barriers and bringing South Africa’s immigration system into the future.
“The ETA is set to eliminate visa barriers that have held back South Africa’s tourism for years,” said Schreiber. “No more long queues or paper forms. From now on, travellers’ first impression of South Africa will be a simple online ETA application, showcasing a country that’s embracing innovation and leading the way in digital transformation.”
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