South Africa has launched the next phase of its digital travel authorisation system as it moves to simplify visa applications for eligible international travellers.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows eligible travellers to apply online without visiting a South African diplomatic mission or visa processing centre.
The programme was first piloted in October 2025 and combines biometric verification with digital processing and an upgraded movement control system.
Authorities are also able to assess travellers before they arrive in South Africa.
Digital travel system enters its next phase
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially marked the next phase of the ETA at OR Tambo International Airport on 12 August, alongside Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
Cabinet also highlighted the reform as part of efforts to improve South Africa’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment.
The system was first piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico during South Africa’s G20 Presidency in October 2025.
These countries represent important tourism and business markets, with government planning to extend the system to additional countries.
Around 216 000 applications have been processed since the pilot began.
Of these, 6 126 suspected fraudulent applications were rejected, while approved travellers have generally received authorisation within 24 hours.
Visa processes seen as an economic constraint
Ramaphosa said cumbersome visa processes had become an economic constraint as countries compete to attract tourists, investors, conferences and skilled professionals.
“This is far more than the introduction of a new digital platform. It is a statement about the kind of country we are building,” he said.
The reform follows longstanding concerns from the tourism and business sectors that slow and complicated visa processes have left South Africa competing against destinations with simpler electronic entry systems.
The ETA is intended to reduce some of those barriers while using biometric verification and technology to strengthen border security and migration management.
Home Affairs services move online
The ETA forms part of the broader Home Affairs @ Home programme, which seeks to digitise immigration and other departmental services.
The move means eligible travellers are able to complete the travel authorisation process online rather than making an in-person visit to a diplomatic mission or visa processing centre.
Government also plans to extend digital processing beyond visitor authorisations over time, including to work and study visas.
As South Africa expands the ETA to additional countries, the system forms part of a wider shift towards digital immigration services aimed at simplifying travel while strengthening the country’s border management processes.
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