South Africa launches ETA system at four major airports
South Africa Representative Image
The system allows travellers to apply online, scan their passport, upload a selfie and receive approval within 24 hours.
South Africa has officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system four major airports including OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International and Lanseria International airports.
The system was launched in the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber. The system allows travellers to apply online, scan their passport, upload a selfie and receive approval within 24 hours. Biometric facial recognition verifies travellers on arrival and departure, while automated risk screening checks more than 40 parameters per application. Since its October 2025 pilot, the system has identified and rejected 6,126 fraudulent applications - 2.8% of all submissions from pilot countries.
The ETA is designed to serve as the foundation for an end-to-end digital immigration system covering all visa categories, with plans to expand to land and seaports of entry in the coming months. Minister Schreiber described the system as a tool to “unlock economic growth through tourism, investment and legitimate travel”, while President Ramaphosa framed border efficiency directly as a competitive advantage in attracting visitors and investors.
Integration between the ETA, the Border Management Authority’s upgraded Electronic Movement Control System and ACSA’s automated eGates, which would enable passport-free processing via facial recognition, is still under development and expected to be completed in the near term.
