The new digital system is expected to make travel faster and more predictable while strengthening border management and supporting tourism and trade
South Africa has launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system at OR Tambo International Airport as it prioritises digitising the country’s travel and border management processes.
The launch of the new system comes as South Africa continues to strengthen migration management and address challenges linked to illegal immigration.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the ETA is more than the introduction of a new digital platform; it is part of efforts to improve how South Africa manages international travel.
“Today, through this new system, we are strengthening the way in which the world comes to South Africa. The Electronic Travel Authorisation system will make travel to South Africa easier, faster and more predictable. It will encourage tourism. It will support trade. It will attract investment. It will facilitate skills and knowledge exchange. And at the same time, it will strengthen the integrity of our borders and improve our ability to manage migration effectively,” said Ramaphosa.
The system comes at a time when South Africa is grappling with high unemployment. The country’s latest quarterly statistics have again revealed that the issue of unemployment keeps on getting worse, despite the government promising to create more employment opportunities.
However, Ramaphosa said the increase in international visitors could create opportunities across several sectors, including aviation, hospitality, tourism and related services.
“More visitors mean more hotel bookings. More restaurants filled. More tour operators employed. More flights. More conferences. More exports. More investment. More opportunities for South Africans to earn an income and build a better future,” he said.
For travellers, the ETA will allow eligible applicants to apply online from anywhere in the world without having to visit a South African mission or visa processing centre.
The digital system is also expected to give authorities more information about travellers before they arrive, helping to improve immigration management and border security.
“Technology allows us to know more about travellers before they arrive rather than after they enter. It enables stronger biometric verification. It strengthens identity management. It improves risk assessment. It enhances border security. It helps us identify those who seek to abuse our immigration system while making lawful travel faster and easier. The Electronic Travel Authorisation therefore strengthens both economic openness and national security,” Ramaphosa said.
The launch at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s busiest airport, is expected to support the smoother movement of international travellers while strengthening the country’s ability to manage migration.
For the aviation and logistics sectors, a more streamlined travel process could also support increased passenger movement, tourism-related activity and international business, while contributing to broader economic and employment opportunities.