Johannesburg – South Africa has launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a digital immigration platform aimed at making travel more efficient while strengthening border security and reducing visa fraud.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the system would transform how foreign travellers apply for authorisation to enter South Africa, with approved applicants expected to receive their ETA within 24 hours.
“The launch of the ETA represents a quantum leap forward for our country’s immigration system,” Schreiber said.
The system uses biometric technology to verify travellers’ identities and automatically checks passports and applications for potential fraud or security risks.
Schreiber said the system had already processed 216,204 applications during its pilot phase, identifying and rejecting 6,126 fraudulent applications involving suspected fraudulent passports, manipulated documents and other risk indicators.
WATCH | Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says the ETA provides authorities with the capability to detect overstayers in real time. pic.twitter.com/fpTDT8Cmcy
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 12, 2026
“The face of the traveller becomes the key that determines whether they may enter, rather than physical documents that can be manipulated,” he said.
The ETA will initially be available to travellers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Lanseria International Airport.
Schreiber said the system would eventually be expanded to other ports of entry and additional visa categories, including study, spousal and work visas.
“This is not only about a digital visa for tourists and short visits,” he said. “Our aim is to turn it into the single-entry point and central platform for an end-to-end digital immigration system.”
The launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation is a quantum leap forward for the efficiency and security of South Africa’s immigration system. It also demonstrates how we’re rapidly becoming a world leader in the digital transformation of civics and migration services! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/UZPY5hVMUr
— Leon Schreiber (@Leon_Schreib) August 13, 2026
The system also allows eligible visitors staying for up to 90 days to apply digitally for an extension of up to a further 90 days, in line with the Immigration Act.
Schreiber said the reforms were intended to create an immigration system that was both secure and welcoming.
“A system that is modern and uncompromising when it comes to security, but welcoming and efficient when it comes to the travellers and investors we must attract to generate growth and jobs,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
