Johannesburg: South Africa has officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a major step aimed at modernizing visa processes, enhancing border security, and promoting growth in the tourism sector. The new system is expected to improve the travel experience for international visitors while strengthening the country’s border management.

The rollout of the ETA system will begin in October 2025 with a phased approach. The first phase will coincide with the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Delegates from China, India, Mexico, and Indonesia, the G20 countries whose citizens require visas to enter South Africa, will be among the first to use the system. Applications for these delegates are expected to open in mid-October. Following the summit, the ETA will be extended to all citizens from these countries, with a full public rollout anticipated in 2026.

Developed in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the State Security Agency, and the Presidency, the ETA system incorporates artificial intelligence to accelerate visa processing. Applicants can expect visa decisions within two hours, and the system includes advanced security features designed to reduce errors and reinforce border safety.

Authorities expect the ETA to have a significant economic impact. Research indicates the system could increase international arrivals by up to one million per year, creating between 80,000 and 100,000 new jobs in South Africa's tourism sector.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the ETA system to cover additional visa categories and more ports of entry. The long-term goal is to establish a fully digital visa system requiring all travelers, regardless of nationality, to obtain an ETA before entering South Africa.

The introduction of the ETA system is seen as a major milestone in South Africa’s efforts to modernize immigration procedures and strengthen its tourism industry, making the country a more accessible and attractive destination for global travelers.

For more details and application procedures, travelers are advised to visit the official South African Department of Home Affairs website.