Pretoria, South Africa – June 2025 – In a landmark move aimed at boosting tourism and streamlining border control, South Africa is set to launch its fully digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system by the end of September 2025. The announcement was made by Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, who confirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the country’s immigration framework through advanced digital systems.
The ETA system, initially available for short-term tourist visits of up to 90 days, will mark a significant shift in how South Africa handles inbound travel, making it easier for international tourists to plan and enjoy their stays while improving national security standards at ports of entry.
Key Features of the South Africa ETA System
The ETA system will be managed by the Border Management Authority and will debut at major international airports, including:
- OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
- Cape Town International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
Here’s what travelers and tourism stakeholders can expect from the new ETA system:
✅ Digital Application Portal – Travelers will be able to apply online, eliminating the need for embassy appointments or paper-based processing.
✅ AI-Powered Risk Assessment – The system uses real-time artificial intelligence (AI) tools to monitor applications for potential security threats.
✅ Cybersecurity-Driven Platform – Enhanced security protocols will protect both applicants’ personal data and South Africa’s border integrity.
✅ Faster Processing Times – The system is designed to deliver significantly reduced visa processing turnaround, easing congestion and delays at entry points.
Minister Schreiber: “World-Class Digital Gateway to South Africa”
In an official statement reported by Tourism Update, Minister Leon Schreiber described the system as a “world-class solution” tailored for a modern, connected tourism economy:
“The ETA will include world-class cybersecurity systems and live monitoring by AI-powered risk engines. This platform reflects our commitment to safe, seamless and scalable entry into South Africa for legitimate travelers,” said Schreiber.
He confirmed that the list of eligible nationalities will be officially released during the go-live event in late September 2025. He emphasized that any discussions on specifics would be premature before the official announcement.
A recent live demonstration of the ETA system to President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly ran without issues, reinforcing confidence in the system’s readiness and operational effectiveness. Final testing and integration with international visa platforms is now in its final stages.
Modernising South Africa’s Travel Infrastructure
The ETA launch is part of South Africa’s broader strategy to enhance travel infrastructure, particularly in preparation for growing tourist demand and major international events. As the country rebounds from the impacts of COVID-19 and aligns with global tourism recovery trends, a digitised, responsive visa system is seen as critical to achieving the following goals:
- Increasing inbound tourism from key short-haul and long-haul markets
- Reducing visa processing bottlenecks for travelers and authorities
- Enhancing border security through advanced vetting
- Aligning with global best practices adopted by destinations like Australia, the UK, and the UAE
Why the ETA Matters for South African Tourism
According to data from South African Tourism, the country welcomed over 6.4 million visitors in 2024, with an estimated 8 million projected by the end of 2025. The introduction of the ETA system will make travel to South Africa simpler, faster, and safer, especially for tourists from countries with historically strong tourism ties.
Tourism experts believe this update is likely to:
- Increase travel bookings from Europe, North America, and Asia
- Attract digital nomads and short-term business travelers
- Position South Africa more competitively in Africa’s inbound tourism market
Notably, the ETA also comes at a time when Kenya, Rwanda, and Morocco are launching or enhancing their own eVisa and ETA platforms, intensifying regional competition for international arrivals.
Expanding the ETA Beyond Tourism
Although the initial rollout will focus on tourist visas for up to 90 days, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that future phases will expand coverage to other visa categories, including:
- Short-term business travel
- Family visits
- Event-based travel (e.g., conferences, sports)
This scalability ensures that the ETA system will serve as the digital foundation for South Africa’s long-term visa modernization efforts, eventually replacing multiple paper-based procedures with an all-in-one digital platform.
What Travelers Should Expect at Launch
Tourists planning to visit South Africa from late September 2025 onward should:
✅ Monitor the Department of Home Affairs website for the full list of eligible countries
✅ Apply online via the official ETA portal once available
✅ Prepare digital copies of passports, travel itineraries, and proof of accommodation
✅ Await confirmation via email or SMS, with approved ETAs linked electronically to their passports
Conclusion: A New Era for South Africa’s Border Experience
With its ETA system set for launch in September 2025, South Africa is stepping boldly into the digital future of tourism and border control. The move promises to transform the traveler experience, making the country more attractive to international tourists while boosting security and efficiency.
For global travelers and tour operators alike, the ETA represents a welcome upgrade that blends innovation with accessibility, opening new opportunities for exploring the Rainbow Nation.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
