Ramaphosa launches Electronic Travel Authorisation to ease immigration
Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 6:47 p.m. | By Cliff Shiko President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital immigration…
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Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 6:47 p.m. | By Cliff Shiko
President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital immigration system aimed at making travel to South Africa faster and more efficient.
Ramaphosa launched the system at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, together with the Border Management Authority (BMA).
The ETA uses biometric verification, machine learning and an upgraded movement-control system to pre-screen travellers.
Through the new system, eligible travellers will be able to apply online from anywhere in the world, without having to visit a South African mission or visa processing centre.
The system is expected to speed up application processing and improve the overall travel experience for visitors to South Africa.
"This marks the beginning of a much broader transformation. As we make travel easier, we also recognise the legitimate concerns of South Africans regarding border security, illegal immigration and compliance with our laws," said Ramaphosa.
"Technology allows us to know more about travellers before they arrive, rather than after they enter.
"It enables stronger biometric verification, strengthens identity management, improves risk assessment, enhances border security and helps us identify those who seek to abuse our immigration system, while making lawful travel faster and easier," he explained.
Ramaphosa said the ETA would strengthen both economic openness and national security.
He further said the system would not only improve South Africa's immigration processes but also create opportunities for employment in the travel and tourism sector.
The country's latest unemployment rate rose to 33.6% in the previous quarter.
"More visitors mean more hotel bookings, more restaurants filled, more tour operators employed, more flights, more conferences, more exports and more investment," he added.
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