Streamline the tourist visa system to grow tourist arrivals
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Individual Reform: Streamline the tourist visa system to grow tourist arrivals 2026 - 2027

Implement a fully automated Electronic Travel Authoriation (ETA) system

No data available for the deliverable: Implement a fully automated Electronic Travel Authoriation (ETA) system

No data available for the deliverable: Implement a fully automated Electronic Travel Authoriation (ETA) system

No data available for the deliverable: Implement a fully automated Electronic Travel Authoriation (ETA) system

No data available for the deliverable: Implement a fully automated Electronic Travel Authoriation (ETA) system

No data available for the deliverable: Implement a fully automated Electronic Travel Authoriation (ETA) system

Summary

The ETA system is a digital pre-boarding permit that allows eligible travellers to enter a country for short visits and tourist purposes. It also helps to screen travellers before they arrive. The ETA is expected to be launched in September 2025. Over time, it is expected to replace paper-based visas by issuing the traveller with a unique digital code linked to their passport information. Implementation of the ETA system will also bring South Africa in line with other nations. Similar systems are in place in Australia, the US and Canada.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

ETA not yet launched. However, Minister Leon Schreiber announced that it will be rolled out or officially go live in September 2025, focusing on travellers arriving by air at OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports ahead of the G20 leaders meetings. Over time, it will be rolled out at all international ports of entry.

Actions

ETA system is in the testing and refinement phase.

Are there plans?

The ETA is expected to be launched in September 202

Is it on the agenda?

• Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda • Announced at the department's 2025 Budget Vote

Goals

The aim is to modernise entry into SA by enhancing accessibility and security. The department plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for tourist visas to streamline the visa application process, improve border entry procedures and boost tourism.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Home Affairs

Summary

The ETA system is a digital pre-boarding permit that allows eligible travellers to enter a country for short visits and tourist purposes. It also helps to screen travellers before they arrive. The ETA launched in September 2025 for G20 delegates as phase 1 rollout. Over time, it is expected to replace paper-based visas by issuing the traveller with a unique digital code linked to their passport information. Implementation of the ETA system will also bring South Africa in line with other nations. Similar systems are in place in Australia, the US and Canada.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

The ETA pilot has launched on a temporary basis for G20 Leaders Summit delegates from selected countries. Minister Leon Schreiber, however. announced a full rollout over the next two years, initially targeting travellers at major airports, with expansion to all international ports of entry in due course. The temporary rollout was deemed successful for its rapid processing of delegate entries, paving the way for broader implementation in 2026 and beyond.

Actions

ETA system is in the testing and refinement phase.

Are there plans?

The ETA pilot was launched in September 2025

Is it on the agenda?

• Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda • Announced at the department's 2025 Budget Vote

Goals

The aim is to modernise entry into SA by enhancing accessibility and security. The department plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for tourist visas to streamline the visa application process, improve border entry procedures and boost tourism.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Home Affairs

Summary

The ETA system is a digital pre-boarding permit that allows eligible travellers to enter a country for short visits and tourist purposes. It also helps to screen travellers before they arrive. The ETA launched in September 2025 for G20 delegates as part of the phase 1 rollout. Over time, it is expected to replace paper-based visas by issuing the traveller with a unique digital code linked to their passport information. Implementation of the ETA system will also bring South Africa in line with other nations. Similar systems are in place in Australia, the US and Canada.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

The ETA pilot has launched on a temporary basis for leaders of the G20 Summit from selected countries. Minister Leon Schreiber announced a full rollout over the next two years, initially targeting travellers at major airports, with expansion to all international ports of entry in due course. The temporary rollout was deemed successful for its rapid processing of delegate entries, paving the way for broader implementation in 2026 and beyond.

Actions

ETA system is in the testing and refinement phase.

Are there plans?

The ETA pilot was launched in September 2025 for the G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico arriving at OR Tambo and Cape Town international airports. The ETA, during the 2026/27 financial year, is expected to be extended to all countries that require a visa.

Is it on the agenda?

• Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda • Announced at the department's 2025 Budget Vote

Goals

The aim is to modernise entry into SA by enhancing accessibility and security. The department plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for tourist visas to streamline the visa application process, improve border entry procedures and boost tourism.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Home Affairs

Summary

The ETA system is a digital pre-boarding permit that allows eligible travellers to enter a country for short visits and tourist purposes. It also helps to screen travellers before they arrive. The ETA launched in September 2025 for G20 delegates as part of the phase 1 rollout. Over time, it is expected to replace paper-based visas by issuing the traveller with a unique digital code linked to their passport information. Implementation of the ETA system will also bring South Africa in line with other nations. Similar systems are in place in Australia, the US and Canada.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

The ETA pilot has launched on a temporary basis for leaders of the G20 Summit from selected countries. Minister Leon Schreiber announced a full rollout over the next two years, initially targeting travellers at major airports, with expansion to all international ports of entry in due course. The temporary rollout was deemed successful for its rapid processing of delegate entries, paving the way for broader implementation in 2026 and beyond.

Actions

ETA system is in the testing and refinement phase.

Are there plans?

The ETA pilot was launched in September 2025 for the G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico arriving at OR Tambo and Cape Town international airports. The ETA, during the 2026/27 financial year, is expected to be extended to all countries that require a visa.

Is it on the agenda?

• Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda • Announced at the department's 2025 Budget Vote

Goals

The aim is to modernise entry into SA by enhancing accessibility and security. The department plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for tourist visas to streamline the visa application process, improve border entry procedures and boost tourism.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

Department of Home Affairs

Analyst: Thabani Madlala
Status: in-progress
Last Updated:
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    Implement e-Gates at major ports of entry

    No data available for the deliverable: Implement e-Gates at major ports of entry

    No data available for the deliverable: Implement e-Gates at major ports of entry

    No data available for the deliverable: Implement e-Gates at major ports of entry

    No data available for the deliverable: Implement e-Gates at major ports of entry

    No data available for the deliverable: Implement e-Gates at major ports of entry

    Summary

    Automated entry-and-exit systems (or e-gates) are yet to be launched. The Department of Home Affairs intends to expand the use of biometric technology (Biometric Movement Control System [BMCS]) for passenger and goods checks at ports of entry. Coupled with the ETA system, the Border Management Authority (BMA) will roll out automated entry-and-exit systems at all ports of entry (seaports, airports and land border crossings). This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise border management. By integrating biometric information with travel authorisation and databases, the BMCS will also enable a risk engine that notifies immigration officials in real time if a traveller has overstayed (failed to exit the country by the time their authorisation expires).

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The project is yet to commence. The minister announced in April 2025 the conclusion of a groundbreaking agreement between his department, the BMA, Government Printing Works (GPW) and Sars to digitally transform and revolutionise government services. The agreement includes the launch of the ETA system to digitalise and automate immigration procedures to eliminate inefficiency and fraud. The ETA will be integrated with the BMA rollout of automated entry-and-exit systems at all of the ports of entry.

    Actions

    ETA system is in a pilot phase.

    Are there plans?

    Automated entry-and-exit ports of entry form a central component of the department's Strategic Plan 2025-2030.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.

    Goals

    The goal is to enhance security, streamline travel processes and modernise operations.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Home Affairs

    Summary

    Automated entry-and-exit systems (or e-gates) are yet to be launched. The Department of Home Affairs intends to expand the use of biometric technology (Biometric Movement Control System [BMCS]) for passenger and goods checks at ports of entry. Coupled with the ETA system, the Border Management Authority (BMA) will roll out automated entry-and-exit systems at all ports of entry (seaports, airports and land border crossings). This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise border management. By integrating biometric information with travel authorisation and databases, the BMCS will also enable a risk engine that notifies immigration officials in real time if a traveller has overstayed (failed to exit the country by the time their authorisation expires).

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The project is yet to commence. The minister announced in April 2025 the conclusion of a groundbreaking agreement between his department, the BMA, Government Printing Works (GPW) and Sars to digitally transform and revolutionise government services. The agreement includes the launch of the ETA system to digitalise and automate immigration procedures to eliminate inefficiency and fraud. The ETA will be integrated with the BMA rollout of automated entry-and-exit systems at all of the ports of entry.

    Actions

    ETA system is in a pilot phase.

    Are there plans?

    Automated entry-and-exit ports of entry form a central component of the department's Strategic Plan 2025-2030.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.

    Goals

    The goal is to enhance security, streamline travel processes and modernise operations.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Home Affairs

    Summary

    Automated entry-and-exit systems (or e-gates) are yet to be launched. The Department of Home Affairs intends to expand the use of biometric technology (Biometric Movement Control System [BMCS]) for passenger and goods checks at ports of entry. Coupled with the ETA system, the Border Management Authority (BMA) will roll out automated entry-and-exit systems at all ports of entry (seaports, airports and land border crossings). This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise border management. By integrating biometric information with travel authorisation and databases, the BMCS will also enable a risk engine that notifies immigration officials in real time if a traveller has overstayed (failed to exit the country by the time their authorisation expires).

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The project to implement e-gates using biometrics, including facial recognition, to expedite immigration processing at major airports and ports has yet to commence. In April 2025, the minister announced a groundbreaking agreement between the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), Government Printing Works (GPW), and SARS to digitally transform and revolutionise government services. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system pilot, which digitalises and automates immigration procedures, has already launched, signifying key steps towards future e-gate deployment, especially at airports.

    Actions

    ETA system is in a pilot phase, which could be a significant step towards establishing biometric e-gates or smart gates.

    Are there plans?

    Automated entry-and-exit ports of entry form a central component of the department's Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Home Affairs minister indicated, in September 2025, that the ETA system will be integrated with an upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0) that will be based on facial recognition at ports of entry, starting with OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.

    Goals

    The goal is to enhance security, streamline travel processes and modernise operations. UAE's Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport are some of the airports that already extensively use biometric smart gates for fast, contactless immigration.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Home Affairs

    Summary

    Automated entry-and-exit systems (or e-gates) are yet to be launched. The Department of Home Affairs intends to expand the use of biometric technology (Biometric Movement Control System [BMCS]) for passenger and goods checks at ports of entry. Coupled with the ETA system, the Border Management Authority (BMA) will roll out automated entry-and-exit systems at all ports of entry (seaports, airports and land border crossings). This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise border management. By integrating biometric information with travel authorisation and databases, the BMCS will also enable a risk engine that notifies immigration officials in real time if a traveller has overstayed (failed to exit the country by the time their authorisation expires).

    Canvas not supported.

    Is it working?

    The project to implement e-gates using biometrics, including facial recognition, to expedite immigration processing at major airports and ports has yet to commence. In April 2025, the minister announced a groundbreaking agreement between the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), Government Printing Works (GPW), and SARS to digitally transform and revolutionise government services. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system pilot, which digitalises and automates immigration procedures, has already launched, signifying key steps towards future e-gate deployment, especially at airports.

    Actions

    ETA system is in a pilot phase, which could be a significant step towards establishing biometric e-gates or smart gates.

    Are there plans?

    Automated entry-and-exit ports of entry form a central component of the department's Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Home Affairs minister indicated, in September 2025, that the ETA system will be integrated with an upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0) that will be based on facial recognition at ports of entry, starting with OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.

    Is it on the agenda?

    Falls under the Operation Vulindlela Phase 2 agenda.

    Goals

    The goal is to enhance security, streamline travel processes and modernise operations. UAE's Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport are some of the airports that already extensively use biometric smart gates for fast, contactless immigration.

    Departments / Govt Institutions

    Department of Home Affairs

    Analyst: Thabani Madlala
    Status: in-progress
    Last Updated:
    Next Update:
    Got an Update? Follow this reform
    Reform Area:
    Reform:

      If you would like to alert our analysts to an update you are aware of in this particular reform area, please complete the form below and submit it to us. Please ensure you include links to any press releases or other documents to confirm the reforms and provide detail to allow our analysts to assess the changes. Our team will review it.