President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The launch marks the country’s transition towards a fully digital immigration system designed to simplify international travel while strengthening border security.
The launch was attended by Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, senior government officials and industry stakeholders. According to the Presidency, the new system combines advanced biometric verification, machine learning and upgraded border management technology to make travel to South Africa faster, more secure and easier for legitimate visitors.
For Gauteng, home to OR Tambo International Airport and South Africa’s busiest international gateway, the reform is expected to improve the visitor experience while supporting tourism, investment and business travel into the province.
What Is South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly known as the ETA, is a new digital immigration system introduced by the Department of Home Affairs as part of its broader digital transformation programme.
Instead of relying on traditional paper-based visa processes, eligible travellers will be able to submit their applications online before travelling to South Africa.
According to the Presidency, the ETA combines:
- Advanced biometric verification
- Machine learning technology
- The upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (eMCS 2.0)
- Digital identity verification
- Improved border management technology
Together, these technologies are intended to strengthen national security while reducing administrative delays for legitimate travellers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa Says Visa Reform Is An Economic Reform
Speaking during the official launch at OR Tambo International Airport, President Ramaphosa said the Electronic Travel Authorisation represents far more than a technological upgrade.
He described it as a major economic reform designed to improve South Africa’s competitiveness.
“Visa reform is therefore not simply an immigration reform. It is an economic reform. It is a jobs reform.”
The President said countries increasingly compete based on how easily visitors can travel, invest, study and conduct business.
He said South Africa must remove unnecessary delays that discourage tourists, conference organisers, investors and skilled professionals from choosing the country.
According to Ramaphosa, improving accessibility will encourage:
- Tourism
- Foreign investment
- Trade
- International conferences
- Skills exchange
- Job creation
He added that every additional visitor creates opportunities throughout the tourism value chain, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, airlines and conference venues.
OR Tambo International Airport Chosen As The Launch Venue
The Electronic Travel Authorisation was officially launched at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa’s busiest international airport and the country’s primary gateway for international visitors.
President Ramaphosa said the airport was an appropriate venue because it represents South Africa’s first impression for millions of visitors arriving from around the world.
He also referenced the legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo, saying the new digital immigration system honours that legacy by ensuring South Africa welcomes visitors through a process that is efficient, secure and modern.
The Roles Of Dr Leon Schreiber And Patricia De Lille
The launch formed part of the Department of Home Affairs’ digital transformation programme led by Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber.
According to the Presidency, the ETA is the flagship reform of the department’s broader modernisation strategy and represents a significant step towards fully digital immigration services.
Following the official launch by President Ramaphosa, Dr Schreiber participated in the programme before officials conducted a live demonstration of the system and a guided tour of the upgraded border management technologies.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille also attended the launch, reflecting tourism’s central role in the success of the initiative.
The new system is expected to improve the travel experience for international visitors while supporting South Africa’s tourism sector by making entry into the country quicker and more predictable.
How The Electronic Travel Authorisation Works
According to President Ramaphosa, eligible travellers will be able to apply for travel authorisation online before leaving their home country.
The new system will allow applicants to:
- Apply digitally from anywhere in the world
- Avoid visiting South African embassies or visa processing centres where eligible
- Receive faster processing
- Experience more predictable application outcomes
- Benefit from stronger identity verification
The President said technology enables authorities to assess travellers before arrival rather than after they reach South Africa’s borders, strengthening security while making legitimate travel easier.
The Rollout Begins With Four Countries
To support South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the Electronic Travel Authorisation was initially introduced in four strategic markets:
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Mexico
President Ramaphosa confirmed that the government plans to expand the system to additional countries over time.
He also announced that future phases will extend digital processing beyond visitor travel authorisations to include work visas, study visas and other immigration services.
