In his presentation, the Minister highlighted that the ETA is among the initiatives planned to transform the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) through advanced machine learning, digitalisation and the streamlining of visa processing to ensure a secure and user-friendly experience. The Minister also emphasised that the ETA would replace manual processing, making South Africa’s immigration system modern, innovative and globally competitive.

So, what is the ETA? It is a system that allows online applications, biometric capture and instant approvals, aimed at replacing paper-based systems and visa applications. The ETA will be integrated with the Electronic Movement Control System that will be based on facial recognition at ports of entry, with piloting taking place at OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports. The ETA is further aimed at ensuring quick, automated arrivals and improved national security.

In his address, the Minister stated that testing for the ETA was to start at the end of September, with phase one opening in mid-October 2025, just in time for the arrival of G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. Phase two will commence after the conclusion of the G20 leaders meeting in November 2025, and then tourists from the same four countries involved in phase one will also become eligible to use the ETA. Following these phases, there are plans to expand ETA access to more nations so that the ETA becomes the single entry point for tourist visas from all countries that require visas to visit South Africa. In addition, there are plans to extend the ETA to more visa categories over time.