Hospitality industry calls new Electronic Travel Authorisation a game-changer for tourism

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has hailed the Department of Home Affairs’ newly announced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as a landmark reform that will strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global tourism.

This comes as the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, unveiled the ETA system at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, positioning it as a key step in modernising South Africa’s visa and border management framework.

Brett Tungay, Fedhasa national chairperson, commended Scheiber for driving digital transformation in visa and border control systems. Fedhasa is South Africa's trusted association for the hospitality industry, representing all segments and all establishments under one banner and with one voice.

“The introduction of the ETA is a bold and visionary step that will transform how international visitors experience South Africa from the very first moment they engage with our country,” Tungay said.

“By removing outdated paper-based processes and replacing them with a fast, digital, traveller-friendly platform, Minister Schreiber is dismantling one of the biggest barriers to inbound tourism growth. This will undoubtedly help attract more visitors, create much-needed jobs, andbuoy our economy.”

The ETA system makes use of advanced machine learning and biometric technology to digitalise visa applications, offering real-time approvals and reducing processing delays. It is integrated with the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0), which will introduce facial recognition at major ports of entry, including OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports.

“The ETA is set to eliminate visa barriers that have suppressed South Africa’s tourism potential for many years, while simultaneously revolutionising the security of our immigration processes,” Scheiber said.

“Instead of long queues, paper forms and inefficiency, from now on, the first impression that tourists will get of South Africa will be when they apply online for an ETA – showcasing a country with an immigration system that is rapidly modernising, embracing innovation, and blazing a trail towards becoming a world leader in digital transformation.”

Testing of the system begins at the end of September. A pilot will go live in October for delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico – the four G20 members that require visas.

From November, it will extend to tourists from those countries, before expanding to all visa-required markets. Over time, the system will also apply to other visa categories and ports of entry.

Tungay said this approach positions South Africa as an accessible and forward-looking destination for travellers.

“Countries that make it easy to visit are the ones that win in global tourism,” he noted.

“With the ETA, South Africa is sending a clear signal to the world that we are open, modernising, and ready to welcome more travellers. Tourism is one of the fastest routes to job creation, and this initiative will help unlock that potential.”

Tourism contributes significantly to South Africa’s economy, generating R618.7 billion in 2024 and supporting 1.8 million jobs. That figure is expected to reach 1.9 million this year, with long-term potential of R900bn GDP contribution and 2.6 million jobs by 2035 if reforms are sustained.

The system builds on the recent success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which has already attracted over 35 000 additional visitors from China and India in just seven months.

Industry leaders believe the ETA will accelerate this momentum, especially as the country gears up for 2026.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, also highlighted the golden thread between growth, people and policy, and positioning South Africa as a top tourism destination.

De Lille also reminded the gathering of the five pillars of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, which is the collective blueprint for the sector’s future.

“The Plan is built on five strategic pillars that are the backbone of how we will deliver growth, job creation and skills development – ensuring tourism provides real opportunities, especially for youth and women,” she said.

“Tourism is about the millions of South Africans whose livelihoods depend on it – and the millions more who can benefit from our collective success. That is why we must rise above distractions and stay focused on implementation: delivery of growth, delivery of jobs, delivery of opportunity.” 

BUSINESS REPORT