G20 delegates to benefit from South Africa's streamlined travel with new ETA portal
The eletronic travel authorisation (ETA) has been launched ahead of the arrival of G20 Summit leaders to streamline entry at South African airports for travellers.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The official launch of South Africa's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) portal coincides with the nation's preparations to host the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22 and 23.
The Department of Home Affairs reports that the system is functioning effectively, having processed around 200 applications from G20 delegates so far.
This first phase of testing coincides with the G20 gathering, allowing officials to trial the system for delegates from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico entering through OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports.
The ETA represents a significant step forward in South Africa's immigration policy, aiming to replace traditional paper-based visa applications with a streamlined digital alternative.
Designed with facial recognition technology, the ETA allows for online applications, biometric capture and instant approval.
According to immigration law experts at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), this system will integrate with the Electronic Movement Control System at ports of entry, guaranteeing faster and more secure arrivals.
During a presentation to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa in mid-September, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber outlined that the ETA is part of a broader initiative to modernise the Department through machine learning and digitalisation.
He emphasised that this system aims to eliminate visa-related barriers that have hindered South Africa's tourism potential for years while enhancing the security of immigration processes.
“Instead of long lines and cumbersome paperwork, tourists will now enjoy a seamless online application process,” Schreiber stated.
“This showcases South Africa as a nation committed to modernising its immigration system and embracing digital innovation.”
Following the successful G20 Phase One testing, Phase Two is expected to roll out after the summit, extending ETA eligibility to tourists from the same four countries.
CDH noted that the ultimate goal is to make the ETA the primary entry point for tourist visas from all countries that require visas for South Africa, with plans to gradually broaden the ETA’s applicability to more visa categories.