South Africa's ETA System to Revolutionize Tourist Visas
South Africa is set to revolutionize its tourist visa process with the launch of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The Ministry of the Interior, led by Leon Schreiber, has unveiled the first images of the portal, which will initially serve visitors from four countries attending the G20 meeting later this year.
The ETA, linked to the passport, will allow multiple entries during its validity period. It will eventually become the sole entry point for tourist visas, replacing conventional visas. The system is expected to launch in October, following user acceptance testing in September.
Initially, the ETA will be available to delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico arriving at OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport. Even visa-exempt travelers can apply for an ETA. The official application platform is the South African government's website, which can be accessed via www.gov.za or the South African Department of Home Affairs website. Schreiber presented the ETA system to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and shared illustrations to explain its functionality and target audience.
The ETA system, set to launch in October, will initially serve G20 delegates from four countries. In the coming years, it will expand to other visa categories and include automated entry and exit based on facial recognition. This digital key aims to modernize entry into South Africa, streamlining the tourist visa process.
