South Africa has officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, introducing a digital process aimed at making international travel easier while strengthening border security.
President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the system on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, describing it as an important step towards modernising the country’s immigration system.
“The Electronic Travel Authorisation system will make travel to South Africa easier, faster and more predictable. It will encourage tourism. It will support trade. It will attract investment,” Ramaphosa said.
The digital platform allows eligible travellers to submit their details and complete the application process online before travelling to South Africa.
The system also enables authorities to conduct pre-screening before travellers arrive, while biometric and facial-recognition technology can be used at border points to verify their identities.
Four countries currently covered
The ETA system currently applies to travellers from four countries:
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Mexico
The four countries were previously included in a pilot phase before the system was officially launched.
According to the South African government, eligible travellers from these countries can receive their visa outcomes digitally through the platform.
Ramaphosa said the initiative would help promote tourism, investment, trade and skills exchange while improving migration management and border security.
The government is expected to expand the ETA system to additional countries and visa categories in the future.
For Ghanaians planning to travel to South Africa, Ghana is not currently among the four countries covered by the new ETA rollout.
The initiative forms part of South Africa’s wider efforts to digitise its immigration processes, reduce delays and strengthen measures against fraud in the visa system.
