A first look at South Africa’s ETA platform
South Africa has launched the first stage of its electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, accessible at eta.dha.gov.za. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout planned for all countries that require visas.
Initial Phase and Coverage
The ETA platform currently serves G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico arriving through OR Tambo and Cape Town international airports. If operations remain stable, South Africa plans to extend access to all travellers from these four countries and later, by 2026, to the rest of the world’s visa-required markets.
Automation and Processing
“Eighty-five percent of applications are processed automatically using AI-powered risk assessment,”
according to the Department of Home Affairs’ FAQ section. The department aims to complete eligible applications within 24 hours, with approval or rejection notices sent to applicants in real time.
Security and Compliance
- Biometric enrolment and verification for travellers
- Real-time validation of ETA status shared with airlines and border control
- End-to-end encryption of personal data
- Full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act
Future Developments
The Department of Home Affairs is exploring the “most seamless and appropriate way to also obtain biometrics from visa-exempt travellers.”
Application Overview
The system’s infographic demonstrates each step of the application workflow, designed to ensure simplicity, transparency, and security for travellers entering South Africa.
Author’s summary: South Africa’s new ETA platform combines AI-driven automation and biometric security to streamline visa processing, aiming for a global rollout by 2026.