Home Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System Under Immigration Act

Posted 13 August 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Immigration

Brought to you by SAnews: The Department of Home Affairs has launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, introducing automated biometric verification and digital visa processing under the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002.

In terms of the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002, the Department of Home Affairs has deployed an automated digital entry system combining facial biometric verification with automated risk analysis. The platform processes travel authorisations within 24 hours, storing issued credentials in digital wallet applications for verification upon arrival.

The ETA system incorporates built-in functionality for short-stay visitors entering South Africa for up to 90 days to digitally apply for an extension of stay for up to an additional 90 days, in compliance with statutory provisions under the Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002.

Deployment Scope and Performance Data

Initial pilot testing processed 216,204 applications for travellers originating from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, resulting in the detection and rejection of 6,126 fraudulent applications based on passport and document manipulation analysis.

The ETA system is currently operational across four primary international airports:

  • OR Tambo International Airport
  • Cape Town International Airport
  • King Shaka International Airport
  • Lanseria International Airport

Subsequent implementation phases will extend biometric facial recognition and Enhanced Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0) infrastructure to land borders and maritime ports of entry. Work is currently underway to integrate long-term and complex visa classifications into the platform, including study, spousal, and work visas.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Individual non-resident visitors traveling to South Africa through designated international airports must obtain pre-entry ETA authorisation and utilize digital wallet credentials and biometric facial verification at border control counters.
  • For your business: Employers hosting foreign corporate guests, consultants, or international personnel must ensure foreign visitors obtain ETA pre-approval prior to departure and file stay extension applications digitally within the 90-day initial period.
  • For your clients: Corporate and advisory clients sponsoring foreign workers or business visitors should monitor the phased rollout of complex visa categories (work, spousal, study) onto the digital ETA platform to adjust mobility compliance workflows.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/eta-system-quantum-leap-forward-immigration-system

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