South Africa’s ETA system to cover busiest airports and land ports

Government will expand South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to cover all international airports and the country’s busiest land ports of entry, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during the 2026 State of the Nation Address.

The move forms part of a broader package of border security interventions aimed at curbing illegal immigration while modernising entry processes through technology.

What is the ETA system?

South Africa’s ETA is a digital pre-travel authorisation platform that allows travellers to apply online before boarding a flight or arriving at a port of entry.

It is designed to digitise and streamline visa processing as well as reduce fraud and corruption linked to manual systems.

The ETA also helps improve border screening and risk assessment and speed up traveller processing times at ports of entry.

Instead of relying solely on physical visa stickers and manual verification, the ETA links directly to Home Affairs’ backend systems, allowing authorities to assess travellers before they arrive.

The Department of Home Affairs has already begun rolling out the platform, positioning it as a key pillar of its digital transformation strategy.

Expansion to airports and land borders

During the address, Ramaphosa confirmed that the ETA will be extended to all international airports and the busiest land ports of entry.

This expansion is intended to close loopholes in the system and create a more uniform, technology-driven border management framework.

The President said funding to strengthen border security will prioritise infrastructure, technology and personnel. Key border posts will also be redeveloped through public-private partnerships.

Drones and surveillance technology are already being deployed along border lines to enhance monitoring and enforcement.