Ramaphosa launches SA’s Electronic Travel Authorisation to boost tourism and jobs

■President says the ETA system will make travel easier, support economic growth and enhance border security ahead of SA's G20 Presidency

BY DIRAMAKINI

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has officially launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, describing it as a key step to make the country more open, competitive, and secure.

Speaking at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, August 12,2026, Ramaphosa said the new digital platform will make travel to South Africa “easier, faster and more predictable” while strengthening border management.

“Every nation is known by the way it welcomes the world. It begins at the border,” the President said. “Today we are taking another important step in ensuring that South Africa competes with the very best.”

The ETA system allows eligible travellers to apply online from anywhere in the world without visiting a South African mission. Applications will be processed more quickly and decisions will be more predictable, according to the Presidency.

Ramaphosa said the reform is about more than immigration. It is an economic and jobs reform.

“More visitors mean more hotel bookings. More restaurants filled. More tour operators employed. More flights. More conferences. More exports. More investment,” he said.

He linked the launch to government’s broader structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela and to efforts to address unemployment, which remains the country’s greatest challenge according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey.

The President noted the system was first introduced in four strategic markets-China, India, Indonesia and Mexico to support South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Presidency.

Ramaphosa stressed that a modern system does not mean weaker borders.“Technology allows us to know more about travellers before they arrive rather than after they enter. It enables stronger biometric verification and improves risk assessment,” he said.

The President commended the Ministers of Home Affairs and Tourism, the Border Management Authority, SARS and all partners involved for delivering the reform.

“Let the launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation be remembered not simply as the introduction of a new digital system, but as another important milestone in South Africa’s journey towards becoming a modern, capable and competitive state,” Ramaphosa concluded.