South Africa will launch its first AI-powered Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system on September 18, 2025, a move expected to transform how visitors enter the country.
The system, which will initially handle tourist visa applications for stays of up to 90 days, will be piloted at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport before expanding to other entry points and visa categories.
The Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber is scheduled to officially unveil the platform during the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s annual conference.
He described the ETA as a major step in eliminating inefficiencies and fraud in the immigration process.
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“Over time, the ETA will be expanded to more visa categories and rolled out at more ports of entry. This scale-up will continue until no person can enter South Africa without obtaining a digital visa through the ETA,” Schreiber said.
According to Business Insider Africa, the AI-driven system will digitize entry procedures and automate background checks, aligning with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier pledge to modernize immigration processes.
Authorities say the initiative will improve security, speed up border procedures, and foster easier cross-border movement to boost tourism, regional logistics, small businesses, and labor mobility.
Still, uncertainty surrounds the future of the existing e-Visa portal, which already serves over 30 countries.
Officials have not confirmed whether the ETA will replace or run alongside the current platform, raising concerns about potential duplication for travelers.
Beyond national reforms, analysts note the move underscores a broader African challenge: intra-African visa restrictions remain tighter than those for many visitors from outside the continent.
By easing mobility, experts argue, countries like South Africa could help unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting trade and tourism across the region.
If successfully implemented, South Africa’s ETA could set a precedent for other African nations looking to digitize entry systems and facilitate smoother travel within the continent.
Image Credit: VisasNews
