Exciting news: South Africa's new electronic travel authorisation system launching end of September
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille has announced that South Africa will be rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system by the end of September 2025.
Image: Supplied
Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille has announced that South Africa will be rolling out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system by the end of September 2025.
This new digital visa system aims to simplify and speed up short-stay visa applications, making travel to South Africa more secure and seamless for tourists around the world.
This strategy is part of the government’s plan to boost international tourist arrivals, attract investment, and position South Africa as a globally competitive and accessible destination.
De Lille revealed this while speaking at the G20 Tourism Investment Summit, where she also highlighted major tourism investment opportunities and initiatives designed to boost job creation and economic growth.
"We are also unlocking access to our destination. Following the launch of the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme in India and China, our Department of Home Affairs will soon, before the end of September, roll out the Electronic Travel Authorization system," De Lille said.
"This will digitalise and automate all short-stay visas, enabling secure and seamless travel for tourists across the globe," De Lille said.
De Lille also revealed that the tourism sector contributes 8,5% to South Africa’s GDP and had close to 900,000 in July alone.
"Tourism contributes at least 8.5% to South Africa’s GDP. In July alone, South Africa welcomed over 880,000 visitors, which is a 26% increase compared to last year. Behind these numbers are livelihoods, families, and communities".
The Minister also confirmed that tourism startups in South Africa had attracted over $39 million in venture capital between 2019 and 2024.
"According to UN Tourism, South African startups attracted over $39 million in venture capital between 2019 and 2024. This is more than half of the continent’s total in tourism solutions".
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za