Digital travel system takes off at four SA airports
The Department of Home Affairs launches its Electronic Travel Authorisation system at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka and Lanseria airports, with eGate integration still to come.
South Africa's new digital travel system began operating at four airports, with President Cyril Ramaphosa attending the launch at OR Tambo International Airport. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and biometric border system are being integrated with the Airports Company of South Africa's automated eGates, though this integration is ongoing.
The system was initially tested in October last year for delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico attending the G20 Leaders' Summit. Speaking at the launch, Ramaphosa framed the system as a significant economic and security move, aiming to attract travelers and investors while preventing visa fraud and illegal immigration.
The ETA is part of South Africa's commitment to becoming a world leader in smart and secure migration management and digital government. The system will eventually cover all visa categories and expand beyond being just a digital visa for tourists and short visits, with eligible travelers able to apply for additional 90 days. The integration of the system with the Border Management Authority's Electronic Movement Control System and ACSA's eGates is aimed at eliminating manual passport stamping and utilizing facial recognition for instant processing of travelers.
Written by urgent.news from ITWeb's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
