SA's new Electronic Travel Authorisation system rejects over 6 000 fraudulent applications

South Africa has initiated its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which has already rejected over 6,000 fraudulent travel applications. The digital system aims to enhance immigration controls, bolster border security, and boost tourism by streamlining the entry process for genuine travellers, investors, and tourists.

The Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, stated that the system already assists authorities in identifying fraudulent applications, which include cases of fraudulent passports, manipulated documents, and other fraud indicators. The system is expected to allow eligible travellers to apply digitally for a 90-day extension to their stay, thus potentially increasing tourism revenues by reducing the bureaucratic hurdles for lawful visitors.

Initially, the system will be accessible at major airports such as OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Lanseria International Airport, with plans to make it compulsory for short-stay visitors from visa-required countries. The reform aims to address issues of irregular migration, fraudulent documentation, corruption, and administrative backlogs, while also enabling the Border Management Authority to process legitimate travellers, identify fugitives, and improve border security through enhanced biometric verification and risk assessment.

The tourism industry has welcomed the ETA, believing it will improve South Africa's image as a welcoming and efficient tourist destination, thereby attracting more visitors and supporting job creation in the sector.