The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) has welcomed the announcement by Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, presented at the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Leadership Conference.
Brett Tungay, FEDHASA National Chairperson, commended the Minister for prioritising the modernisation of South Africa’s visa and border control systems: “The introduction of the ETA is a bold and visionary step that will transform how international visitors experience South Africa from the very first moment they engage with our country. By removing outdated paper-based processes and replacing them with a fast, digital, traveller-friendly platform, Minister Schreiber is dismantling one of the biggest barriers to inbound tourism growth. This will undoubtedly help attract more visitors, create much-needed jobs, and buoy our economy.”
The ETA system leverages advanced machine learning and biometrics to digitalise visa applications, enabling real-time approvals and reducing processing delays. It integrates with the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS 2.0), which will employ facial recognition at ports of entry such as OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports, ensuring smoother, more secure arrivals.
FEDHASA believes the rollout of the ETA, beginning with G20 delegates and then expanding to tourists from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico before being scaled globally, is a breakthrough that positions South Africa as a competitive and welcoming destination.
“Countries that make it easy to visit are the ones that win in global tourism,” Tungay added. “With the ETA, South Africa is sending a clear signal to the world that we are open, modernising, and ready to welcome more travellers. Tourism is one of the fastest routes to job creation, and this initiative will help unlock that potential.”
The ETA builds on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which has already delivered more than 35,000 additional tourists from China and India in just seven months. FEDHASA is confident that the ETA will significantly accelerate these gains, especially ahead of 2026.
FEDHASA commends Minister Schreiber and the Department of Home Affairs for recognising the pivotal role tourism plays in economic growth, and for ensuring that the sector has the digital tools it needs to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.