By Mathipa Phishego
(InsideOutNews) President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially launched South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system at OR Tambo International Airport, marking a major shift towards a more digital immigration process.
The system allows eligible travellers to apply for travel authorisation online before arriving in South Africa, using digital verification tools including a passport scan, selfie and biometric information. Department of Home Affairs says the new system is designed to make the processing of travellers faster, more secure and more efficient.
More than 216,000 applications processed
According to Home Affairs, 216,204 eTA applications have already been processed since the system was introduced. The department said 6,126 fraudulent applications were identified and rejected during the process.
The figures highlight the department’s increased reliance on digital technology to identify potentially fraudulent applications before travellers reach South African ports of entry.
Digital system aimed at improving border management
The eTA forms part of government’s broader efforts to modernise South Africa’s immigration and border management systems. Eligible travellers can complete the application process online, reducing reliance on lengthy manual procedures.
The biometric verification component is also intended to strengthen identity checks and improve the ability of authorities to detect fraudulent applications.
Ramaphosa backs technology-driven immigration
The launch at OR Tambo International Airport signals government’s intention to use technology to improve the country’s immigration system while strengthening border security. With more than 216,000 applications already processed, Home Affairs is expected to continue expanding the system as South Africa moves towards a more digitally driven approach to international travel.
The identification and rejection of thousands of fraudulent applications also demonstrates the potential role of the eTA system in preventing abuse of the immigration process.