President Ramaphosa to officially launch South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation

President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Following its successful pilot during South Africa's G20 Presidency, the ETA will be officially launched as the cornerstone of South Africa's modern digital immigration system and the flagship reform of the Department of Home Affairs' digital transformation programme. 

The ETA combines advanced biometric verification, machine learning and the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (eMCS 2.0) as part of a modern digital immigration ecosystem that strengthens border security while making travel to South Africa faster, simpler and more secure for legitimate travellers.

This reform will enhance South Africa's competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment, while supporting more efficient and secure border management.

The launch marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), demonstrating Government's commitment to harnessing technology to improve service delivery, safeguard national security and facilitate economic growth.

The programme will feature the official launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, followed by a live walkthrough and a guided tour led by the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Venue: OR Tambo International Airport
Media registration: 13h00 at the ACSA Media Centre, International Arrivals
Official programme: 14h00 – 16h00

Media accreditation: 
Media representatives wishing to attend the event are requested to submit their full name, media house, contact details, and South African ID number or passport number for accreditation by close of business on Friday, 07 August 2026, to Mr Thabo Mokgola at the Department of Home Affairs on Thabo.mokgola@dha.gov.za , 060 962 4982.

NB: Only accredited media representatives will be granted access to the event. Please note that no RSVP means no accreditation, and no accreditation means no access.

Media enquiries:
Ms Ndileka Cola, Head: Communication Service
Department of Home Affairs
Cell: 076 333 3799

Ms Mmemme Mogotsi, Deputy Assistant Commissioner
Border Management Authority
Cell: 072 856 4288

Mr Vincent Mangwenya, Spokesperson to the President
The Presidency
Email: media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria