A “handful of officials,” exploiting procedural weaknesses, were able to inflict substantial damage on the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system. ETA: South Africa’s technological response to visa fraudAt the heart of this reform is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), positioned as the Department’s key strategic tool. By the end of the government’s term, “every visa to enter South Africa, from every visa category, must be processed only through the automated and biometrically-secured technology of the ETA,” Schreiber stated. The Department intends to connect the ETA to a smart population register and to a future biometric-based digital identity system. The ETA is already operational for certain travelersIn practical terms, the ETA can be requested online via the government portal eta.dha.gov.za.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 24, 2026 15:25 UTC