US Travellers Remain Visa-Free Under New South African Entry System
South Africa’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, set to launch in October, will not apply to American visitors, who will maintain visa-free entry. The confirmation was made by South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, during the Tourism Business Council of South Africa Leadership Conference held in Johannesburg from 17–19 September.
The ETA system forms part of a wider digital transformation of border management, incorporating technologies such as facial recognition and machine learning to streamline immigration. While initially targeting markets like China and India, where visas are required, authorities are exploring future biometric enrolment options for visa-exempt travellers. Schreiber assured stakeholders that any broader rollout would be done in close consultation with the tourism industry.
Source: Travel Weekly
