Could South Africa’s New ETA Trip Up Visa-Free Travellers? Tourism Leaders Sound the Alarm

As South Africa gears up to launch its long-awaited electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, concerns are bubbling up in the tourism industry — and it’s not about the technology itself, but who it might affect.

While digital entry systems are now common across the world, the question on everyone’s mind is this: will South Africa’s ETA apply to travellers who currently don’t need a visa?

So far, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the system will go live in September 2025, but they’ve held back one crucial piece of information — which nationalities will be impacted. That silence is making some in the tourism sector uneasy, especially after recent global examples where hasty rollouts caused chaos at airports and drop-offs in arrivals.

A Welcome Move, But With Risks

Let’s be clear: the move to a digital system isn’t the issue. Most tourism operators are fully behind the idea. David Frost, CEO of SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association), called it “a step in the right direction” — but one that must be carefully thought through.

His worry? That applying the ETA system to travellers from visa-exempt countries could throw a wrench into recovery efforts at a time when South Africa desperately needs to grow inbound tourism.

“There’s just no logic to adding red tape for countries that already visit visa-free,” Frost said, warning that such a move would “create unnecessary obstacles” for visitors who might otherwise book with little hesitation.

Lessons from Kenya: When Tech Goes Wrong

Other tourism leaders are pointing to Kenya’s recent ETA rollout as a cautionary tale. There, system failures led to long queues, missed flights, and a barrage of bad press — exactly the kind of disruption South Africa can’t afford.

A phased rollout, coupled with extensive testing and consultation, would be a smarter approach, Frost suggested.

Spontaneous Travellers Could Stay Away

Sabine Blehle, CEO of GoVacation Africa, echoed the sentiment, stressing that while an ETA could streamline immigration at airports — if done right — it could also deter spur-of-the-moment trips.

“The reality is, we’ve got a big market of last-minute bookers,” she explained. “Adding a step like this, especially without clear instructions or timelines, could confuse older or less tech-savvy travellers and cost us valuable business.”

Her advice? Make it simple. Make it multilingual. And most importantly, communicate early and often.

Travellers Already Paying More

Beyond tech, there’s also the question of cost. International flights to South Africa are already among the most expensive on the continent. If the ETA adds even a small fee, that could be a dealbreaker for some.

Blehle warns that adding cost or confusion, especially without significant notice or support, could result in cancellations or tourists choosing easier destinations.

“The System is Down” A Familiar Phrase

Onne Vegter, Managing Director of Wild Wings Safaris, was even more direct in his criticism. Applying the ETA to visa-exempt travellers, he said, would be “introducing a visa process through the back door”.

And while he acknowledged that a digital system has potential benefits, Vegter stressed that South Africa’s reputation for tech reliability isn’t exactly glowing.

“Let’s be honest,” he said. “How often do we hear the words ‘the system is down’? It doesn’t inspire confidence.”

What the Industry Wants Now

Tourism stakeholders aren’t just complaining — they’re calling for a collaborative approach. That means:

• Clear and public guidelines on who will need the ETA

• Advance timelines and communication campaigns

• A user-friendly system that’s been thoroughly tested

• A multilingual interface and support desk

• Consultation with the private sector before decisions are finalised

In short: don’t let this become another missed opportunity.

Why This Matters

South Africa’s tourism industry is still clawing its way back after years of pandemic disruption. A poorly managed rollout, especially one that burdens travellers from top-source markets like the UK, Germany, or the USA, could undo hard-won progress.

For now, the sector waits — hopeful that the Department of Home Affairs will engage transparently, keep visa-free countries off the ETA list, and deliver a world-class digital solution that welcomes travellers, not pushes them away.

As Frost put it: “We’re here to help. Let’s make this system work — not just for the sake of compliance, but for the future of South African tourism.”

Source:Tourism Update 

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