Kenya excluded: South Africa opens new online visa system to 4 countries

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation system on August 12 at OR Tambo International Airport

- The ETA system allows travellers from four countries to submit visa applications digitally using biometric verification and facial recognition

- South Africa rolled out the system following a G20 pilot, with plans to expand it to more countries and additional visa categories

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

South Africa has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for four countries marking a significant shift in how the country processes visa applications and manages border entry.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially unveiled the system on August 12, 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, framing the launch as a step towards modernising South Africa's immigration infrastructure.

How South Africa's ETA system works

Under the new system, applicants from from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico can submit their travel information online, complete payment digitally, and receive their authorisation electronically before departure.

The platform incorporates biometric verification, facial recognition, machine learning, and an upgraded electronic movement-control system to assess travellers both ahead of and upon arrival in the country.

The technology enables authorities to pre-screen visitors before they board flights, reducing pressure at physical border points while improving the accuracy of entry assessments.

What is Ramaphosa's vision?

Speaking at the launch, Ramaphosa described the ETA as a tool for economic positioning as much as border management.

"The Electronic Travel Authorisation system is about making South Africa more open to opportunity, more welcoming to legitimate travellers, more secure for our citizens and more competitive in the global economy," he said, as reported by Business Insider Africa.

He added that the system would "make travel to South Africa easier, faster and more predictable," while encouraging tourism, supporting trade, attracting investment and facilitating the exchange of skills and knowledge.

The ETA was initially piloted during South Africa's G20 presidency before being rolled out for short-term travel from the four countries.

Authorities have indicated that the system will be expanded to cover additional countries and visa categories in future phases, though specific timelines were not announced at the launch.

Which countries are exempted from UK English test?

In other news, a list of nations whose nationals are not required to demonstrate English proficiency when applying for a visa or citizenship was released by the UK government.

Even if English is an official language in their home country, citizens of non-listed nations must demonstrate their proficiency in the language.

Under certain circumstances, a number of people with work visas who wish to relocate to the UK may also be eligible for an exemption.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.