Minister De Lille Highlights “60 Seconds” Entry Speed & Success of ETA at ATI 2026

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — South Africa’s tourism landscape is undergoing a digital revolution, one designed to dismantle barriers and welcome the world with open, efficient arms. Speaking at the Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2026 on Wednesday, May 13, Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille declared the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as a “fundamental shift” in how the nation competes globally and grows its economy.

The workshop, held at the Durban ICC, served as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to move beyond policy statements and master the practicalities of the new system. Under this year’s ATI theme, Unlimited Africa, the focus was clear: making travel across the continent as seamless as possible.

A Digital Leap with Real-World Impact

Minister De Lille highlighted that the ETA is far more than a simple digital upgrade; it is a strategic engine for economic growth. Since its launch, the system has delivered impressive metrics that signal a new era of efficiency for South African tourism.

• Rapid Processing: Travellers are now cleared through dedicated ETA lanes at airports in under 60 seconds.
• High Success Rate: The system boasts a 94% approval rate for completed applications, reducing uncertainty for prospective visitors.
• Continuous Evolution: New features, including family profiles, renewal capabilities, and expanded country coverage, are currently being rolled out to enhance user experience.

“The easier it is to travel to South Africa, the more travellers will come. And the more travellers come, the more your businesses grow, the more jobs we create, and the more communities benefit,” De Lille told the gathered industry leaders.

Empowering the Industry

The workshop was designed to be an interactive session, equipping tour operators, travel agents, and destination marketers with the knowledge to confidently promote the new entry requirements. De Lille emphasized that the success of the ETA relies on a unified effort between government and the private sector.

“To help us do that, I am honoured to welcome our colleagues from the Department of Home Affairs,” she said, introducing Mr. Yusuf Simons, Project Leader for Operation Vulindlela, and Mrs. Elize Breytenbach, Acting Chief Director for Permits. These officials were tasked with guiding stakeholders through the system’s technical details, the phased rollout strategy, and the future roadmap of South Africa’s digital transformation.

A Call to Action for Growth

The Minister framed the workshop not as a lecture, but as a toolkit for business expansion. She urged the “tourism family” to ask challenging questions and identify potential hurdles, ensuring that the transition to the ETA is smooth for all partners.

“This is your session. Use it. Ask. Challenge. Learn,” she commanded. “Leave here ready to take this opportunity and turn it into growth for your businesses and for our country.”

As the continent gathers in Durban, the message is resolute: South Africa is modernizing its borders to match its ambitions. By streamlining entry, the nation aims to position itself not just as a beautiful destination, but as one of the most accessible and visitor-friendly markets in the world.