Uganda has warmly welcomed South Africa’s (SA) rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, describing it as a game-changer for cross-border trade, investment, and freedom of movement between the two nations.
Speaking in Pretoria during the third session of the SA–Uganda Joint Commission for Co-operation, co-chaired alongside SA’s Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare praised the digital system for drastically reducing visa processing delays that previously hampered commercial exchange.
Ayebare highlighted how the new system transforms access for entrepreneurs and investors who require swift, predictable travel options across the continent.
“It’s a significant development for the movement of our people, knowing continental integration is about the movement of people and goods,” Ayebare told reporters. “I have talked to our business people who, in previous months and years, would take forever to get a SA visa. And you know businesspeople are always on the move, so this is really a major development.”
Under the new ETA framework, eligible travelers can secure multi-entry visas valid for six months in under an hour, a shift Ayebare noted will fundamentally improve economic mobility.
“You can get a SA visa multiple times in six months, under one hour,” Ayebare added. “I think that’s a significant development, and I really thank the SA government for that. It’s going to really improve mobility but also business.”
–ChannelAfrica–
