South Africa proposes R500 ETA fee for travellers

South Africa proposes R500 ETA fee for travellers as the Department of Home Affairs moves ahead with plans to modernise the country’s immigration system through a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform. If approved, the proposed regulations would require many visa-dependent travellers entering South Africa to pay an additional R500 processing fee when applying through the digital system.

The draft regulations have been published for public comment until 11 August 2026 and form part of a broader effort to replace paper-based visa applications with a secure, fully digital process. The initiative aims to improve efficiency, strengthen border security, reduce fraud and simplify travel procedures for eligible visitors.

The proposal, however, is not yet law. Government will consider public submissions before deciding whether the regulations should be amended, approved or withdrawn.

South Africa ETA fee to support digital immigration reforms

The proposed South Africa ETA fee is expected to apply mainly to travellers from countries that require visas to enter South Africa. These visitors would use the Electronic Travel Authorisation platform to obtain approval before travelling.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the digital platform is designed to modernise immigration services by replacing lengthy manual processes with an online application system that can process requests more efficiently.

Authorities believe the platform will help:

• Reduce visa processing delays.
• Strengthen border security.
• Detect fraudulent applications.
• Improve traveller verification.
• Reduce administrative costs over time.

The ETA system will be introduced gradually, meaning not every traveller will be affected immediately.

How the Electronic Travel Authorisation system will work

Digital applications replace paper visas

The Electronic Travel Authorisation platform allows eligible travellers to submit visa applications online instead of completing traditional paper forms or visiting visa centres in person.

Applicants will be able to upload supporting documents electronically while immigration officials assess applications through the digital platform.

The department says this approach will improve consistency and reduce opportunities for document fraud.

For travellers from visa-exempt countries, existing travel arrangements are expected to remain in place unless future regulations provide otherwise.

Home Affairs visa regulations propose R500 processing fee

The draft Home Affairs visa regulations introduce a proposed processing charge of R500 for each ETA application.

Home Affairs says the fee is necessary to fund the long-term operation and maintenance of the digital immigration platform.

The department noted that the ETA service has been operating without application fees since its introduction because the first phase did not include an integrated online payment system.

Now that the payment infrastructure is ready, officials believe the platform should become financially sustainable.

Leon Schreiber explains why fees are being introduced

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the Electronic Travel Authorisation platform has until now operated as a subsidised government service.

According to Schreiber, continuing to process applications without charging fees is no longer financially viable.

He explained that visa fees were temporarily waived when the ETA system launched because online payment capabilities had not yet been integrated into the platform.

With those technical improvements completed, the department is proposing a R500 processing fee for every ETA application.

Schreiber also indicated that the digital platform is expected to improve efficiency while reducing administrative costs over time.

South Africa immigration system enters a new phase

The proposed changes represent another major milestone in the digital transformation of the South Africa immigration system.

Government believes technology will help modernise border management while improving service delivery for visitors entering the country.

The broader objectives include:

• Faster visa approvals.
• Stronger identity verification.
• Improved border management.
• Better fraud prevention.
• Greater transparency during applications.

Officials argue these improvements will benefit both travellers and immigration authorities.

Who will be affected by the proposed ETA fee?

Not every traveller will immediately be required to use the ETA platform.

The department plans to introduce the system in phases, focusing first on travellers from countries that currently require visas before entering South Africa.

Initially:

• Travellers from non-visa-exempt countries will be required to use the ETA system once their countries are onboarded.
• Travellers from visa-exempt countries may continue using current entry procedures unless future regulations expand the system.

This phased rollout is intended to ensure a smooth transition while allowing authorities to resolve any technical challenges.

Lower overall visa costs despite the new fee

Although the proposal introduces a new R500 processing charge, Home Affairs argues that many travellers could ultimately pay less than they do under the current system.

Under the proposed model:

• ETA processing fee: R500
• Total application cost for non-visa-exempt travellers: R925

By comparison, many applicants currently spend approximately R1,975 after paying visa service providers and related administrative costs.

Government believes eliminating the need for outsourced visa processing centres will reduce overall travel expenses while providing a more convenient online experience.

Public comments remain open

The draft regulations remain open for public consultation until 11 August 2026.

During this period, stakeholders, tourism organisations, businesses and members of the public may submit comments before the regulations are finalised.

Once the consultation process concludes, the Minister of Home Affairs may:

• Approve the regulations.
• Amend certain provisions.
• Withdraw the proposal.
• Delay implementation if necessary.

Only after this process will government announce whether the proposed ETA fee will officially take effect.

Tourism industry watching developments closely

The proposal has attracted interest from tourism operators, airlines and business organisations.

Some industry stakeholders support the move towards a fully digital visa system because faster approvals could encourage international travel and reduce administrative burdens.

Others are monitoring whether the additional processing fee could discourage visitors from countries already facing visa requirements.

Much will depend on how efficiently the ETA platform performs once fully implemented.

YOU MAY LIKE:

New mandatory traveller declaration by SARS

Ghana President Launches Free E-Visa for Africans

A major step in South Africa’s digital future

The proposed Electronic Travel Authorisation system represents one of the most significant modernisation projects undertaken by Home Affairs in recent years.

Government believes digital immigration services will improve efficiency, strengthen national security and simplify travel for legitimate visitors.

While the proposed South Africa proposes R500 ETA fee for travellers initiative introduces a new application cost, officials argue that faster processing, lower overall visa expenses and improved security will outweigh the additional fee.

With the public consultation period still underway, travellers, businesses and tourism stakeholders now have an opportunity to provide feedback before the regulations are finalised.

Should the proposal be approved, the new ETA platform will become a key component of South Africa’s evolving immigration framework, helping shape how visitors enter the country in the years ahead.