Travellers from visa-required countries could soon pay a R500 processing fee when applying for South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as an ETA.
The Department of Home Affairs has published draft regulations for public comment until 11 August 2026. The proposal forms part of the government’s plan to modernise immigration services through a digital travel platform.
The fee has not yet been approved. It will only take effect if the final regulations are adopted.
Who could pay the R500 fee?
The proposed charge would mainly apply to travellers from countries that require visas and are added to the ETA system.
Home Affairs plans to roll out the platform in phases. This means the fee would not affect all travellers immediately.
People from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access are expected to continue using existing arrangements unless the final regulations change the rules.
The ETA would initially be compulsory for travellers from non-visa-exempt countries placed on the platform. It would remain optional for travellers who already qualify for visa-free entry.
Why Home Affairs wants the fee
Home Affairs says the digital system will replace much of the traditional paper-based visa process. It is designed to speed up applications, reduce fraud and strengthen border security.
The official ETA platform allows eligible travellers to complete an application online by submitting passport information, answering travel questions, providing biometrics and paying the relevant fee.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the ETA had been operating as a fully subsidised service and that this could not continue indefinitely.
He said visa fees were temporarily waived during the first phase because the platform did not have an integrated online payment system.
The department is now proposing a R500 processing fee for each ETA application.
Travellers could still pay less overall
Although the new fee would raise the cost of using the ETA, Home Affairs expects the digital system to reduce the total cost for many applicants.
Travellers from non-visa-exempt countries would pay R925 per application under the proposed structure. This is lower than the current R1 975 cost, which can include outsourced visa service provider charges.
The proposal could affect tourists, business travellers, students and people visiting family, especially those who travel frequently.
After the public consultation period closes, the minister may approve, amend or withdraw the draft regulations before deciding whether the fee will take effect.
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