South Africa to introduce R500 eTA fee as digital travel authorisation expands

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has gazetted draft regulations introducing a R500 processing fee for South Africa’s new electronic travel authorisation (eTA) platform. The eTA was launched in October 2025 as part of the DHA’s digital transformation programme.

What the R500 fee covers and the rollout

The proposed R500 fee applies per eTA application and forms part of the department’s move to modernise border entry, improve security and streamline visa processing. The draft regulations were published by the DHA and remain subject to the applicable regulatory process before implementation.

Phased expansion and payments

The DHA plans a phased rollout of the eTA platform, with eligibility for countries to be expanded over time. The department is preparing to introduce integrated online payments for the platform; until now the initial rollout was temporarily subsidised because the system lacked an integrated online payment function.

How costs for travellers could change

The DHA says the eTA system and the proposed fee structure could lower costs for some travellers compared with the current outsourced visa application system. The published comparisons in the DHA materials show:

• Travellers from visa-required countries who are not exempt: current total cost R1 975; proposed combined cost R925 (R425 visa fee plus R500 eTA fee), a saving of R1 050 per application according to the DHA.
• Travellers from visa-required countries who are exempt from visa fees: would pay only the R500 eTA fee, compared with a current outsourced service provider charge of R1 550.
• Travellers from visa-exempt countries: will not initially be required to use the eTA but may apply voluntarily through the platform and would pay the R500 processing fee if they do so.

Compulsory use and exemptions

The DHA states the eTA will become compulsory for travellers from non-visa-exempt countries included on the platform as it expands. The department has also indicated the system could eventually become compulsory for all travellers, although visa-exempt visitors will initially retain the choice to use it. The DHA has said some exemptions and transitional arrangements may apply for certain travellers and passport types.

Why the change

The department presents the eTA as a tool to modernise visa processing, reduce reliance on outsourced service providers and enhance security at border entry. The DHA and the Home Affairs Minister have confirmed the rollout of the eTA and the proposed fee in official statements and government media releases.

Travellers will be informed of requirements and will be required to apply through the eTA platform before travel when it becomes compulsory for their category.