THE Department of Home Affairs has introduced a new R500 fee for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a measure that will affect travellers applying for visas to South Africa. This new electronic processing fee is part of an effort to streamline the visa application process and bolster border security.

Department of Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber announced the system’s launch at OR Tambo International Airport on August 12, stressing its role in modernising the department’s services.

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The new ETA system

The R500 fee is officially listed in the First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees under the Immigration Act. This amendment allows for the electronic processing fee for online visa and permit applications. The ETA system itself was first implemented in October 2025, specifically to manage the influx of travellers during the G20 Summit, ensuring secure and efficient processing. Since then, it has continued to operate for citizens of certain countries.

Schreiber said that the ETA is the third key component of the department’s digital transformation strategy. “The launch of the ETA represents a quantum leap forward for our country’s immigration system, both by unlocking economic growth through tourism, investment and legitimate travel, and by landing a decisive blow against visa fraud and illegal immigration,” he said. 

How does it work?

Under the new ETA process, travellers are required to create an online profile. They must verify their mobile number and email address using one-time passcodes. Following this, they will scan their passport and upload a selfie. The system employs biometric technology to match the passport photo with the traveller’s facial image. Simultaneously, the passport undergoes an automatic check against over 40 criteria to confirm its authenticity.

Once the R500 fee is paid, the system utilises automated risk analysis to detect potential fraud or security concerns. Travelers whose applications are approved should receive their ETA within 24 hours and can then save it digitally on their smartphones. Upon arrival in South Africa, travellers will also go through biometric verification at the port of entry, allowing border officials to confirm their identity against the approved travel authorisation.

Initially the ETA was offered free of charge because the system lacked an integrated online payment gateway. The department has said that this arrangement was not sustainable, and that the new payment functionality will help cover the system’s ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

The fee structure for visas

The specific fee structure will vary depending on a traveller’s visa requirements and whether they are eligible for any visa fee exemptions. For individuals traveling from countries that require a visa and are not exempt from paying visa fees, the total cost will be R925, comprising the R500 ETA processing fee and the existing R425 visa fee. Those traveling from visa-required countries who are exempt from the visa fee will only need to pay the R500 ETA processing fee.

The department indicated that this new fee structure is expected to significantly reduce costs for travellers who previously used third-party outsourced visa processing services. Previously, a traveller not exempt from visa fees would pay R1550 to an outsourced provider, plus the R425 visa fee, totalling R1975. With the new ETA system, the same traveller would pay R500 for electronic processing and R425 for the visa, resulting in a total of R925.

The ETA is anticipated to become mandatory for travellers from non-visa-exempt countries listed on the system, while its initial voluntary availability for visa-exempt travellers is intended to encourage wider adoption of the digital system.

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