South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has published draft amendments to the country’s immigration fee regulations that would introduce a new fee structure for electronic visa processing and support the expanded rollout of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform. Public comments on the proposed regulations are being accepted until August 11, 2026.
The proposed changes are outlined in a draft amendment to the regulations on fees under the Immigration Act and form part of South Africa’s broader effort to digitize immigration services and reduce reliance on outsourced visa processing systems.
New R500 ETA Processing Fee Proposed
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a ZAR 500 electronic processing fee for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applications submitted and processed online.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the ETA platform has operated without charging a processing fee since its launch because an integrated online payment system was not previously available. The government states that the platform has effectively operated as a fully subsidized service and that a processing fee is now necessary to support ongoing operations and sustainability.
Visa-Exempt Travelers Could Voluntarily Use the ETA Platform
The draft regulations also introduce a voluntary ETA option for nationals of visa-exempt countries.
Currently, visa-exempt travelers are not required to obtain pre-travel authorization before visiting South Africa. Under the proposal, these travelers would be able to voluntarily use the ETA platform and pay the proposed R500 processing fee in exchange for a more streamlined digital travel process.
The Department notes that the voluntary model is intended to encourage early adoption of the platform while preserving existing visa-free travel privileges. Officials have indicated that visa-exempt travelers may be incorporated into the ETA system more broadly in the future.
Additional Processing Fee for Online Visa and Permit Applications
The draft amendments maintain South Africa’s existing visa and permit application fees but would add a new R500 electronic processing fee for applications submitted and processed online.
Under the proposal:
- Existing visa fees would remain in place.
- Online visa and permit applications would incur an additional electronic processing fee of R500 where applicable.
- The fee would apply across a range of visa and permit categories processed digitally.
The draft schedule specifically proposes a new line item establishing a “Electronic processing fee (applicable to all visas and permits submitted and processed online)” of R500.00.
How the New Fee Structure Would Work
According to the Department of Home Affairs, travelers from non-visa-exempt countries who are required to use the ETA system would pay:
- The applicable visa fee; and
- The new R500 ETA processing fee.
For travelers from visa-required countries that are exempt from visa fees, only the new R500 ETA processing fee would apply.
The Department estimates that many applicants would still see lower overall costs compared to the current outsourced application model. According to the proposal, travelers who currently pay approximately R1,975 through the existing outsourced service provider would pay approximately R925 under the new ETA model.
Expansion of South Africa’s ETA Platform
The Department introduced the ETA platform in October 2025 as part of a phased modernization initiative. The system was initially launched for selected nationalities, with plans to gradually expand coverage.
The government now intends to extend ETA processing to travelers from all visa-required countries seeking entry to South Africa for tourism and business purposes. According to DHA, the ETA system is expected to support faster decision-making, digital application processing, improved security screening, and enhanced traveler convenience.
Officials also highlighted the platform during South Africa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, describing it as a key initiative supporting economic growth and tourism development.
Proposed Effective Date
If adopted, the amended fee regulations would take effect on August 17, 2026. The proposal remains subject to the public consultation process, and no immediate changes to visa application requirements or fees are currently in force.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.