South Africa plans to charge a fee of about 30 U.S. dollars for the eTA

On July 27, 2026, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs published a draft regulation in the Government Gazette that proposes a new processing fee for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Specifically, an electronic processing fee of 500 rand—equivalent to about 30 U.S. dollars—is planned for each eTA application. The measure is scheduled to take effect on August 17, 2026, but must first undergo a public consultation process.

The proposed fee applies not only to the eTA but, in principle, to all visa and residence permit applications that are submitted and processed online. This is the South African government’s response to the fact that, in its view, the previous system—which was entirely state-funded—is not sustainable in the long term. Until now, the eTA platform—which was initially launched in October 2025 in connection with the G20 summit in South Africa—has been operated without a separate processing fee, partly because it lacked an integrated online payment module. This module is now set to be introduced.

Important for travelers and visa applicants: The total cost depends on the individual’s visa status. Those who are required to obtain a visa and must also pay the regular visa fee would pay a total of 925 rand in the future—consisting of the previous fee of 425 rand for a visitor visa plus the new electronic processing fee of 500 rand. Those who are required to obtain a visa but are exempt from the actual visa fee would pay only the new processing fee of 500 rand for using the eTA platform.

For context, the ministry refers to the previous, outsourced application process, under which some applicants currently pay a service fee of 1,550 rand to the relevant service provider. The new, standardized fee structure is therefore intended to reduce costs for applicants in many cases, while at the same time securing a reliable source of funding for the government to further expand the eTA system.

The planned introduction of the fee coincides with the next phase of the eTA’s expansion: The authorities intend to gradually extend the system to travelers from all countries whose citizens require a visa to enter South Africa. For travelers, this means that both the target group for the electronic application process and the associated costs could change in the foreseeable future. Anyone planning a trip to South Africa should keep an eye on further developments, as fees and procedures may vary depending on nationality and visa category.

Since the regulations still have to go through the public consultation process, details may still change before the planned effective date of August 17, 2026. We are closely monitoring developments regarding the eTA for South Africa and are here to help travelers submit their applications correctly and on time. If you’d like an overview of the various entry options, you’ll find all relevant information on requirements and procedures in our visa overview for South Africa.