R500 travel fee: Who will pay and when, some pros and cons

A travel fee could soon be added to the cost of visiting South Africa, but not everyone will pay it.

The Department of Home Affairs has published draft regulations proposing a R500 processing fee for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform.

The move aims to fund a digital visa system that promises approvals within 24 hours while reducing reliance on outsourced visa processing. The proposal remains open for public comment until 11 August 2026.

WHAT IS THE TRAVEL FEE AND WHO WILL PAY IT?

The ETA platform launched in October 2025 as part of the department’s digital transformation programme. Until now, the service has operated without a processing charge because it lacked an online payment system.

The proposed regulations introduce a R500 processing fee for every ETA application. Travellers from non-visa-exempt countries using the platform will have to pay it. Those who already pay a visa fee will continue to do so, meaning their total cost will be R925, consisting of the existing R425 visa fee and the new processing fee.

Travellers from visa-required countries who are exempt from visa fees will only pay the R500 processing fee. Meanwhile, travellers from visa-exempt countries may choose to use the ETA voluntarily and will pay R500 if they do so.

The department says this voluntary phase will preserve existing visa-free travel while encouraging use of the new system.

HOW COULD THE TRAVEL FEE CHANGE TRAVEL COSTS?

The proposal brings a significant shift for travellers who currently use outsourced visa services. At present, applicants from non-visa-exempt countries typically pay R1 550 in service fees plus a R425 visa fee, bringing the total to R1 975.

Under the proposed model, that total falls to R925. This represents a saving of R1 050, or about 53%. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says bringing visa processing into the department strengthens state capacity while lowering costs for many visitors.

The ETA also promises faster processing. The department says many applications can be completed within 24 hours. That could improve travel planning and reduce uncertainty for tourists and business travellers.

THE PROS AND CONS OF THE NEW SYSTEM

Supporters argue that the fee creates a sustainable funding model.

The ETA has operated as a fully subsidised service for almost a year. The new revenue would support maintenance, security upgrades and the integrated payment system.

Faster processing could also make South Africa more attractive to international visitors.

Critics may point to the new cost for travellers from visa-exempt countries who choose the ETA for convenience.

Although participation remains voluntary for them, the R500 fee adds an expense where none previously existed. Some may also question whether the promised processing times will remain consistent as application numbers grow.

For now, the proposal is not yet law. South Africans and interested stakeholders have until 11 August 2026 to submit comments before the department considers the next step in introducing the new fee structure.