South Africa is simplifying the visa application process through the recently launched Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which is intended to make travel to our shores easier, faster and more predictable.
During yesterday’s launch, 12 August 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it far more than the introduction of a new digital platform.
“It is about making South Africa more open to opportunity, more welcoming to legitimate travellers, more secure for our citizens and more competitive in the global economy,” he said.
While attracting more travel to South Africa, this visa reform will strengthen the country’s borders and also improve its ability to manage migration effectively, modernising the way people enter.
Ramaphosa explained that the ETA is a central pillar of the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) ambitious Home Affairs @ Home vision.
It represents the shift towards a fully digital department that provides secure, efficient, accessible and world-class public services.
“Through this system, eligible travellers will be able to apply online from anywhere in the world without needing to visit a South African mission or visa processing centre,” the president said.
“Applications will be processed more quickly. Decisions will be more predictable. The experience of travelling to South Africa will be significantly improved.”
The system was first introduced during South Africa’s G20 Presidency for ease of travel for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, but will now be expanded to additional countries.
Over time, digital processing will also extend beyond visitor authorisations and will eventually include work visas, study visas and other immigration services.
Ramaphosa assured that a modern immigration system is not a weaker immigration system, but rather a smarter one.
“Technology allows us to know more about travellers before they arrive rather than after they enter. It helps us identify those who seek to abuse our immigration system while making lawful travel faster and easier.”
“The Electronic Travel Authorisation therefore strengthens both economic openness and national security.”
A R500 fee to accompany applications
Accompanying the new system will be a compulsory R500 processing fee, as proposed and gazetted by the Department of Home Affairs.
The department’s minister, Leon Schreiber, explained that the ETA fees had previously been waived and the reintroduction would make the platform cost-effective.
He added that it would also help reduce overall visa costs for individuals who are forced to use outsourced service providers.
When the first phase of the ETA launched, visa fees for onboarding countries were temporarily waived because the platform did not yet have an integrated online payment capability.
“Consequently, neither visa fees nor a dedicated ETA processing fee have been charged to date, despite the need to invest in operational maintenance of the system,” Schreiber said.
Since its launch, the ETA has been a fully subsidised service, which the minister explained is unsustainable.
“The Department is now ready to roll out additional functionality, including an integrated online payment capability to collect application fees,” he said.
The Department of Home Affairs is now proposing a processing fee be established and set at R500 per application.
During the next phase of the ETA rollout, the system will become compulsory for travellers from non-visa-exempt countries included on the platform.
The minister claimed that it would initially be optional for travellers from visa-exempt countries.
“However, notwithstanding the optional nature of the platform for visa-exempt travellers, the Department anticipates fast uptake of this new system from visa-exempt travellers, given the significant improvements in efficiency and security it delivers,” he said.
Loading ...
