The department said the ETA platform would allow travellers to submit applications online, removing the need to visit South African missions or VFS application centres.
The Department of Home Affairs has proposed a new R500 electronic processing fee for travellers using South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
The ETA is an online platform that allows travellers to apply for travel authorisation and visas digitally. The department introduced the system in October 2025 as part of its digital transformation programme.
According to a draft notice published in Government Gazette No. 55072 on 27 July 2026, the R500 electronic processing fee will apply to visa and permit applications submitted and processed online.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the ETA had been operating as a fully subsidised service and that the department was now introducing an integrated online payment capability to collect application fees.
