Travelers will pay a ZAR 500 ETA fee in South Africa; new regulations starting in August of 2026
In August 2026, South Africa intends to charge an ETA fee of ZAR 500. What Indian travelers should know about the online travel permit's validity and entry requirements is as follows.
Indian passport holders who are visiting South Africa for business or pleasure can now apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), and there may soon be a processing cost of ZAR 500 (about ₹2,500).
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has published proposed regulations that suggest a new fee for ETA applications. The levy will go into effect on August 17, 2026, assuming it is approved. Public comments are available until August 11, 2026.
What Indian Travelers Should Know
Indian nationals with regular passports have been able to apply for an eVisa or an ETA for brief business and travel visits since February 2026.
Travelers must abide by one regulation, though. If someone arrives in South Africa without an ETA or eVisa, they will not be allowed admission. Upon arrival, neither a visa nor an ETA are available.
Why ETA Is Important
The ETA was initially implemented in October 2025 as a component of South Africa's phased digital border system. Travelers who have been authorized can utilize automated immigration gates by scanning a printed copy or a QR code stored on their phone.
Each authorized ETA provides:
many entries.
Each stay may last up to ninety days.
One additional ninety-day online extension.
Indian tourists can currently use the ETA when arriving through:
Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.
International Airport at Cape Town.
Airport at Lanseria International.
Later in 2026, South Africa intends to extend ETA acceptance to all international airports as well as a number of busy land border crossings.
For urgent travels, ETA is preferred over eVisa.
The country's eVisa program has seen technical difficulties and processing delays during system changes, as confirmed by South African officials.
As a result, Indian travelers who have urgent travel plans are recommended to apply via the ETA portal whenever possible rather than via the online eVisa system.
Although digital travel permits are rapidly becoming the norm worldwide, dependability is now just as important as speed. Travel is becoming easier in nations that invest in reliable systems, but even the greatest digital plans can still be derailed by technical issues.
Beyond Visa Nationals, the Proposed Fee May Increase
The proposed changes go beyond just adding a processing fee of ZAR 500. Additionally, they suggest that, after being added to the platform and paying the same charge, travelers from nations that do not require visas might voluntarily acquire an ETA.
If approved, the plan will increase the scope of South Africa's digital border initiative as it shifts away from conventional visa processing.
Travunited Take
With quicker airport clearance, we believe South Africa's ETA is a useful improvement for Indian travelers. There is no second chance at the border, so don't leave your house without an authorized ETA or eVisa.
