Member Advisory: Proposed ETA Changes and Public Consultation

By David Frost, SATSA CEO

Earlier this week, the Department of Home Affairs published draft amendments to the Immigration Regulations proposing a new R500 electronic processing fee for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform and other visas processed online. The proposal is now open for public comment until 11 August 2026, with implementation proposed for 17 August 2026.

As the recognised voice of organised business on tourism matters, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), supported by its member associations including SATSA, has consistently advocated for visa reforms that strengthen South Africa's competitiveness while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system. We have supported initiatives such as the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from the outset because, in principle, they represent the kind of modernisation our industry has long advocated for.

Draft First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees Made Under the Immigration Act, 2002

Consultation remains essential

While the private sector has consistently advocated for visa reform, our engagement with the implementation of these reforms has been limited.

Over the past two years, there have been just two formal opportunities for industry engagement. The first was a broad stakeholder webinar introducing the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which provided limited opportunity for meaningful dialogue with the inbound tourism sector. The second took place approximately four months ago, when the Minister of Tourism facilitated a meeting between the Department of Home Affairs and tourism industry representatives.

While both engagements were welcomed, they cannot replace the value of an ongoing, structured consultation process.

Policy is invariably stronger when informed by those responsible for implementing it on the ground. SATSA's members work with international buyers and travellers every day. They understand how source markets respond to policy changes, the practical realities of booking journeys to South Africa and the factors that influence destination competitiveness. That operational insight is an important resource, and one that should form part of the policy development process from the outset.

Through the TBCSA, with SATSA representing the interests of the inbound tourism sector, organised business has consistently advocated for modern, efficient visa reform. While significant progress has been made, there has been no structured mechanism for ongoing engagement between government and industry during the development and rollout of the ETA.

This is particularly disappointing given the important role the private sector has played in helping advance visa reform in South Africa.

Almost three years ago, the TBCSA, supported by its tourism association members, including SATSA, partnered with Genesis Analytics through Operation Vulindlela to develop practical solutions to South Africa's longstanding visa challenges. That work laid the foundations for today's visa modernisation programme, with both the TTOS and the ETA emerging directly from that collaborative process.

Areas requiring greater clarity

For travellers who currently require visas, the proposal represents a significant reduction in overall costs. According to the Department's own figures, the total cost of obtaining a visa through the ETA platform would decrease substantially through the replacement of the existing outsourced service fee.

The position for South Africa's traditional visa-exempt markets is considerably less clear.

The draft regulations propose that travellers from visa-free countries, including key markets such as the United Kingdom, the United States and much of Europe, would be able to apply voluntarily through the ETA platform and pay the proposed R500 fee.

This raises several practical questions that deserve clarification before implementation.

If participation is voluntary, what benefit does the traveller receive? Will travellers who choose not to use the ETA experience a different process on arrival? If the rationale is enhanced pre-arrival security screening, why is this being applied on an optional basis to markets that have historically travelled visa-free?

These are reasonable operational questions that deserve clear answers before any implementation proceeds.

Visa-free travel has long been one of South Africa's competitive strengths. Any proposal affecting these markets, even on a voluntary basis, should be carefully considered to ensure it strengthens, rather than complicates, the traveller experience.

We want to hear from you

SATSA is working through the TBCSA to make representations to the Department of Home Affairs during the public consultation period, and your practical experience will strengthen that engagement.

I encourage you to:

• Review the draft regulations and proposed fee schedule, available by clicking here.
• Consider how these proposals may affect your business, your clients and your source markets.
• Share any concerns, observations or recommendations with SATSA at kim@satsa.co.za so they can inform our formal submission. 

Our objective is not to oppose reform. Quite the opposite.

We support a modern, efficient and secure immigration system that improves South Africa's competitiveness while protecting our borders. But reforms of this significance should be developed with the benefit of industry expertise, practical operational insight and structured public-private engagement.

That collaborative approach has delivered positive outcomes before, and it remains the best way to ensure that future reforms achieve their intended objectives.

Finally, I welcome the Department's announcement of a 48-hour visa turnaround for Indian travellers. This is a positive development for one of South Africa's strategically important growth markets and demonstrates the potential of continued visa reform. It does, however, also reinforce the importance of keeping industry informed through meaningful consultation so tourism businesses can prepare their teams and communicate changes confidently to clients.