South Africa visitor's visa fee
- Visitor's visa
- R425 1
- ETA electronic processing fee
- R500 from 17 August 2026 1
- Business visa
- R1,520 1
- Transit visa
- R425 1
- Maximum visitor stay
- 90 days or less 3
- Diplomatic and official passports
- No visa fee 3
South African visa fees
Government Gazette No. 55209 of 17 August 2026 contains the First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees under the Immigration Act. It took effect on the date of publication 1. The Department of Home Affairs fee page shows the same amounts 2.
The same gazette sets R425 for study, treaty, retired person, relative's and exchange visas, R1,520 for work, corporate and business visas and for permanent residence permits, and R100 for proof of permanent residency 1.
The new ETA fee
The R500 fee is listed as the electronic processing fee for the ETA, made under section 7(1)(i) of the Immigration Act 1.
BusinessTech reported on 17 August 2026 that the ETA is compulsory for travellers who are not visa-exempt and voluntary for visa-exempt travellers. It said non-exempt travellers would pay R925, made up of the R500 ETA fee and the R425 visa fee 4. Check with Home Affairs which steps apply to your passport before you travel.
Who pays the visa fee
- Visitor's visas cover tourism or business trips of 90 days or less 3.
- Home Affairs publishes a list of nationalities that pay the visitor's visa fee on ordinary passports. Countries marked with an asterisk pay only if the visit is longer than 30 days 3.
- Visa fees are not charged for diplomatic and official or service passport holders 3.
- Citizens of some countries do not need a visa at all for stays of 90 days or less. Home Affairs keeps a separate list of exempt countries 3.
Where to apply
Requirements differ by country. Home Affairs tells applicants to check with the nearest South African mission or consulate 3. The official fee list is on the Home Affairs website 2.
Common questions
How much is a South African visitor visa?
R425 1.
What is the R500 South Africa ETA fee?
It is the electronic processing fee for the Electronic Travel Authorisation, gazetted on 17 August 2026 1.
Do all nationalities pay the South African visa fee?
No. Home Affairs lists the nationalities that pay. Some pay only for visits over 30 days 3.
Did South African visa fees change in 2026?
The visitor's visa stayed at R425, and the R500 ETA fee was added on 17 August 2026 1.
How much is a South African business visa?
R1,520, including renewals 1.
How long can I stay on a South African visitor's visa?
Visitor's visas are for tourism or business visits of 90 days or less 3.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email hello@visafeesexplained.com with the official link.
Sources
- Government Gazette No. 55209: Immigration Act, 2002, First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees (17 August 2026), copy hosted by BusinessTech
- Department of Home Affairs: Fees (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Department of Home Affairs: Types of visas (accessed 19 October 2026)
- BusinessTech: New R500 visa fee officially introduced in South Africa (17 August 2026)
Related
- Visitor visa fees by country
Standard short-stay visitor visa fees for the US, Schengen, UK, Canada, Australia, China, India, Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Türkiye.
- UK Standard Visitor visa fees
A UK Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months. Fees for 2, 5 and 10 year visas, the 8 April 2026 rise, priority services and refunds.
- Schengen short-stay visa fee
The Schengen short-stay visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11. Reduced fees, waivers, the €45 service fee cap and refunds.
- India e-Visa and regular visa fees
India e-Tourist Visa fees run from US$10 to US$200 for most countries, plus a 3% bank charge. How regular visa fees work at Indian missions.