An anonymous Chinese travel industry professional shared their views on the South African Department of Home Affairs’ proposed ETA fee.
As a travel agency operating in the Chinese market and participating in the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), we welcome the South African government’s efforts to modernise its visa system through the introduction and continuous improvement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). We have noted recent reports regarding the proposed ETA application fee. In our view, a reasonable service fee is acceptable, provided that it is used to ensure the long-term stability, security and continuous operation of the ETA platform. A reliable system with minimal downtime is far more valuable to travellers and the tourism industry than a free system that lacks operational stability.
However, our greatest concern is not the application fee but the scope of the ETA system. At present, one of the most significant barriers preventing Chinese families from travelling to South Africa is the visa application process for minors. If the ETA system cannot accommodate family applications or allow parents to submit visa applications on behalf of their children, many families will still be required to apply through VFS Global or the TTOS. These channels involve considerably longer processing times and extensive supporting documentation, significantly reducing the convenience that the ETA system is intended to provide.
From the perspective of the Chinese outbound travel market, enabling family applications and providing a simplified application process for minors would have a much greater positive impact on tourism growth than maintaining the current restrictions. As a TTOS-authorised travel agency, we are not opposed to the continued expansion of the ETA system. On the contrary, we strongly support its development.
Based on TTOS arrival statistics published by SATSA, the TTOS programme has not delivered a substantial increase in the number of Chinese visitors travelling to South Africa. While the TTOS has improved visa accessibility for certain travellers, it has not significantly expanded the overall market. Instead, it has inadvertently created a commercial advantage for a limited number of authorised travel agencies through visa processing services.
Our objective is not to preserve the TTOS but to see South Africa become more competitive as a destination for Chinese travellers. If the ETA system can eventually provide a secure, efficient and comprehensive visa solution for all eligible travellers – including families and minors – we would fully support the gradual replacement of the TTOS by the ETA.
Ultimately, the visa application process is the first impression that international travellers have of a destination. A fast, simple, transparent and reliable ETA system will not only improve the visitor experience but also strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness in the increasingly competitive Chinese outbound tourism market.
Recommendations:
- Enable family applications, through the ETA platform, allowing parents or legal guardians to submit applications on behalf of minors.
- Ensure ETA processing remains stable, reliable and available at all times.
- Continue simplifying document requirements while maintaining appropriate security standards.
- Gradually expand ETA eligibility to replace more traditional visa application channels where appropriate.
- Measure the success of the ETA programme by its ability to increase actual visitor arrivals rather than the number of visa applications processed.
We appreciate the South African government’s commitment to digital transformation and respectfully submit these comments for consideration. We believe that an inclusive, efficient and user-friendly ETA system will be one of the most effective measures to increase Chinese visitor arrivals and strengthen tourism ties between China and South Africa.
