South Africa entry fees: new regulation or scam?

Hi there, I’m filling out my South Africa entry declaration and just found out it costs $53. We’ve traveled to South Africa regularly, the last trip was in 2024, and I’ve never paid anything to enter South African territory before. Is this a new measure, or am I on a dodgy site? Thanks for your replies! Christine

Hi, I can’t find anything on diplomatie.gouv.fr. Why do you have to fill out an entry declaration? I didn’t do that for a tourist stay under 90 days—no visa required. Best,

Thanks for the reply,

Hey, I filled out an entry declaration online. No one else did. No issues on arrival. And I didn’t pay anything! Neither before nor after.

Hi, Where did you see this statement? It caught my attention because I didn’t come across it at the end of 2023, and I’m planning to go back to South Africa. Thanks for your reply. Best regards.

I don’t remember anymore… I was really surprised about the +20 travel to South Africa But I didn’t pay anything And like they say Didn’t see anything at the airport! !

Hi, I entered last week... First, I didn’t fill out anything online, and second, no one asked me for anything on arrival. This form of yours smells like a scam.

Camil

Thanks for confirming this because I can’t find anything at all on diplomatie.gouv.fr

Hi, for the visa, everything goes smoothly on arrival—you’re granted 90 days. Check out the blog "msiafricaroadtrip." Watch out, they’re strict to the day: 90 days doesn’t mean 91. We learned the hard way—those extra 3 days cost us a 1-year entry ban to the country.

Thanks 😏

Just to confirm that for South Africa, you don’t need to fill out any forms in advance—everything is handled when you arrive at the airport. However, starting April 1, 2025, Namibia will require a paid visa, which you can get either online or at the main border crossings. Check out the blog "Msiafricaroadtrip" for details. Best regards,

Hi, Check the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for formalities—no website or blog available...