Israel entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. The application is quick and can be completed online before you travel. As of 2026, the ETA costs 25 ILS and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (eVisa) approvalYou must have an approved ETA before you fly; it is not issued on arrival. Apply online before travel | South African passport holders must obtain an approved ETA (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and processing takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Israel. Check the expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans to ensure you are not overstaying. Proof of departure from Israel | You must be able to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Israel before your ETA or passport validity expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps avoid issues at border control. For your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds to cover your accommodation, meals, and expenses during your visit. This can be bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned length of stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South African passport holders entering Israel. The ETA serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from unexpected medical bills or trip cancellations. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip interruption is strongly recommended. Israel has high-quality healthcare, but treatment can be costly for uninsured visitors. | Recommended |
ETA is mandatory — no exceptions
Even though it's called an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' and not a visa, you must have it approved before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding. Apply at least 72 hours ahead — it's fast, but don't leave it to the last minute.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Israel. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book anything. Border control at Ben Gurion is known to be strict about this.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval is usually instant, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your ETA confirmation. Save it on your phone or print a copy — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from South Africa land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow the signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport, ETA confirmation, and return ticket ready.
4
Pass through immigration control
The officer will scan your passport, check your ETA, and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly and honestly. You'll get an entry stamp — note that Israel doesn't stamp passports anymore; they give a paper entry card instead.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel and you're out.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B/2 Visitor Visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost$60
For tourism or business visits; must apply at Israeli embassy or consulate before travel.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with an employer sponsor. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Interior and proof of employment.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~200 ILS (~$54 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Must provide acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in an Israeli business. Requires detailed business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Required for South African passport holders; valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever is first. | $35 |
| Visa extensionPossible for stays up to 90 days; apply at Population and Immigration Authority office. | $100 |
| Exit feeCharged at land border crossings (e.g., to Jordan or Egypt); not applicable at airports. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Israel
No transit visa needed
South African citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an ETA or visa is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in summer and in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tel Aviv
Population and Immigration Authority – Tel Aviv District Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem District Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for visitors in Jerusalem area.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalJerusalem
LanguageHebrew, Arabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 1 year.
Money
CurrencyIsraeli New Shekel (ILS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3 ILS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,HType H (Israeli) and C — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Israel.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Israel
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Israel — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, but you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It's not a visa — it's a quick online pre-travel clearance. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before your flight. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD).
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each entry allows a stay of up to 90 days. You can enter multiple times during the validity period.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Israeli immigration won't process you without it. There's no on-arrival ETA facility — you must have it approved before you fly.
Yes, it's the new system that replaced the previous visa-free entry for eligible nationalities. It's mandatory for South Africans as of 2026.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at an Israeli embassy before your trip.
The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. The old one won't transfer.
If you're only visiting Israel and the West Bank, the ETA covers your entry into Israel. For Gaza, you'd need special permits — that's a separate process. For Jordan or Egypt, you'll need to check their entry requirements.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.