South Africa → Israel
South Africa 
IsraelIsrael visa requirements for South Africa citizens (2026)
eTA / ETA required · up to 90 days. South Africa passport holders do not need a full visa for Israel, but must get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before travelling, it allows stays of up to 90 days. Since 1 Jan 2025 visa-exempt travellers need an approved ETA-IL (25 NIS, valid up to 2 years).
- Total price
- From $33
- per traveler, all-in
- Estimated processing
- 1–3 business days
Visa and Trips is a private service, not a government agency. Price is the official government fee plus our USD 25 service fee.
VTBy the Visa and Trips editorial teamLast updated
Israel ETA requirements for South Africa citizens
- Requirement
- eTA / ETA required
- Allowed stay
- 90 days
- Processing
- 1–3 business days
Typical estimate
Documents needed
- Passport valid 6+ months (the ETA is linked to this passport)
- Email address and a payment card
- Travel dates and first address
- Sometimes a digital photo or a passport data-page scan
How South Africa citizens apply for the Israel ETA
- Apply online before you book or at least a few days before you fly.
- Enter passport details exactly as printed, typos are the #1 reason for problems.
- Pay the fee and wait for approval by email.
- Travel with the same passport you applied with.
Official fees
| Item | Official fee |
|---|---|
| ETA, official fee for South Africa citizens | 25 NIS |
| ETA-IL | 25 NIS |
Government fees only, from the official sources below. Visa centre or service fees, where they apply, are extra.
Recent rule changes for Israel
- 2025-01-01: ETA-IL became mandatory for visa-exempt visitors.
Good to know
- Valid up to 2 years or until passport expiry; stays up to 90 days per visit.
Easier alternatives for South Africa passport holders
Popular destinations with simpler entry for the South Africa passport than Israel, easiest first. Only rules we have verified against an official source are listed.
| Destination | Requirement | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa-free | 30 days |
Israel at a glance for travellers
- 101 of 198 passports can enter Israel without a visa (visa-free, visa on arrival or an ETA).
- The South Africa passport gets visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 destinations in our dataset.
Sources and last checked
| What | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement & allowed stay | Israel PIBA: ETA-IL | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Independent official overview | UK FCDO, Israel entry requirements | 22 Oct 2026 |
The Visa and Trips editorial team rechecks these sources regularly. See our editorial and verification policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Israel?
South Africa passport holders do not need a full visa for Israel, but must get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before travelling, it allows stays of up to 90 days. Since 1 Jan 2025 visa-exempt travellers need an approved ETA-IL (25 NIS, valid up to 2 years).
How long can South Africa passport holders stay in Israel?
Up to 90 days per visit for tourism. Overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans.
What documents do South Africa passport holders need for Israel?
Passport valid 6+ months (the ETA is linked to this passport); Email address and a payment card; Travel dates and first address; Sometimes a digital photo or a passport data-page scan.
How long does the Israel ETA take for South Africa passport holders?
1–3 business days (typical estimate). Apply well ahead of your trip. Rush processing is available with Visa and Trips.
How much does a Israel ETA cost with Visa and Trips?
From $33 per traveler, all-in. One total that includes the official government fee and our USD 25 service fee; the exact total is confirmed after we check your details, before you pay.
How do I apply for the Israel ETA with Visa and Trips?
Tap “Apply now”, enter your trip and passport details and upload your documents. A Visa and Trips specialist checks everything, files your application, emails you a confirmation with the estimated processing time and sends your ETA as soon as it is issued. You can follow your order on the tracking page.