Israel eVisa for South African Citizens

If you are a South African citizen planning an enriching trip to the Holy Land, you need to be aware of a critical change in Israel’s entry requirements: the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel, or ETA-IL.

Previously, South Africans required a complex, traditional B/2 Tourist Visa. However, based on the latest policy updates, Israel Visa for South African passport holders are now included in the ETA-IL system, streamlining your travel application significantly!

Is the Israel ETA-IL Mandatory for South African Citizens?

Yes, the ETA-IL is now mandatory for South African citizens planning short-term visits to Israel for tourism or business.

This Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) replaces the need to apply for a traditional B/2 visa at the Israeli Embassy in most short-term scenarios. This new system, launched by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), pre-screens travelers, making the process faster and more efficient for you at the airport.

What is the Israel ETA-IL and What are its Key Features?

The ETA-IL is a digital pre-authorization that grants you permission to travel to Israel. It is linked electronically to your passport.

Key features of the ETA-IL for South African citizens include:

• Validity Period: The authorization is valid for a period of two years from the date of approval.
• Passport Condition: The validity is tied to your passport. If your South African passport expires before the two-year period, your ETA-IL will expire with it.
• Entry Type: It allows for multiple entries into Israel during its two-year validity.
• Duration of Stay: For any single trip, the ETA-IL permits a stay of up to 90 days per visit.

What Purposes of Travel Does the ETA-IL Cover? (Short-Term Stays)

The ETA-IL covers nearly all non-employment and non-long-term stay activities for South African travelers. If your travel falls under one of these categories, the ETA-IL is the correct path:

If your purpose involves being employed by an Israeli entity or enrolling in a long-term academic program (like Masa Israel), you must still apply for the appropriate B/1 (Work) or A/2 (Student) visa through the Embassy/Consulate.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for the ETA-IL?

The Israel Visa application for the ETA-IL is highly streamlined compared to the old B/2 visa process, requiring only a few key details and documents:

• Valid South African Passport: You will need to upload a high-quality scan of your Passport Bio Page. As shown in your uploaded file, this is the main document requirement.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your date of arrival in Israel, though six months is always recommended for international travel.
• Personal Information: Basic biographical details (name, address, date of birth, etc.).
• Contact & Email: A working email address for confirmation and receipt.
• Payment Method: A valid credit card for the application fee.

How Long is the Standard ETA-IL Processing Time? 

The electronic nature of the ETA-IL ensures a rapid turnaround compared to traditional visas.

You have three general processing speeds, as indicated in your uploaded data:

Recommendation: It is officially recommended to submit your ETA-IL application at least 72 hours prior to any booking of flight tickets or hotel rooms. This ensures you have authorization before committing to major travel expenses.

How can I intervene if my application is delayed when the Agent offers escalation?

• Official Portal: The processing time for the ETA-IL is usually fast (within 72 hours), but for the more complex eVisa-B2, it can take up to 5-15 working days or longer if there are mistakes or complexities. There is often limited ability to check detailed status updates beyond "Pending" on the official system.
• israel-evisa.com: We offer enhanced tracking and intervention. If an application is delayed, our agents follow up directly with the relevant channels. We can provide real-time updates and, where possible, offer accelerated processing options if your travel plans change and you need your document urgently.

What if My Passport is Expiring Soon?

Since the ETA-IL is linked electronically to your South African passport, its validity cannot exceed the passport's expiry date.

If your passport is due to expire in less than two years, you should consider renewing your passport before applying for the ETA-IL. If you apply now and later renew your passport, you will be required to submit and pay for a new ETA-IL application to link it to your new travel document.

What is the Electronic Application Process for South Africans? 

The ETA-IL process is entirely online:

1. Fill in Details: Enter all required personal, passport, and travel information accurately.
2. Upload Passport Bio Page: Upload a high-quality digital image or scan of the main page of your South African passport, where your photo and bio data appear.
3. Review and Pay: Carefully review all submitted data for errors, then proceed to pay the NIS 25 application fee.
4. Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation once your application is approved. This confirmation is the authorization you need to board your flight.

Is the Approved ETA-IL a Guarantee of Entry into Israel?

No. Like any electronic travel authorization worldwide (ESTA, eTA, etc.), the ETA-IL is solely an authorization to board the flight and present yourself at the Israeli border.

The final decision on entry rests with the Israeli Border Control Officer upon your arrival. While refusal is rare for approved travelers, the officer may ask routine questions about your:

• Purpose of visit (matching your ETA-IL purpose).
• Accommodation details.
• Proof of onward or return travel.
• Sufficient funds for your stay.

Always carry physical or digital evidence of your confirmed return flight and accommodation details.

How Does the ETA-IL Affect South African Dual Citizens?

If you are a dual citizen holding both a South African passport and an Israeli ID/passport, you typically do not need to apply for an ETA-IL. Israeli law generally requires citizens, even dual nationals, to use their Israeli travel documents to enter and exit the country. You must check the specific legal requirements for dual citizens before relying on this exemption.

What Should I Do if My ETA-IL Application is Denied?

If your ETA-IL application is rejected (e.g., due to previous immigration issues, security concerns, or a history of overstaying visas in other countries), you will be notified and directed to the next step.

In this scenario, you will likely be instructed to apply for a full B/2 Tourist Visa through the nearest Israeli Embassy or Consulate in South Africa. This involves a more intensive process, including an in-person interview and the submission of extensive supporting documents (bank statements, itinerary, employment letters, etc.).

Are There Special Requirements for Minors on ETA-IL?

Yes, every South African citizen, regardless of age, must have an approved ETA-IL before travel.

Additionally, due to South African laws for international child travel, minors (under 18) must adhere to strict documentation when departing South Africa, including:

• Unabridged Birth Certificate: Showing both parents’ details.
• Parental Consent: If traveling with one parent or alone, a certified letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is required.

These documents must be presented to airline staff and South African border officials upon departure, regardless of Israel’s ETA-IL requirements.

By confirming your eligibility for the ETA-IL, South African travelers can look forward to a much simpler pre-travel process, allowing you to focus on the history, culture, and vibrant experiences awaiting you in Israel.