South Africans to obtain ETA to enter Israel
Visa-free entry to Israel is now off the table for South Africans, as they will now have to obtain an ETA to visit the country.
Israel introduces ETA
Travellers to Israel will soon have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to their visit.
According to Travel News, the ETA-IL, which is currently open for voluntary free applications as a pilot programme since 1 July, will become mandatory.
Starting 1 January 2025, ETA applicants will be charged IL25 (R126) for their mandatory applications and will receive a response to their application within 72 hours of submission.
These applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before making any other travel arrangements, including booking any air tickets or accommodation.
Approved ETA-IL’s will then be valid for two years and also allows multiple entries of up to 90 days per visit.
Up until this point, entry to the nation had been visa-free for South Africans, with travellers receiving a 90-day tourist visa upon entry in Israel.
Ireland gives SA the axe too
After many years of visa-free entry to Ireland, a new decision by the Irish Department of Justice will now see South Africans and Botswana nationals needing to apply for a visa in order to visit the Emerald Isle.
As per Schengen.News, starting 10 July, nationals from Botswana and South Africa will need to obtain a visa first, before travelling to Ireland.
These two countries will also require a transit visa when wanting to transit through Ireland to another destination.
VFS TO PROCESS VISAS GOING FORWARD
The Justice Ministry of Ireland said that the Dublin Visa Office will establish a dedicated South Africa desk to process applications from South African nationals as well as three VFS Global Visa Application Centers in South Africa.
Services have already commenced from 10 July at functioning centres in three cities in South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
“The opening of three new centres in key locations is part of VFS Global’s plans to enhance cooperation with the Government of Ireland and offer a convenient and secure visa application platform to outbound travellers from South Africa and Botswana and efficiently cater to the growing travel needs from both countries.” Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head of VFS Global Sub Saharan Africa, said as per Travel News.