South Africa to face new restrictions on entry to another country
Starting next year, South African nationals will have one fewer country granting unrestricted entry to SA passport holders.
South African passport holders are about to encounter increased entry restrictions.
SA passport holders will no longer have unrestricted entry to Israel from 1 January 2025.
INCREASED ENTRY RESTRICTIONS
South African passport holders will indeed have to obtain a pre-approved travel authorisation before travelling to the state of Israel.
This effectively means that South Africans need visas for the entire European area around the Mediterranean, including Israel.
ISRAEL IMPOSES ETA
From 1 January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries including South Africa, will be required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA-IL) to enter Israel.
According to TravelNews, the ETA-IL has been open for free voluntary applications since 1 July.
The voluntary pilot programme is in operation to familiarise travellers with the new entry system, ahead of its official launch.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION
From the beginning of January South African passport holders will be charged ILS 25 (R126) for Israel’s ETA.
This mandatory electronic travel authorisation must be applied for before arrival in Israel.
Countries like Canada and the United States of America have similar entry restrictions for nationals from visa-exempt nations.
ISRAELI ETA APPLICATION
Applications for an ETA-IL should be submitted at least 72 hours before making other travel arrangements, such as booking air tickets and accommodation.
Applicants will receive a response to their application within 72 hours of submission.
The ETA-IL is valid for two years and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days per visit.
IRELAND REVOKES UNRESTRICTED ENTRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Israel’s new entry requirement comes hot on the heels of South African passport holders losing visa-free entry for Ireland.
South African passport holders are now required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. This requirement came into place on Wednesday 10 July.
Furthermore, transit visas are also required if SA passport holders intend to transit through Ireland to other destinations.
REASONS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ENTRY RESTRICTIONS
The scrapping of visa-free travel arrangements for Ireland comes after alleged abuse of the arrangement by individuals entering Ireland seeking protection.
Ireland had warned in April that it would be reviewing entry requirements for nationals from South Africa. The review thus led to revised entry restrictions for nationals from South Africa being imposed.
In addition, Ireland claims that the introduction of the visa requirement brings Ireland in closer alignment with the entry requirements for the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom.