Palestine 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 Palestine for tourism or short stays. The process is quick and can be completed online before your trip, with approval often granted within minutes to a few hours. As of 2026, this is the standard entry requirement.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa (Entry Permit) for PalestineThis is the official entry permit for Palestine, processed through the Israeli authorities. Apply online via Israeli Interior Ministry | South African passport holders must obtain an e-visa (entry permit) before travel. Apply online at the Israeli Interior Ministry ETA system (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing: minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The permit is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond intended stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Palestine. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border control stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials often require evidence of planned departure. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Palestine/Israel before your entry permit expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Palestine. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South African passport holders entering Palestine. | Not required |
Entry via Israel
Palestine is not a separate border entry point. You'll enter through Israeli-controlled crossings (Ben Gurion Airport or Allenby Bridge). The ETA is what you'll show to Israeli border control.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While approvals are often instant, the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Technical glitches or additional checks can delay approval, so don't risk it.
Multiple entries allowed
Your ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries. If you plan to visit Palestine more than once (or combine with Israel), you won't need to reapply each time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. Have your passport details handy. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit/debit card. You'll receive confirmation by email.
2
Wait for approval
Most approvals come within minutes to a few hours, but the official advice is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. Check your email (including spam) for the approval document.
3
Print or save your ETA approval
Print a copy or have it saved on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport
When you land at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or via the Allenby Bridge crossing, go to passport control. Present your passport and ETA approval. Answer any questions about your stay.
5
Enter Palestine
After clearing Israeli border control, you can proceed to your destination in Palestine (e.g., Ramallah, Bethlehem, or Jerusalem). Note that the ETA is valid for multiple entries during its 2-year validity.
Download Palestine Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
work visa
Palestinian Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Palestinian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Palestinian Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrollment at a Palestinian university. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Palestinian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Palestinian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exit fee (if departing via Allenby Bridge to Jordan)Paid at the border crossing; subject to change. | ~$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 Palestine
No transit visa needed
No transit visa required for airside transit through Palestinian airports (e.g., no international airport operating in Palestine; most travelers transit via Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, which has its own rules).
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit via Israel (Ben Gurion Airport) requires Israeli transit rules; South African passport holders may need an electronic authorization (ETA-IL) for transit.
Health & vaccines for Palestine
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to variable sanitation; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk for tourists; use insect repellent if outdoors at dusk.
COVID-19Moderate risk
Follow local guidelines and consider vaccination before travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ramallah
Palestinian Ministry of Interior – Immigration Department
Al-Bireh, Ramallah
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa and residency matters; bring passport and photos.
Gaza City
Gaza Immigration Office
Unknown
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Access is restricted; most visitors enter via Israel.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalRamallah
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyIsraeli new shekel (ILS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3 ILS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,HType C (two round pins) and Type H (three round pins in a V shape)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. It's a quick online application that costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta.
The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries, so you can come and go during that period.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter (if your ETA is still valid) or apply for a different type of permit through the relevant authorities.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. It's not possible to get an ETA on arrival, so make sure you have it approved before you travel.
The ETA is issued by the Israeli authorities (since entry to Palestine is via Israel-controlled borders). It's the entry permit you need for both Israel and Palestine. There's no separate Palestinian visa for South Africans.
The ETA is tied to your passport. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA using the new passport details.
Yes, the application is mobile-friendly. Just go to the website, fill in the form, and pay. You'll get the approval by email.
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.