Country guide
Israel
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
New Israel Shekel (ILS).
Time zones
UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa). Daylight savings from from last Friday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 972
Best time to go
Year-Round
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but some travellers prefer bottled water.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
An ETA-IL must be applied for prior to arriving in Israel.
- Apply online at: israel-entry.piba.gov.il/
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond arrival date
- The application must be completed in one go, and cannot be saved.
- Travel Information, passport details and personal details must be provided during the application.
- There is an application fee of 25 NIS, payable online.
Visa requirements
No visas are required by South African passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days.
Visa application centre
Those requiring a visa should apply through VFS Global:
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/isr/
Email: Infoisrael_za@vfsglobal.com
Tel: +27 (0)12 425 3022
Issuing authorities
Embassy of Israel
428 Kings Highway, Lynnwood, Pretoria
Tel: 012 470 3524
E-mail: consular@pretoria.mfa.gov.il
Web: embassies.gov.il/pretoria
SA representative
[Embassy is closed]
Public holidays
2026: Apr 2, 8, 22; May 22; Sep 12-13, 21, 26; Oct 3