South Africa’s Visa Framework

Pretoria says two charter flights from Gaza appeared linked to an alleged relocation effort, prompting concerns over forced displacement and regional tensions.

South Africa has revoked its 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian travelers, citing what officials describe as coordinated attempts to move people out of Gaza under suspicious circumstances. The decision follows the recent arrival of a charter flight carrying 153 Palestinians, an episode that authorities say raised red flags about possible forced migration.

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the flight — along with a similar one in October 2025 — appeared to be organized by actors connected