What Is eTA Israel? Everything UK Travellers Need to Know in 2026
The eTA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) is a mandatory online entry permit for visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders. Cost: 25 NIS (~£5.50); validity: up to 2 years; required since 1 January 2025. It does not guarantee entry. The final decision rests with the Israeli border officer. This guide covers eligibility, costs, application steps, and border procedures for UK tourists in 2026.
What Is the ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel (ETA-IL) is a mandatory digital pre-travel authorisation linked to your passport, issued by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). The system replaces the previous stamp-on-arrival procedure for visa-exempt foreign nationals, including UK passport holders, and became compulsory on 1 January 2025. A pilot launched on 1 June 2024 for US and German passport holders before the full rollout to all visa-exempt nationalities.
Unlike a traditional visa, the ETA-IL is a lightweight electronic travel authorisation obtained entirely online before departure. The ETA-IL does not guarantee entry into Israel. It allows the holder to reach an Israeli border-crossing only, where a border control officer determines whether authorisation to enter is granted under Israeli law.
Key fact: If you are travelling to Israel from a visa-exempt country in 2026, you must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel (ETA-IL) before boarding. No valid ETA-IL means no boarding, regardless of prior visa-free arrangements.
Do UK Citizens Need an eTA Israel in 2026?
Yes. eTA Israel is mandatory for every UK passport holder planning to visit Israel in 2026. British citizens must obtain the Electronic Travel Authorization before boarding their flight. The requirement has applied to all visa-exempt travellers since 1 January 2025.
| Detail | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | 25 NIS (~£5.50 GBP) | Non-refundable after submission |
| Passport validity | Minimum 90 days from date of arrival in Israel | Biometric and non-biometric passports both accepted |
| Processing time | 24 to 72 hours | Sometimes approved within minutes |
| FCDO advisory | Advises against all travel to parts of Israel; against all but essential travel to other parts | gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel |
| Entry record | Printed entry card at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) | Replaces passport stamp; keep with passport until departure |
For specific eligibility queries not covered here, you can contact the Embassy of Israel in London.
Who Needs an eTA Israel and Who Is Exempt?
eTA Israel is mandatory for citizens of all visa-exempt countries travelling for tourism, business, non-work visits, or study up to 90 days, including UK, US, Canada, EU, Australia, and New Zealand passport holders.
Who needs eTA Israel:
- Citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling for tourism, short business trips, or casual study (up to 90 days)
- Minors of any age. Every child requires an individual eTA Israel; a parent or legal guardian must apply on the child’s behalf using the child’s own passport
- Citizens of Moldova, but only with a biometric passport
Who is exempt:
- Israeli citizens and permanent residents (valid Israeli ID number)
- Dual nationals with proof of Israeli citizenship. Must present certificate proving Israeli citizenship at airline check-in
- Holders of Israeli visas: B/1, B/3, B/4, A/1, A/2, A/3, A/4, A/5
- Crew members on Crew APIS
- US military members holding CAC
- Seamen holding a seaman’s book
- Diplomats and passengers holding official or service passports
Eligibility for eTA Israel is determined by nationality and passport type; applications are submitted individually on the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
eTA Israel vs Visa for Israel – What Is the Difference?
The eTA-IL is a lightweight online authorisation for short-stay tourism and business, while a traditional B/2 visa requires a consular interview, supporting documents, and weeks of processing. eTA Israel replaces the previous visa-exemption stamp-on-arrival system for visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders.
A full B/2 visitor visa is required when the traveller holds a passport from a non-visa-exempt country, plans a stay longer than 90 days, intends to work in Israel, or pursues study exceeding 90 days (a separate student visa applies). The eTA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry and permits multiple entries, whereas a B/2 visa is granted per application through a consular process. Similar systems exist worldwide: the US ESTA serves Visa Waiver Program travellers for stays under 90 days, and the UK ETA (effective 8 January 2025) requires application 72 hours before departure.
| Feature | eTA-IL | Traditional Israel B/2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | 25 NIS (~£5.50) | Varies by consulate |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or passport expiry | Per visa grant |
| Max stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Per visa grant |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours | Weeks |
| Application method | 100% online | Consular interview + supporting documents |
How to Apply for an eTA Israel: Step-by-Step Guide
The eTA Israel application is completed entirely online at the PIBA portal, requires a valid passport and passport-style photo, and must be finished in a single 30-minute session.
Gather your documents
A passport valid for at least 90 days from your date of arrival in Israel, a passport-style photo (acceptable image format, readable MRZ zone, white background, within file size limits), and an active email address. The 30-minute session cannot be paused or saved, so have everything ready before starting.
Go to the PIBA portal
Visit israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Third-party sites charge unnecessary mark-ups; use only this .gov.il address.
Complete the application form
Fill in your personal details, passport data, and travel information. Corrections are not possible after submission. A new application costs another 25 NIS.
Upload your passport photo
Upload in the required format, ensuring the MRZ zone is readable and the background is white. Blurry or cropped scans will cause errors.
Pay the fee of 25 NIS
Approximately £5.50 GBP. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Confirm all details before clicking pay.
Receive your approval by email
Within 24 to 72 hours. If no email arrives, check your spam folder, use the “Resend ETA-IL Approval” tool on the portal, or contact [email protected].
Group application option: A group leader can create a consolidated application, collect each member’s application number and passport number, and pay the total fee within 30 days of submission. Each member then receives a personal email notification.
eTA Israel Cost, Fees, and Processing Time
The eTA Israel costs 25 NIS (approximately $7 USD or £5.50 GBP, depending on the exchange rate) and is non-refundable after submission. No additional service charges apply when using the PIBA portal directly; third-party agencies may charge extra fees unnecessarily.
The eTA Israel typically processes within 24-72 hours, though some applications are approved within minutes. PIBA recommends applying at least 72 hours before booking flights, hotels, and related expenses; you may submit the application at any time prior to travel. For travel during Jewish holidays (e.g., Passover, Sukkot), allow at least a week.
To check your application status or resend a lost approval, use the PIBA portal “Resend ETA-IL Approval” tool. If no response arrives after 72 hours, check your spam folder and contact the PIBA help centre at [email protected] (English only, 24/7) or call +972-2-535-9740.
42 Agripas St., Jerusalem, IsraeleTA Israel Validity, Stay Limits, and Multiple Entries
The eTA Israel (ETA-IL) remains valid for up to 2 years from the date of approval or until the associated passport expires, whichever occurs first. Within this validity period, the eTA Israel permits multiple entries, making it practical for travellers who visit Israel more than once.
Each individual entry allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days, though the final duration is determined by the border control officer upon arrival. The 2-year validity does not permit a continuous stay of two years; it allows repeated visits of up to 90 days each within the validity window.
If you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, or change your country of citizenship, you must reapply for a new eTA Israel, paying the standard 25 NIS fee again. Dual nationals must use the same passport linked to their eTA Israel for the entire trip and cannot switch passports at the Israeli border.
Travelling with Children and Families
Every child, regardless of age, needs an individual eTA Israel applied for by a parent or legal guardian using the child’s own passport. The parent or legal guardian must indicate at the beginning of the form that it is being completed for someone else.
Each minor requires a separate application with its own 25 NIS fee. A group leader may use the PIBA portal’s group feature to consolidate payment for all family members within 30 days of submission; each member then receives a personal email with the outcome.
- Valid child’s passport with at least 90 days remaining from the intended arrival date
- Passport-style photo meeting portal upload specifications (acceptable format, readable MRZ zone, white background)
- Accessible email address for receiving the approval notification
- Reference number for each child if using the group payment feature
What Happens at the Border? Using Your eTA Israel in 2026
At Ben Gurion Airport, eTA Israel holders scan their passport at an automated kiosk and may proceed directly to e-gates without stopping at a border control officer. Instead of a passport stamp, travellers receive a printed entry card that must be kept with the passport until departure from Israel. The entry card serves as evidence of legal entry and may need to be presented at hotels or internal checkpoints.
Israel has no airside transit at Ben Gurion Airport. Every arriving passenger, including those connecting to another flight, must clear passport control. All transit passengers therefore need a valid eTA Israel or an appropriate visa before boarding.
At land border crossings, eTA Israel remains valid at Allenby Bridge and Sheikh Hussein (Jordan) and Taba (Egypt). Entry records at non-airport points may be issued as an entry card or stamp, depending on the crossing. The FCDO warns that some entry stamps issued at Allenby Bridge and Ben Gurion carry endorsements reading “Palestinian Authority only” or “Judea and Samaria only”, which may affect future travel to neighbouring countries. However, regional travel stamps do not normally prevent entry to Israel but may cause extra questioning.
Border officers may conduct lengthy personal questioning, baggage searches, and requests to access email or social media accounts. Baggage or digital devices may be searched and withheld. Travellers considered to have publicly criticised the State of Israel may face increased scrutiny. If entry is refused, the passport receives an entry stamp with two red lines drawn across it; the traveller is booked on the next available flight to the departure point on the same airline and may wait at the Immigration Detention Centre, located a few minutes’ drive from the airport, with telephone access, information in English, and medical assistance available.
For entry to Palestinian territories, carry your passport and Israeli immigration slip. British dual nationals re-entering the UK must present a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Additional Requirements and Recommendations for UK Travellers
Travel health insurance is not a requirement for the eTA Israel application, but comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended for all UK visitors. The FCDO advises British travellers to obtain a policy covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and conflict-related contingencies before departure.
Overstaying the 90-day maximum permitted by the eTA Israel can result in fines, deportation, and a re-entry ban of up to 10 years, depending on circumstances and particularly for Palestinian-territory violations per FCDO guidance. To extend your stay legally, you must apply for an extension of stay at a local PIBA office in Israel before your 90-day period ends. The decision is at the officer’s discretion.
Carry a printout of your eTA Israel confirmation number together with your passport and entry card at all times. If detained, the British Embassy in Israel can provide consular assistance but cannot intervene in immigration decisions. Check the latest FCDO guidance at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel before travelling in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about eTA Israel
Do transit passengers at Ben Gurion Airport need an eTA-IL?
Yes. Israel does not offer airside transit without passport control. Every passenger arriving at Ben Gurion must clear immigration, regardless of whether they are connecting to another flight. All transit passengers need a valid eTA-IL or an appropriate visa to pass through border control.
What happens if my eTA-IL application is refused?
There is no formal appeal process for a denied eTA-IL application. If refused, you must apply for a traditional B/2 tourist visa at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate. Contact the Embassy of Israel in London at 15 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL, or call +44 207 957 9500 for guidance.
I hold two passports – which one should I use for the eTA-IL?
You must apply using the passport you intend to travel on and use the same passport for the entire trip, from application through border crossing. You cannot switch passports at the Israeli border. If you acquire a new passport or change citizenship, you must reapply for a new eTA-IL.
How do I check my eTA-IL application status or resend a lost approval?
Visit israel-entry.piba.gov.il and use the “Resend ETA-IL Approval” tool with your reference number and email address. If you have not received your approval email after 72 hours, check your spam folder, verify your email address, and contact the PIBA help centre at [email protected] or call +972-2-535-9740.
Can my eTA-IL be revoked after it has been approved?
Yes. PIBA retains the right to revoke an eTA-IL at any time on immigration or security grounds. If revoked, you will be notified by email. A revoked eTA-IL does not entitle you to entry, and you would need to apply for a standard B/2 visa at a consulate.
What happens if I overstay the 90-day maximum in Israel?
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a re-entry ban that may last up to 10 years depending on the circumstances. It can also negatively affect future visa applications. If you need more time, apply for an extension at a PIBA office before your 90 days expire.
Can children apply for their own eTA-IL?
No. Children of any age require their own individual eTA-IL, but a parent or legal guardian must complete the application on the child’s behalf. Have the child’s passport details and a compliant passport photo ready before beginning, as the 30-minute session cannot be paused.
Do I need travel health insurance for the eTA-IL application?
Travel health insurance is not a requirement for obtaining an eTA-IL. However, it is strongly recommended for all travellers to Israel. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and any conflict-related contingencies. The FCDO advises all UK travellers to obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
I am a dual national – do I need an eTA-IL?
If you hold an Israeli passport or valid Israeli ID number, you do not need an eTA-IL. If you hold a foreign passport alongside Israeli citizenship, you are exempt but must present proof of Israeli citizenship when boarding. If you hold two non-Israeli visa-exempt passports, apply using the one you will travel on.
Can I apply for the eTA-IL on behalf of someone else?
Only as a parent or legal guardian applying for a minor child. Adults must apply individually for their own eTA-IL. Tour operators and group leaders may use the group application feature to manage multiple submissions and consolidate payment within 30 days.
Sources: Israel Population and Immigration Authority (israel-entry.piba.gov.il); UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel); Embassy of Israel in London (embassies.gov.il). Information accessed and verified in 2026.
This is an independent informational guide. We are not affiliated with the Israeli government or PIBA. We do not sell eTA-IL applications. Always verify current requirements on the official PIBA portal before travelling.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. We review this page regularly against official PIBA and FCDO publications.
