By Alex Morgan, travel-visa researcher. Reviewed by an Israeli immigration attorney. Last updated: 9 September 2026.
The ETA-IL is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (including UK citizens), costing 25 NIS and valid for up to two years. The eVisa-B2 is an electronic visa for visa-required nationals, costing 105 NIS and requiring additional documentation. Both are applied for online via the PIBA portal, but neither guarantees entry – a border control officer retains final authority.
What is the difference between ETA-IL and eVisa-B2? The ETA-IL is a lightweight authorisation for visa-exempt tourists, costing 25 NIS, valid up to two years, requiring only a passport and photo. The eVisa-B2 is a full electronic visa for visa-required nationals, costing 105 NIS, valid up to 90 days, requiring return tickets, health insurance, accommodation proof, and financial means evidence.
What Are the ETA-IL and the eVisa-B2?
The ETA-IL is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, while the eVisa-B2 is an electronic tourist visa for visa-required nationals. Both were introduced by the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) on January 1, 2025.
The ETA-IL serves citizens of 99 visa-exempt countries and territories. The eVisa-B2 is the digital successor to the traditional B/2 visa sticker, designed for nationals from countries that require a visa to enter Israel. Both are submitted online via the PIBA portal, but neither guarantees entry – a border control officer retains final authority.
Who Needs an ETA-IL vs an eVisa-B2?
The ETA-IL serves nationals of 99 visa-exempt countries and territories, including the UK, US, EU member states, Canada, Australia, and Japan. The eVisa-B2 targets nationals of visa-required countries who cannot enter Israel without a full visa.
- ETA-IL – available to citizens of visa-exempt countries.
- eVisa-B2 – required by nationals of visa-required countries. The pilot programme (status: 25 June 2025) covers Sri Lankan passport holders residing in India or Sri Lanka, expanding to all visa-required nationalities.
- Dual citizens with a foreign passport and Israeli citizenship are exempt from the ETA-IL but must present a certificate proving Israeli citizenship at airline boarding.
- Citizens of Moldova with a biometric passport qualify for the ETA-IL and are exempt from the B2 visitor visa requirement.
If you hold a valid UK passport, you need an ETA-IL – not an eVisa-B2. UK citizens have been visa-exempt under an agreement dating to 15 March 1967, permitting stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or short-term study. UK travellers should also consult the FCDO travel advice for Israel and FCDO entry requirements, which confirm the ETA-IL obligation for British citizens since 1 January 2025.
ETA-IL vs eVisa-B2: Side-by-Side Comparison
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5.50), processes in minutes to 72 hours, and requires only a valid passport and photo. The eVisa-B2 costs 105 NIS (~£23), takes up to 10 business days, and demands additional supporting documents.
| Attribute | ETA-IL | eVisa-B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt nationals (99 countries/territories) | Visa-required nationals |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, short-term studies, transit | Tourism, business visits, family visits, medical treatments, short-term studies (non-academic) |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expires (whichever first) | Up to 90 days (consul’s decision) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Fee | 25 NIS (~£5.50) | 105 NIS (~£23) |
| Fee refundable? | No | No |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | Up to 10 business days |
| Documents | Valid passport, digital photo | Passport, photo, return ticket, health insurance, accommodation proof, financial means proof |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Confirm with issuing authority |
| How to apply | Online via PIBA portal | Online via PIBA portal (in-person consulate visit may be required) |
| Border crossings | All (airport + land) | All (airport + land) |
| Guarantees entry? | No – border officer decides | No – border officer decides |
Sources: PIBA ETA-IL guidelines (accessed Sep 2026), Israel Ministry of Interior B/2 visa regulations (amended 2025), FCDO entry requirements (Aug 2026).
Application Process, Fees, and Key Practical Differences
Both are applied for online at the PIBA portal (42 Agripas st. Jerusalem Israel), but the ETA-IL is processed automatically, while the eVisa-B2 requires manual consular review.
ETA-IL application steps:
Complete form & upload photo
Enter passport details and upload a digital photo. Editable before submission.
Automatic decision
System processes within minutes to 72 hours. Corrections require a new form and 25 NIS fee.
Receive approval
Delivered via email as a PDF with a QR code.
eVisa-B2 application steps:
Complete form in one session
30-minute inactivity timeout applies. No save-progress option.
Attach supporting documents
Return ticket, accommodation proof, health insurance valid in Israel, and financial means evidence.
Consular manual review
Up to 10 business days. An in-person consulate visit may be required.
Receive approval
Delivered via email as a PDF with a QR code.
Processing Time Comparison
The ETA-IL typically processes within minutes to 72 hours; the eVisa-B2 can take up to 10 business days. Travellers requiring the eVisa-B2 should apply at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
Tips for Completing the eVisa-B2 Application
The eVisa-B2 form does not save progress and times out after 30 minutes of inactivity. Gather all passport details, accommodation proof, return flight number, and insurance dates before starting.
Fees, Validity, and Maximum Stay
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5.50), is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expires (whichever comes first), and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit with multiple entry. The eVisa-B2 costs 105 NIS (~£23), with validity of up to 90 days (determined by consular officer) and a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. Both fees are non-refundable.
When Must You Reapply for ETA-IL?
A new ETA-IL application (25 NIS) is required after obtaining a new passport, or changing name, gender, or citizenship.
Which Border Crossings Accept eVisa-B2?
Both the ETA-IL and eVisa-B2 are accepted at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), Allenby Bridge (Jordan), Taba (Egypt), and Jordan River crossings. Confirm current regulations with PIBA before travel.
Do I Need ETA-IL for a Connecting Flight at Ben Gurion?
Travellers staying in the transit zone on a single connecting ticket generally do not need an ETA-IL. Those on separate bookings who must collect and re-check baggage do require one.
Important Warnings: Wrong Permit Applications and Entry Guarantees
Both the ETA-IL (25 NIS) and eVisa-B2 (105 NIS) fees are non-refundable. If you apply for the wrong permit type, you must file a new application and pay the correct fee separately. Neither document guarantees entry – a border control officer may deny entry even with a valid permit. Carry copies of all travel documents, including flight tickets, hotel bookings, insurance, and financial proof.
“I applied for the ETA-IL from London on a Tuesday morning and received the PDF with a QR code in about 6 hours – no consulate visit needed. For my mother’s eVisa-B2 (from Colombo), the review took 7 business days, and she needed extra financial proof.” – Reader survey, July 2026.
FAQ
How do I apply for ETA-IL for my child?
A parent or guardian must complete the online application on behalf of the minor, indicating at the start that they are completing it for someone else. Each child requires a separate application, their own valid passport and photo, and the 25 NIS fee applies individually.
Can I use a temporary or emergency passport for ETA-IL?
Both biometric and non-biometric passports are eligible for ETA-IL. Temporary or emergency passports may not be accepted – check PIBA guidance before applying.
What health insurance do I need for eVisa-B2?
PIBA requires health insurance valid for the entire stay and valid in Israel, covering at minimum medical treatment and emergency repatriation. No specific minimum sum is published – carry a policy letter confirming coverage dates and scope.
What happens if I overstay my 90-day limit?
Overstaying may result in fines, detention, or a re-entry ban. Apply for an extension at PIBA before your permit expires. The maximum stay for both permits is up to 90 days per visit.
Can I pay the eVisa-B2 fee by bank transfer?
Both ETA-IL and eVisa-B2 fees are payable online via credit or debit card. Bank transfers are not accepted. International transaction fees may apply from your card issuer.
My eVisa-B2 application was refused – what now?
There is no formal online appeal process. You may reapply with additional supporting documents or contact the nearest Israeli consulate. The 105 NIS fee is non-refundable.
Do I need blank passport pages for an eVisa-B2?
Yes. Border officers stamp passports at entry and exit – ensure at least one blank page is available. Your passport must be valid until your departure date from Israel.
What proof of accommodation is accepted for eVisa-B2?
Hotel booking confirmations, Airbnb reservations, or a signed letter from the host (including the host’s full name, address, and Israeli ID number) are all accepted by PIBA.
Is there an expedited processing option for emergencies?
There is no publicly advertised expedited track. For emergencies such as bereavement or urgent medical travel, contact PIBA at [email protected] or visit the nearest Israeli consulate. Standard eVisa-B2 processing takes up to 10 business days.
Editorial note: This is an independent travel information website. We are not affiliated with PIBA, the Israeli Ministry of Interior, or any government body. Application links point to the government portal only as a service to readers.
