Last updated: September 2026. Information sourced from the PIBA portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and application tests conducted in August 2026.
To answer how to fill out eTA Israel form in 2026: verify your email with a 6-digit code, then complete five sections covering travel details, passport data, personal information, security questions, and payment. The non-refundable fee is 25 NIS. Review all fields before submitting and apply at least 72 hours before departure.
The form takes 10 to 15 minutes. The 30-minute timeout means have all documents ready before starting: passport, email, travel dates, accommodation details, and debit or credit card.
An approved ETA-IL authorises boarding but does not guarantee entry. The border control officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.
Prerequisites and Preparation for the eTA Israel Form
The ETA-IL has been mandatory for all UK passport holders since 1 January 2025. Airlines will refuse boarding without a valid authorisation.
The ETA-IL is an electronic travel authorisation required for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including UK passport holders, before flying to Israel. A quick eligibility check confirms whether you need one. Israeli citizens, diplomats, crew members, US military CAC holders, and seamen with seamen books are exempt. Since 1 January 2025, all UK travellers must complete the eTA Israel online application form regardless of age, including infants.
- Valid passport with at least 3 months (90 days) validity beyond your intended entry date into Israel
- Active email address accessible now and later, used for the 6-digit verification code and approval delivery
- Estimated arrival date. Exact flight booking is not required
- Purpose of visit: tourism or business. Work and medical purposes are not eligible for ETA-IL
- Accommodation details: hotel name and city, or host’s name and address
- Credit or debit card for the 25 NIS non-refundable application fee (approximately £5-6 GBP, exchange rate variable)
- Stable internet connection and a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
No draft-saving feature exists. After 30 minutes idle the portal resets, so have all seven checklist items ready before opening it.
Passport Validity Rules for UK Travellers
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (90 days) from your date of entry into Israel. If you plan to enter Israel on 1 October 2026, your passport must remain valid until at least 1 January 2027. The eTA Israel form cross-checks expiry dates automatically; insufficient validity may cause rejection.
Step-by-Step Guide to the eTA Israel Application
Time needed: approx. 10 to 15 minutes. Have all checklist items ready before you begin.
Email verification
Enter your email address and verify it with a 6-digit code sent by the system.
Travel details
Provide your intended arrival date, purpose of visit, and accommodation details.
Passport data
Enter your passport number and upload the biographic page in PNG format (2 MB limit).
Personal information
Enter your name as printed on your passport, contact phone number, and answer security questions.
Review and payment
Review all entered fields and pay the 25 NIS non-refundable fee by credit or debit card.
Step 1 and 2: Email and Travel Info
The eTA Israel form begins with email verification: a 6-digit code sent to your email. Enter your intended arrival date, purpose of visit, and accommodation details. The maximum stay allowed is 90 days per visit. The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple trips during this validity period are allowed with no re-application needed.
Step 3: Passport Upload
Enter your passport number and upload the biographic page. The file must be in PNG format with a 2 MB limit. The Machine-Readable Zone must be visible. The system performs OCR auto-extraction, but you must verify the data manually. During our testing, files near the 2 MB limit were occasionally rejected. Use a PNG compressor if needed.
Step 4: Personal Details
Enter your name exactly as printed on your passport. For names with special characters (O’Brien, Müller, Łukasz), follow the visual spelling on the biographic page, not the MRZ transliteration. Provide your contact phone number in international format, such as +44 7700 900123. The form includes a biometric passport indicator field and offers Laissez Passer as an alternative travel document type. Complete the security and background yes/no questions.
Step 5: Review and Payment
Review all entered fields on the summary page. You can edit any section before final submission. Pay the 25 NIS non-refundable application fee (approximately £5-6 GBP) by Visa, Mastercard, or other major credit/debit card. Notify your UK bank of the international transaction to avoid a card block. Some UK card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee of approximately 3%.
Post-Submission Timeline and Support
After submitting the eTA Israel application, most decisions arrive by email within a few business days. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
The eTA Israel form sends a confirmation email immediately after submission. Processing takes a few business days. If no email arrives within 48 hours, check your Spam folder or use the “Resend ETA-IL approval via email” feature on the PIBA portal. An approved ETA-IL does not guarantee entry. The border control officer at the port of entry makes the final decision. If you obtain a new passport, change your name, gender, or citizenship after approval, submit a new application.
Applying for a Minor or Someone Else
Select “Apply for someone else” in Step 1, enter the traveller’s details, and upload the traveller’s passport. Every traveller, including infants, needs an individual ETA-IL. No family or group authorisation exists. Use a parent’s email address for young children to receive the approval notification.
Getting Help with Your ETA-IL
For direct assistance, email [email protected] (English only) or call +972-2-535-9740. The managing authority is the Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). Always use the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees for the same service.
42 Agripas st., Jerusalem, IsraelCommon Mistakes and Payment Tips for UK Travellers
The eTA Israel form does not permit corrections after submission. Any error requires a completely new application, and the previous one is superseded.
Before clicking Submit, confirm every field on the Review page against this checklist:
- Name and surname match the biographic page of your passport exactly. For names with special characters, follow the visual spelling printed on the page, not the MRZ transliteration.
- Date of birth and nationality match your passport. Dual nationals should use the passport they will travel on and declare a second citizenship if the form prompts for it.
- Email address is correct and accessible, as the eTA Israel form sends the approval notification to this address.
The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable. Payable by Visa, Mastercard, or other major credit/debit cards. The system processes international currencies automatically. The charge will appear on your UK statement in GBP (approximately £5 to £6, depending on the exchange rate).
eTA Israel Form FAQ
How long does it take to fill out the eTA Israel form?
Most travellers finish in 10 to 15 minutes. The 30-minute idle timeout resets the form, so do not start until your documents are at hand.
How long does eTA Israel processing take after submission?
Processing takes a few business days. Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Check Spam if no email within 48 hours.
Do UK citizens need an eTA to visit Israel in 2026?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025, all UK passport holders and citizens of visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA-IL before travelling to Israel.
Can I apply for an eTA Israel without a confirmed flight booking?
Yes. The form asks for your intended arrival date, not a confirmed flight number. An estimated travel date is sufficient.
What if I make a mistake after submitting my eTA Israel application?
Once submitted, no fields can be edited. An error requires a new application; the previous one is superseded.
Which payment methods are accepted for the eTA Israel fee?
The 25 NIS fee is payable by Visa, Mastercard, or other major credit/debit cards. The charge appears in GBP (approximately £5 to £6).
Does having an eTA Israel guarantee that I will be allowed into Israel?
No. The ETA-IL authorises boarding. The border control officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.
Does my child need a separate eTA Israel?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, must have their own individual ETA-IL. Apply for a minor by selecting “Apply for someone else” in Step 1.
