Published: 9 September 2026 | Last updated: 9 September 2026
The only legitimate Israel eTA application portal is israel-entry.piba.gov.il, operated by PIBA. The Israel eTA application fee is 25 NIS, with validity up to 2 years and stays up to 90 days. PIBA authorises no third-party agents, so intermediary Israel eTA portals charge unauthorised fees and risk data misuse.
This article is published by an independent travel information service for UK travellers. We are not affiliated with the Government of Israel or PIBA. All facts below are sourced directly from the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
What Is the Israel eTA (ETA-IL)?
The Israel eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) is a mandatory online entry requirement for visa-exempt citizens, including UK nationals, managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). The ETA-IL is the sole electronic travel authorisation required before departure.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Fee | 25 NIS (non-refundable) |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expires (whichever comes first) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Processing time | 24-72 hours |
| Entries | Multiple entries permitted |
- Target group: travellers from visa-exempt countries, including UK nationals.
- Passport must be valid for at least 90 days from the date of entry into Israel.
- PIBA recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel.
- The ETA-IL does not constitute a guarantee of entry; a border control officer makes the final decision.
How to Access the Correct Application Portal Safely
The Israel eTA application portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il uses a .gov.il domain, charges exactly 25 NIS, and has no authorised third-party agents. Sponsored ads for “Israel eTA” often link to fraudulent sites, so type the URL directly into your browser.
- The URL ends with .gov.il
- The fee is exactly 25 NIS (non-refundable fee) with no surcharges
- A receipt of payment is sent to your email after submission
- No “pay to expedite” offers exist on the genuine site
- The SSL certificate is issued to the Government of Israel
| Indicator | Genuine Portal | Third-Party Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | .gov.il | .com, .org, or look-alike URLs |
| Fee | 25 NIS | £40 to £100+ |
| Expedite offers | Not available | Common upsell tactic |
| Email receipt | Sent automatically | Often missing |
The official portal processes submissions within 24-72 hours and charges exactly 25 NIS. Any site charging more or offering faster processing is fraudulent.
Common Israel eTA Scams and How to Spot Them
Third-party Israel eTA scams typically overcharge £40-100+ versus the official 25 NIS fee, use fake domains, and send phishing emails mimicking PIBA approvals. Red flags include:
- Overcharging: Scam portals demand £40-100+ instead of the correct 25 NIS fee.
- Fake domains: Sites such as
israel-eta.comorapply-for-israel.comimitate the real portal but lack the .gov.il domain. - Phishing emails: Fraudulent messages mimic PIBA approval notices but originate from non-governmental addresses.
- Search engine ad traps: Sponsored ads appearing above organic results frequently link to unauthorised brokers charging premium fees.
- Identity theft risk: Submitting passport scans to unverified brokers exposes UK travellers to data misuse and identity fraud.
PIBA does not authorise any third-party agents. Sites offering “expedited” processing are not affiliated with the Authority. Only the .gov.il portal is valid for submitting your ETA-IL application.
What to Do If You Used a Third-Party Portal by Mistake
If scammed, contact your bank, report to Action Fraud, and change passwords. The official Israel eTA application portal charges a non-refundable fee of 25 NIS. Any amount significantly higher indicates a fraudulent intermediary.
Contact your UK bank
Dispute the transaction and request a chargeback for the unauthorised overcharge.
Report to Action Fraud
The national reporting centre for cybercrime and fraud affecting UK residents.
Notify PIBA
Email [email protected] so they can track fraudulent activity impersonating the portal.
Change compromised passwords
Monitor your accounts for signs of identity theft, especially if you submitted passport scans.
For phone inquiries in English only, the automated call system is available at +972-2-535-9740. You can also reach the Government Central Support Center at 1299.
FAQ
What is the correct site for ETA Israel?
The only legitimate site is israel-entry.piba.gov.il, ending with .gov.il. PIBA authorises no third-party agents for the Israel eTA application portal.
How do I apply for the Israel eTA?
Complete the application on the Israel eTA application portal. The form must be completed in one go, as you cannot save progress. The system has an inactivity timeout of 30 minutes. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days from your date of entry into Israel.
How can I check my Israel eTA status?
The portal provides an approval status dashboard. Contact the ETA-IL Help Center via email at [email protected] or call +972-2-535-9740. Inquiries must be in English only.
Do UK citizens need an eTA for Israel?
Yes. UK nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL). It allows multiple entries (up to 90 days each) and is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
How much does the Israel eTA cost?
The official fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5 to £6), non-refundable. Third-party scam sites often demand £40 to £100 or more. Always pay through the government portal only.
How long does the Israel eTA take to process?
Processing time is typically 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before travel. A border control officer makes the final entry decision.
Can I correct mistakes on my Israel eTA application?
Yes, before submitting. After submission, you cannot correct errors and must complete a new application form. Verify all details before paying the non-refundable fee on the Israel eTA application portal.
Do I need to print my Israel eTA?
No. Keep your confirmation number and application reference number safe. The system links your ETA-IL electronically to your passport for multiple entries over its validity period of up to 2 years.
What happens if my Israel eTA is revoked?
If your ETA-IL is revoked for immigration or security reasons, you will receive an email notification. The fee is non-refundable. You may need to explore alternative visa options.
About the author: Our editorial team specialises in travel documentation and immigration guidance for UK travellers, with direct experience testing government e-visa portals across multiple jurisdictions. All facts in this article were verified directly against the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il on the publication date above.
