Published: 9 September 2026. This is an informational guide, not a government source. Always verify with PIBA or the Israeli embassy before travel.
Dual citizens holding an Israeli passport are exempt from Israel’s ETA-IL and do not need to apply. They must present proof of Israeli citizenship at check-in or the border. Those without Israeli citizenship must apply online, pay NIS 25, and submit at least 72 hours before travel.
Dual citizens holding Israeli citizenship (Teudat Zehut or Israeli passport, even expired) are exempt from the ETA-IL. Others must apply via the PIBA portal. Since 1 January 2025, visa-exempt travellers must obtain an ETA-IL. Approval does not guarantee entry; final decision rests with border control. Israel eTA requirements for dual citizens depend on whether the traveller holds Israeli citizenship.
Who Needs an Israel ETA-IL and Are Dual Citizens Exempt?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries must obtain an Israel ETA-IL before travel, enforced since 1 January 2025, but dual citizens holding Israeli citizenship are fully exempt and must present proof of citizenship at check-in or border control.
Travellers without Israeli citizenship from visa-exempt countries must apply online via the PIBA portal at least 72 hours before departure. Their passport must remain valid for at least 90 days from arrival. Israel eTA requirements for dual citizens distinguish between exempt and non-exempt groups.
| Path | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Linked record | Foreign passport linked to Israeli record via Teudat Zehut number in PIBA system | embassies.gov.il ★ |
| 2 – Both passports | Present both Israeli passport (even expired) and foreign passport at check-in | PIBA ★ |
British-Israeli dual nationals entering on a British passport are exempt if they show their Teudat Zehut or Israeli passport at boarding.
How to Prove Your Israeli Citizenship for ETA Exemption
Accepted proof includes a Teudat Zehut (Israeli identity number), a certificate of Israeli citizenship, or an Israeli passport, even if expired. If proof is unavailable, apply for an ETA-IL via the PIBA portal at least 72 hours before travel as a fallback. Contact PIBA at [email protected] (English only) or +972-2-535-9740, or visit 42 Agripas st., Jerusalem, Israel.
How to Apply for an Israel ETA-IL as a Dual Citizen
Non-exempt dual citizens apply via the PIBA portal (NIS 25, 72h before travel). Reapply on passport change. Israel eTA requirements for dual citizens mandate individual applications only; no group submissions are accepted.
Access the PIBA portal
Submit your application at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Individual applications only.
Enter personal and passport data
Corrections allowed during final review step. After submission, any change requires a new form.
Pay the fee
NIS 25 (approximately £5 / $7), non-refundable, per applicant.
Receive approval by email
Standard processing 24-72 hours; some approved in minutes.
Reapply when details change
New passport, name change, gender change, or citizenship change triggers a new application.
ETA-IL for Children of Dual Citizens
Minors need individual applications filed by an adult (NIS 25/child). Group payment possible within 30 days via application + passport numbers (PIBA ★). The adult must indicate they are completing the form for someone else.
Israel ETA-IL Fee, Validity, and Conditions for Dual Citizens
The Israel ETA-IL costs NIS 25 (approximately £5), is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit with multiple entries. Israel eTA requirements for dual citizens do not guarantee entry; border control officers make the final decision under Israeli law. The ETA-IL can be revoked for immigration or security reasons, with notification via email (PIBA ★).
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Fee | NIS 25 (≈£5 / $7), non-refundable |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expiry |
| Max stay per visit | 90 days |
| Passport validity | At least 90 days from arrival |
| Entry guarantee | No; border control decides |
| Revocation | Immigration or security reasons; notified via email |
Males 18-26 with Israeli citizenship face IDF draft checks and exit bans under the Defense Service Law. Verify status before travel. Israel eTA requirements for dual citizens do not override military service obligations.
As a practical tip from frequent travellers: link your foreign passport to your Israeli record in PIBA at least two weeks before departure to avoid delays at check-in.
Special Cases: Conscription, Restricted Countries, and UK Rules
Dual nationals of Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, or Yemen cannot use the ETA-IL system. They must apply for a consular visa with additional security pre-screening, regardless of holding a visa-exempt passport.
| Country | ETA-IL Eligible? | Alternative Process |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | No | Consular visa + security pre-screening |
| Lebanon | No | Consular visa + security pre-screening |
| Syria | No | Consular visa + security pre-screening |
| Iraq | No | Consular visa + security pre-screening |
| Yemen | No | Consular visa + security pre-screening |
High-scrutiny categories include travellers with Palestinian or Arab ancestry, ancestry of a predominantly Muslim country, previous suspicious travel, or public criticism of Israel (Gov.uk ★). Border security may request access to personal email or social media accounts and can search digital devices.
Israeli passport holders entering the UK without a British passport must obtain a UK ETA, valid for 2 years with processing within 3 working days (elal.com). British passport holders with a second nationality must check in using their British passport. Consult the FCDO Israel travel advice for dual nationals guidance.
Refusal grounds: boycott advocacy, Holocaust denial, Oct 7 denial, ICC prosecution support. Result: passport stamped with 2 red lines, returned on next flight (Gov.uk ★). The British Embassy cannot intervene in immigration decisions.
At Ben Gurion Airport, an entry card (te’udat ma’avar) is issued instead of a passport stamp. Keep it with your passport until departure; it serves as evidence of legal entry and is required when crossing into Palestine.
FAQ: Israel eTA Requirements for Dual Citizens
Do dual citizens need an eTA if they hold an Israeli passport?
No. According to PIBA, dual citizens holding Israeli citizenship are exempt from Israel’s ETA-IL. They must present proof of Israeli citizenship at check-in or border control, such as a Teudat Zehut number or an Israeli passport, even if expired.
What documents prove Israeli citizenship for ETA exemption?
Accepted proof includes a Teudat Zehut (Israeli identity number), a certificate of Israeli citizenship, or an Israeli passport. PIBA confirms that expired certificates and passports are accepted. The foreign passport may already be linked to the Israeli record in the PIBA system.
How much does the Israel eTA cost for dual citizens?
The Israel ETA-IL costs NIS 25 (approximately £5 or $7) per applicant. The fee is non-refundable after submission, according to PIBA.
How long is the Israel eTA valid for dual nationals?
The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years from the date of approval, or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
What happens if a dual citizen overstays the 90-day limit?
Overstaying may result in detention, deportation, and future entry bans. PIBA states the ETA-IL allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for non-work and non-medical purposes only. Border authorities retain discretionary power over entry and length of stay.
Can dual citizens use e-Gates at Ben Gurion Airport?
According to the US Embassy, travellers with an approved ETA-IL can proceed to e-gates after obtaining a permit from an automated border control kiosk. Exempt dual citizens entering on a linked foreign passport may use the kiosks, but should proceed to a manned desk if the system does not recognise their dual status.
Can I be refused entry for my political views?
Yes. According to Gov.uk, legal grounds for refusal include publicly calling for a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements, belonging to an organisation that has called for a boycott, publicly denying the Holocaust, denying the October 7 terrorist attack, and supporting prosecution of Israeli citizens in foreign or international courts for military actions.
Do children of dual citizens need an ETA-IL?
Yes. PIBA states that minors from visa-exempt countries require an individual ETA-IL application regardless of age. An adult must apply on the child’s behalf and indicate they are completing the form for someone else. The standard NIS 25 fee applies per child.
How far in advance should I apply for an Israel ETA-IL?
PIBA recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel. They additionally advise applying before booking flights and hotels to secure approval first. Standard processing time is 24 to 72 hours, though approval can take as little as a few minutes.
What happens if entry is denied as a dual citizen?
According to Gov.uk, the passport is stamped with 2 red lines drawn across the entry stamp. The traveller may be held at a detention centre a few minutes’ drive from the airport and returned on the next available flight on the same airline. The British Embassy cannot intervene in immigration decisions.
