All citizens of visa-exempt countries, including UK, EU, US, Canadian, and Australian nationals, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before travelling to Israel. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5-7), is valid for 2 years, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. Israeli citizens, permanent residents, diplomats, and holders of a valid B/2 visa are exempt from this requirement. Managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), the system became mandatory on 1 January 2025 for all eligible tourists and business travellers entering Israel.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. This is an independent informational portal, not affiliated with the Israeli government. Always verify requirements at the PIBA website. For official UK guidance, see GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Israel.
What Is the Israel ETA-IL and Who Needs It?
The Israel Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) is a mandatory pre-travel clearance required from every citizen of a visa-exempt country before entering Israel. The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) operates the system, which became compulsory on 1 January 2025 following a pilot phase that began on 1 June 2024.
The ETA-IL functions as an electronic travel authorization for short-term tourist and business visits of up to 90 days. It is not a visa. Travellers whose nationality appears on Israel’s visa-exempt list must obtain the ETA-IL online before departure; those whose country is not exempt must apply for a full B/2 tourist visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
Source: israel-entry.piba.gov.il
Visa-Exempt Nationalities That Require an ETA-IL
Citizens of all visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA-IL; travellers from other nations require a B/2 visa. Does your country appear below? If yes, you need an ETA-IL.
Europe
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa-free entry, up to 3 months |
| EU member states (27) | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden |
| Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway | EEA states, visa-exempt |
| Switzerland | Visa-exempt |
| Moldova | Must hold a biometric passport to qualify |
| Ukraine, Georgia | Visa-exempt |
Americas
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| United States | Visa-exempt |
| Canada | Visa-exempt |
| Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica | Visa-exempt |
| Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay | Visa-exempt |
Asia-Pacific & Other
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| Australia | Visa-exempt |
| New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore | Visa-exempt |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | Visa-exempt |
| South Africa | Visa-exempt |
Last verified: September 2026. Complete list maintained by PIBA at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
Who Is Exempt from the Israel ETA-IL Requirement?
The Israel ETA-IL exempts several categories of travellers from the mandatory pre-travel authorization requirement.
- Israeli citizens, including those holding foreign passports
- Holders of an Israeli identity number (permanent residents)
- Dual nationals with Israeli citizenship: must present proof of Israeli citizenship (valid or expired document) to the airline at check-in
- Holders of valid Israeli visas types A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B3, or B4
- Flight crew members appearing on a Crew APIS list
- US military personnel holding a Common Access Card (CAC)
- Seamen with a valid seamen book
- Diplomats and holders of official or service passports
UK citizens are NOT exempt. Because the UK is a visa-exempt country, British passport holders must obtain an ETA-IL before travelling. Holders of a valid B/2 tourist visa may enter Israel with either that visa or an ETA-IL. The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation for entering the United Kingdom) is a separate system and does not replace the ETA-IL requirement for Israel.
Mandatory Requirements & How to Apply for the ETA-IL
Applicants need a passport valid for at least 3 months after arrival, personal and travel details, and a valid email address. Fee: 25 NIS (~£5-7), paid via the PIBA portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Enter your details
Visit the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il and enter personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
Review your application
Review every field at the final step – corrections are not possible after submission.
Pay the fee
Pay the 25 NIS fee per applicant (non-refundable). Each traveller, including infants, needs a separate ETA-IL; adults must apply on behalf of minors.
Receive confirmation
Receive email confirmation from PIBA and wait for approval, typically within 24-72 hours.
A group leader may pay for all members using each member’s application number and passport number, within 30 days of submission.
7 Tips Before You Start
- Gather all documents first – the form cannot be saved and resumed.
- The portal times out after 30 minutes of inactivity; all answers are deleted.
- Have a valid international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard) ready.
- Apply at least 7 days before departure to allow a buffer for manual reviews.
- Check your spam folder if approval doesn’t arrive within 72 hours.
- Carry a printed or digital copy of your approval email – not mandatory but advisable for border inspection.
- No photo upload or biometric data is required – just passport details, personal info, and travel dates.
For assistance, contact [email protected] (English, 24/7) or +972-2-535-9740. PIBA office: 42 Agripas st. Jerusalem Israel.
Validity, Entry Rules & Land Border Crossings
The Israel ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit. The ETA-IL does not guarantee entry; the final decision rests with the Israeli border control officer at the crossing. Be prepared to show a return ticket, accommodation details, and sufficient funds.
When Do You Need a New Israel ETA-IL?
Reapplication (with a new 25 NIS fee) is required if you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, or change your nationality. To extend your stay beyond 90 days, submit a request to PIBA before your current authorisation expires. The ETA-IL may be revoked for immigration or security reasons; PIBA notifies holders by email.
Land Border Crossings & E-Gates
The ETA-IL is mandatory at all entry points, including the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Wadi Araba crossing, and Taba crossing. Land borders have no e-gates; processing is manual and may take longer. At Ben Gurion Airport, travellers with an approved ETA-IL may use automated e-gates after completing a one-time registration at a border control kiosk. Ben Gurion issues an entry card instead of a passport stamp; keep this card with your passport until departure as proof of legal entry.
Some travellers receive restricted stamps reading “Palestinian Authority only” or “Judea and Samaria only”, limiting travel to Palestinian Authority territories. Violating this restriction can result in deportation and an entry ban of up to 10 years (source: GOV.UK). Crossings between Israel and Palestine require a passport and Israeli immigration slip.
Arriving Without an ETA-IL, Denials & System Comparisons
Airlines verify ETA-IL status at check-in; without approval, boarding is denied. At the Israeli border, entry is refused and the traveller may be held in a detention facility near the airport before deportation on the next available flight, at their own expense. Detainees have access to a telephone, information in English, and medical assistance. The British Embassy can be contacted for help but cannot intervene in immigration decisions. UK Gov references re-entry bans of up to 10 years for certain violations.
What If Your ETA-IL Application Is Denied?
No formal administrative appeal exists. You may reapply with corrected information (new 25 NIS fee) or apply for a B/2 visa at an Israeli embassy. Contact [email protected] for guidance.
ETA-IL vs US ESTA vs UK ETA
| System | Cost | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL | 25 NIS (~£5-7) | 2 years | 90 days |
| US ESTA | $21 (~£17) | 2 years | 90 days |
| UK ETA | £10 | 2 years | 6 months |
Each system is independent; holding one does not exempt you from obtaining the Israel ETA-IL.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Israel ETA-IL
Do UK citizens need an eTA for Israel?
Yes. The UK is a visa-exempt country, so British passport holders must obtain an ETA-IL before travelling to Israel. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own authorisation. An adult must submit the application on behalf of minors.
How much does the Israel eTA cost in 2026?
25 NIS (~£5-7 / $7) per applicant – non-refundable; applies to infants and children too.
How long is the Israel eTA valid?
Up to 2 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple entries allowed, with a maximum stay of up to 90 days per visit.
Can I travel to Israel without an eTA if I have a valid B/2 visa?
Yes – a valid B/2 visa replaces the ETA-IL; once it expires, apply for the ETA-IL if eligible.
What happens if my Israel eTA application is denied?
No formal appeal exists. Reapply with corrected information (new 25 NIS fee) or apply for a B/2 visa at an Israeli embassy. Contact [email protected] for guidance.
How long does the Israel eTA approval take?
Most approvals arrive within 24-72 hours, some within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before booking – ideally 7 days before departure.
Do I need an eTA for Israel if I’m entering overland from Jordan or Egypt?
Yes. The ETA-IL is mandatory at all Israeli entry points, including the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and Wadi Araba crossing from Jordan, and the Taba crossing from Egypt. Manual processing applies at land borders.
Can children travel to Israel without an eTA?
No. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own ETA-IL. The 25 NIS fee applies per applicant. An adult must submit the application on behalf of each minor.
Does the Israel eTA guarantee entry?
No. The ETA-IL authorises you to travel to the border crossing into Israel. The final entry decision rests with the Israeli border control officer upon arrival.
When do I need to apply for a new Israel eTA?
If you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, or change your nationality. The previous ETA-IL cannot be updated; a new application and 25 NIS fee are required.
