Every UK child, including newborns, needs a separate Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) to enter Israel. A parent applies online with the child’s valid passport and a compliant photo. The fee is 25 NIS (≈ £5.50) per child, and applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel. These eTA Israel requirements for children apply to all minors regardless of age.
Managed by the Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), the ETA-IL is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals, including UK passport holders, since 1 January 2025. Minors cannot submit the form independently; an adult must apply on their behalf and indicate this at the beginning of the online application.
Processing takes 24 to 72 hours, though approvals sometimes arrive within minutes. Once approved, the child’s ETA-IL remains valid for up to 2 years or until their linked passport expires, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit with multiple entries.
What Is the ETA-IL and Does Your Child Need One?
Every infant and minor must hold a separate ETA-IL, mandatory for visa-exempt nationals, including UK passport holders, since 1 January 2025. The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) manages the platform from 42 Agripas St., Jerusalem, Israel. Minors must have their own ETA-IL regardless of age, with no exemptions for newborns.
Who Is Exempt from the ETA-IL?
Exemptions include:
- Israeli citizens with a valid ID number
- Holders of an A5 valid Israeli visa
- Diplomats and official or service passport holders
- Dual nationals holding both Israeli and foreign citizenship
ETA-IL Requirements for Children and Infants: Documents Needed
Parents must submit the child’s valid passport, a compliant digital photo, and a birth certificate (if surnames differ). The eTA Israel requirements for children also include a parental consent letter for single-parent travel.
- Valid passport (minimum 90 days validity from arrival in Israel; both biometric and non-biometric accepted).
- Digital passport photo meeting ICAO standards.
- Birth certificate as proof of relationship if surnames differ.
Child Passport Validity and ETA-IL Duration
| Passport Type | UK Validity | Maximum ETA-IL Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport | 10 years | Up to 2 years |
| Child passport | 5 years | Up to 2 years, but capped at remaining passport life |
Because UK child passports are valid for only 5 years, the ETA-IL may expire before reaching the full 2-year maximum. Check your child’s passport expiry date before applying.
Birth Certificate and Proof of Relationship
Border officers may request a birth certificate or marriage certificate when parent and child hold different surnames. If the child’s passport shows the mother’s maiden name, carry the birth certificate. Adoptive parents should carry the adoption decree as proof of legal relationship.
Passport Photo Requirements for Babies and Children
For an ETA-IL application, the photo must meet ICAO standards. Use a white background, ensure a neutral expression, and keep the baby’s face fully visible with no hands or props in frame. Photographing the baby lying on a white sheet is an acceptable approach that produces compliant results on the first try.
How to Apply for a Child’s ETA-IL – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
A parent or legal guardian must submit the application on the minor’s behalf via the israel-entry.piba.gov.il portal. The eTA Israel requirements for children stipulate that minors cannot apply independently. PIBA recommends submitting at least 72 hours before travel.
Indicate you are applying for someone else
Open the portal and select that you are applying on behalf of a minor.
Enter the child’s personal and passport details
Provide all required personal information and passport information for the child.
Upload the child’s valid passport
Both biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted.
Pay the 25 NIS fee per child
The non-refundable fee of 25 NIS (≈ £5.50) applies to each child.
Receive the approved ETA-IL by email
The approval is sent to the email address used for submission.
Using One Email for Multiple Children
Parents can reuse the same email address for each child’s separate ETA-IL application. Every submission generates its own unique approval number and confirmation email.
Application Tips and Warnings
- The form must be completed in one session; progress cannot be saved.
- A 30-minute inactivity timeout deletes all entered answers.
- Corrections are possible only before final submission; afterwards, a new application and a new 25 NIS fee are required.
ETA-IL Cost, Processing Time, and Validity for Children
The per-child fee is 25 NIS (≈ £5.50), non-refundable. Processing takes 24-72 hours (sometimes minutes); apply at least 72 hours before travel. Validity: up to 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first, with multiple entries and 90-day stays. Approval does not guarantee entry; the border control officer makes the final decision.
| Family member | Applications | Fee per person | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 | 1 | 25 NIS | 25 NIS |
| Adult 2 | 1 | 25 NIS | 25 NIS |
| Child 1 (age 8) | 1 | 25 NIS | 25 NIS |
| Child 2 (age 6 months) | 1 | 25 NIS | 25 NIS |
| Total | 4 | – | 100 NIS (≈ £22) |
Do Infants Pay the ETA-IL Fee?
Yes. Newborns and infants pay the full 25 NIS (≈ £5.50) with no age-based waiver. Each child needs a separate application and fee.
Group Payment for Families
A designated group leader can make a single consolidated payment for all family members’ ETA-IL applications. The group leader needs each member’s ETA-IL application number and passport number, and must complete payment within 30 days of submitting the applications.
When You Must Reapply
A new ETA-IL is required if the child obtains a new passport, changes their name, changes gender, or changes citizenship. Each trigger requires a new application and a new 25 NIS fee.
Parental Consent and Travel Documentation for Minors
Beyond the core ETA-IL requirements, parents travelling with minors to Israel should prepare consent documentation. For children aged 17 and under travelling alone or with one parent, border officers may request a signed consent letter containing the child’s full name, passport number, travel dates, destination, and parent or guardian contact details and signatures.
Single-Parent Travel Documentation
| Scenario | Recommended documents |
|---|---|
| Both parents travelling with child | Passports, child’s ETA-IL, birth certificate (if surnames differ) |
| One parent travelling with child | All of the above plus signed consent letter from absent parent |
| Child travelling with non-parent guardian | All of the above plus signed consent from both parents plus proof of guardianship |
Guardianship and Adoption Documents
Court-appointed guardians must carry a court order; adoptive parents must carry an adoption decree. Foster parents should carry documentation of legal authority. PIBA may request additional verification at the border.
Travelling to Israel with Children – What to Pack and Expect at the Border
Carry printed ETA-IL confirmations, passports, and consent letters. Keep the entry card with your passport until departure. Ben Gurion Airport offers e-gates for approved ETA-IL holders via automated kiosk. The ETA-IL does not guarantee entry; border control may search baggage and request additional documentation.
Common Reasons eTA Israel for Children Gets Rejected
- Incomplete form: gather all documents before starting.
- Expired passport or insufficient validity: renew before applying.
- Incorrect photo: follow ICAO standards with white background.
- Wrong data after submission: submit a new application with a new 25 NIS fee.
- Passport changed after approval: reapply with new ETA-IL application.
This guide was last reviewed in September 2026. Requirements may change; always confirm details on the PIBA portal before booking travel. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Frequently Asked Questions about eTA Israel for Children (2026)
Does my newborn baby need a separate ETA-IL to enter Israel?
Yes. Newborns and infants must hold their own ETA-IL with no age-based exemptions. A parent or legal guardian submits the application.
How much does the ETA-IL cost for a child in GBP?
25 NIS (≈ £5.50) per child, non-refundable. Same fee for newborns and infants, no age-based waiver.
Can I apply for the ETA-IL on behalf of my child?
Yes. A parent or guardian must apply on the minor’s behalf. Select “applying for someone else” on the PIBA portal.
What documents do I need to apply for my child’s ETA-IL?
The child’s valid passport (at least 90 days validity from arrival), a digital passport-style photo meeting ICAO standards, and a birth certificate if surnames differ. A parental consent letter may be required for single-parent travel.
How long does ETA-IL processing take for a child?
24-72 hours, often minutes. Submit at least 72 hours before travel to avoid delays.
Does the ETA-IL guarantee entry into Israel for my child?
No. The ETA-IL does not guarantee entry. The Israeli border control officer makes the final decision upon arrival.
How long is my child’s ETA-IL valid?
Up to 2 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. UK child passports valid for 5 years may shorten this period. Multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per visit are permitted.
Do I need a travel consent letter if travelling alone with my child?
It is strongly recommended. For children aged 17 and under travelling with one parent, border officers may request a signed consent letter from the absent parent. If surnames differ, carry a birth certificate or marriage certificate as proof of relationship.
What photo rules apply for a baby’s ETA-IL application?
The photo must meet ICAO standards: neutral expression, white background, no shadows, no hats or headbands, face fully visible. No supporting hands or props in frame. Photograph the baby lying on a white sheet.
Can I use the same email address for all my children’s applications?
Yes. Parents can reuse the same email for each child’s separate ETA-IL application. Each generates its own unique approval number and confirmation email.
