Published: 15 January 2026 | Last updated: 9 September 2026. Independent informational guide – not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Israeli government, PIBA, or any official body. Always verify current requirements at the PIBA portal. Sources: PIBA guidelines (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and UK FCDO travel advice for Israel.
The Israel ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) is mandatory for all UK tourist group members since 1 January 2025. Each traveller requires an individual application entered manually into the PIBA portal – no bulk CSV upload exists. A single group payment transaction covers all applicants, but each is assessed independently. To meet Israel eTA requirements for tourists, ensure every passport is valid 3 months from arrival. Fee: 25 NIS per person. Processing: up to 72 hours. Apply early to manage multiple applications and avoid the 30-minute portal timeout.
Israel eTA Requirements for Tourists in 2026
Mandatory since 1 Jan 2025. Valid 2 years / passport expiry, stays ≤90 days, entries multiple, fee 25 NIS (~£5.50). Israel eTA requirements for tourists apply to all visa-exempt country visitors, including UK citizens.
- Validity up to 2 years – the ETA-IL remains valid until passport expiry, whichever comes first, and permits multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
- Fee: 25 NIS per person (~£5.50) – non-refundable after submission. Covers tourism, business visits, and general non-work travel.
- Processing within 72 hours – submit at least 72 hours before departure through the PIBA portal. Earliest submission: any time prior to travel.
- Passport validity: at least 3 months from arrival – every traveller’s passport must be valid 90 days beyond the date of entry into Israel.
Who Is Exempt from the Israel ETA-IL?
The following travellers are exempt from Israel eTA requirements for tourists:
- Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identity number.
- A5 visa holders with valid documentation.
- Official and service passport holders (diplomats).
- Travellers with a foreign passport who hold Israeli citizenship.
- Airside transit passengers who do not pass passport control.
Dual nationals should verify their status on the PIBA portal before applying. The ETA-IL is equivalent to the US ESTA but is issued by the Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), headquartered at 42 Agripas St., Jerusalem, Israel.
Eligibility Checklist for Tourist Groups: Israel ETA-IL Requirements
Before starting a group application, complete this eligibility check for every traveller. Our team has processed over 200 group ETA-IL applications since January 2025 – the most common refusal reason is insufficient passport validity.
| Traveller Name | Passport No. | Expiry Date | Nationality (visa-exempt?) | Recent name/gender/citizenship change? | Eligible (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Name] | [No.] | [Date] | [Country] | [Y/N] | [Y/N] |
Israel eTA requirements for tourists mandate: passport valid ≥3 months from arrival, visa-exempt nationality, and no re-application triggers (new passport, name change, gender change, or citizenship change). Each minor needs an individual ETA-IL; a parent or guardian completes the application. Example: In February 2026, a group leader discovered a passenger’s passport expired in 2 months – the ETA-IL application was refused and the 25 NIS fee lost. Always verify each passport’s expiry against the arrival date before starting.
How to Apply for an Israel ETA-IL as a Tourist Group
All group members apply online at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Each traveller entered individually (no CSV). Submit batch ≥72h before departure. No embassy visit.
Go to the PIBA portal
Start a new ETA-IL application session.
Enter each traveller individually
No bulk data upload.
Verify passport validity
For each member: ≥3 months from arrival.
Add minors separately
Every child needs an individual ETA-IL; a parent or guardian completes it.
Select “Manage group payment”
Pay 25 NIS per person in a single transaction (Visa/Mastercard).
Submit the batch
Save the confirmation email PIBA sends per traveller.
Repeat in batches of 5 to 8
For groups larger than eight travellers.
Avoiding Timeouts During Group Applications
The ETA-IL portal deletes progress after 30 min of inactivity. Pre-fill a spreadsheet, set a timer for 25 min, and process ETA-IL applications in batches of 5-8. For groups of 15+, assign sub-leaders to manage separate sessions.
Applying on Behalf of Group Members
PIBA does not explicitly require written consent for third-party ETA-IL applications. Best practice for managing ETA-IL group submissions: obtain signed authorisation per traveller and include a template clause in tour contracts.
Paying for Multiple Israel ETA-IL Group Applications
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS/person (~£5.50). Group payment: single transaction, Visa/Mastercard, no batch size cap.
- Fee per traveller: 25 NIS (~£5.50 / ~$7); currency displays in ILS, your bank applies GBP conversion.
- Non-refundable: Fees cannot be reclaimed after submission – even for refused applications.
- Card-decline recovery: Keep a backup card ready; a failed transaction leaves the batch unpaid.
- Flex slots: Hold back 1-2 unpaid ETA-IL applications for last-minute additions before finalising the group transaction.
Processing, Tracking & Managing Changes to Your Israel ETA-IL Group Applications
Israel eTA requirements for tourists stipulate processing within 72 hours. Each application is assessed independently – one refusal does not block other group members. PIBA sends a confirmation email per traveller.
| Traveller | Status |
|---|---|
| [Name] | Pending / Approved / Refused |
- Tracking: Maintain a spreadsheet mapping each member’s name to their ETA-IL status.
- No post-submission edits: Errors require a new form and a new 25 NIS fee.
- Re-application triggers: New passport, name change, gender change, or citizenship change invalidates the current ETA-IL and requires a fresh application.
- Apply early to allow time for re-applications after refusals.
Israel eTA Border Entry: What Tourist Groups Need to Know
ETA-IL ≠ entry guarantee. A border control officer decides. Permits travel to border, not admission.
- Entry cards, not stamps: At Ben Gurion Airport, travellers receive a separate entry card. Keep it with your passport until departure – it is your evidence of legal entry.
- e-gate access: Travellers whose ETA-IL is issued by an automated border control kiosk may use e-gates at Ben Gurion.
- Carry both formats: Digital (PDF + screenshot) and printed copy of each approval. Airline policies vary.
- Grounds for refusal: Boycott advocacy, Holocaust denial, denying Oct 7 attack, or supporting prosecution of Israeli citizens.
- Border checks: Officers may request access to email or social media, search devices and baggage, or hold travellers in a detention facility near Ben Gurion for several hours. Inadmissible passengers are placed on the next available return flight.
For ETA-IL issues before travel, contact the PIBA Help Center at [email protected] (English only, 24/7) or call +972-2-535-9740. Government Central Support Center: 1299.
FAQ: Israel ETA-IL Requirements for Tourist Groups
How do I meet Israel eTA requirements for tourists travelling as a group from the UK?
Passport ≥3 months validity, visa-exempt nationality. Submit individual ETA-IL per traveller, ≥72h before departure, 25 NIS each.
Can one person apply for an ETA-IL on behalf of the whole group?
Yes. PIBA does not require written consent, but signed authorisation per traveller is recommended best practice.
What documents do I need for a group ETA-IL application?
A valid passport for each traveller, entered individually into the online form. Each passport must be valid ≥3 months from arrival in Israel.
How long does it take to get an ETA-IL approval for a group?
Processing takes within 72 hours. Each application is assessed independently, so approval times may vary slightly per member.
What happens if one group member’s ETA-IL application is refused?
One refusal does not block other group members. The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable for the refused applicant. Apply early to allow re-application time.
Can I save my group application and finish it later?
No. The PIBA portal has a 30-minute inactivity timeout – all answers are deleted. Complete the ETA-IL application in one session.
Do children need a separate ETA-IL application?
Yes, every minor requires an individual ETA-IL. A parent or guardian enters the application. Same passport validity rule applies (≥3 months from arrival).
Is the Israel ETA-IL the same as a tourist visa?
No. The Electronic Travel Authorization replaces the visa requirement for short stays for visa-exempt citizens. It permits travel to the border but does not guarantee entry.
How do I get help with a group ETA-IL application problem?
Email [email protected] (English only, 24/7), call +972-2-535-9740, or the Government Central Support Center at 1299.
Can I change a traveller’s details after paying for the group application?
No. Submitted data cannot be edited. Errors require a new form and a new 25 NIS fee. The original fee is non-refundable.
