No, the eTA Israel is not free in 2026. Since 1 January 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation for Israel (ETA-IL) costs 25 NIS (~£5 to £6) per application. It was free only during the pilot phase (June to December 2024). Each traveller, including children, must obtain their own non-refundable ETA-IL before departure. The fee covers 2-year validity, multiple entries, and stays of up to 90 days per visit. The fee is collected online during the application process through the PIBA portal.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. Fee details verified against the PIBA portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and UK Foreign Office travel advice.
The Free Pilot Phase vs Current Mandatory Fee
The ETA-IL was free only during the limited pilot phase in 2024; today, a mandatory 25 NIS fee applies.
| Phase | Period | Fee | Eligible Nationalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-ETA | Before 1 June 2024 | No ETA required | All visa-exempt travellers |
| Free Pilot | 1 June – 31 December 2024 | Free of charge | Initially US & German passport holders |
| Mandatory Paid | 1 January 2025 onward | 25 NIS (~£5-£6) | All visa-exempt nationalities including UK |
28 May 2024
PIBA announced the pilot
1 June 2024
Pilot launched – US & German passport holders only
1 January 2025
Mandatory 25 NIS fee for all visa-exempt nationalities including UK
ETA-IL Fee Amount, Payment Methods & UK Guidance
Eligible UK travellers must pay a non-refundable 25 NIS (~£5 to £6) fee per person at the point of application. Every applicant, including children and infants, must hold a separate ETA-IL, so families pay the fee per individual. PIBA sends a payment receipt via email upon successful transaction.
The ETA-IL fee is collected through the online payment gateway at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, where UK-issued Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted. The charge is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
For entry-requirement queries, UK travellers can contact the Embassy of Israel in London:
15 Old Ct Pl, London W8, UK+44 20 7957 9500
[email protected]
Validity Period & Avoiding Agent Surcharges
Each approved ETA-IL is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. During this period, travellers may enter Israel multiple times, with each stay lasting up to 90 days. PIBA typically processes applications within 72 hours of submission.
| Source | Fee | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Government portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) | 25 NIS (~£5-£6) | 2-year validity, multiple entries, 90 days per visit |
| Third-party agents | £40-£80+ | Same ETA-IL, no additional government value |
Unofficial sites use .com/.net domains and add extra charges (e.g., £40 to £80). To verify the authentic portal, confirm the URL ends in .gov.il.
FAQ
Is eTA Israel free in 2026?
No. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5 to £6) per application. It was free only during the pilot phase (June to December 2024). Since 1 January 2025, the mandatory fee applies to all visa-exempt nationalities, including UK citizens.
When was the ETA-IL free?
During the pilot phase from 1 June to 31 December 2024, initially for US and German passport holders only. UK citizens became subject to the mandatory 25 NIS fee from 1 January 2025.
How much is the ETA-IL fee in British pounds?
Approximately £5 to £6, depending on your card issuer’s exchange rate at the time of payment. The fee is under $7 USD and is fixed regardless of nationality.
Do children need to pay the ETA-IL fee?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, requires a separate ETA-IL. The 25 NIS fee applies per person regardless of age. A parent or guardian must submit and pay for minors.
Is the ETA-IL fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The fee is strictly non-refundable regardless of outcome. If rejected, submit a new application with a new 25 NIS payment.
Can I pay for the ETA-IL with a UK debit card?
Yes. UK-issued Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted. Pay via the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. If payment fails, check with your bank that international transactions are enabled.
How long is the ETA-IL valid?
The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years from approval, or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Multiple entries permitted with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Are there third-party agents charging more for the ETA-IL?
Yes. Some unofficial sites charge £40 to £80 or more. Apply only through the PIBA portal. Verify the URL ends in .gov.il before paying.
