Last updated: 9 September 2026. All information cross-checked against the UK FCDO travel advice page and the PIBA ETA-IL portal.
Quick answer: To apply for an eTA Israel (ETA-IL) in 2026, your UK passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Israel and contain a biometric data page (bio-page) with a readable Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying.
UK travellers need an eTA Israel (ETA-IL) to enter Israel. Your passport must be valid for 3 months beyond arrival and contain a biometric data page. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (approximately £5.50 / $7.00 USD), allows stays of up to 90 days, and is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry. Apply at least 72 hours before booking flights. The ETA-IL has been mandatory for visa-exempt nationals since 1 January 2025.
What Is the 3-Month Passport Validity Rule for eTA Israel?
The eTA Israel passport validity rule requires your passport to remain valid for at least 3 months (90 days) beyond your intended date of arrival in Israel. The calculation is anchored to your arrival date, not your departure date or application submission date. According to PIBA, passports must remain valid for no less than 90 days from the date of arrival.
| Arrival Date | Passport Valid Until | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 15 March 2026 | 14 June 2026 | Green (meets minimum) |
| 1 July 2026 | 20 August 2026 | Red (insufficient) |
| 10 October 2026 | 15 January 2027 | Green (meets minimum) |
Your authorised stay cannot exceed 90 days per visit. If your passport expires within the required window, the eTA Israel passport validity requirement rejects the application, and the 25 NIS fee is non-refundable.
3 Months vs 6 Months: Which Rule Applies to You?
ETA-IL holders need 3 months from arrival; B/2 visa holders need 6 months. UK travellers are visa-exempt, so the 3-month rule applies. For a detailed breakdown of the two travel authorisations, see our guide on ETA-IL vs eVisa-B2. Verify requirements on the UK FCDO page.
Passport Bio-Page Requirements for the eTA Israel Application
The ETA-IL application requires uploading a photograph or scan of your passport’s biometric data page (bio-page). This page contains the holder’s photo, passport number, and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) – two lines of machine-readable code printed at the bottom. Standard UK passports include a bio-page, but the polycarbonate surface carries a holographic overlay that can obscure data under direct light.
Accepted file formats for the bio-page upload are JPG, PNG, and PDF. The eTA Israel passport validity rule requires the MRZ to be fully visible, uncropped, and glare-free. Use indirect natural light and a flat lay to avoid capturing holographic reflections. The uploaded image must be clearly legible – not blurred, pixelated, or partially obscured by fingers.
Common Bio-Page Upload Mistakes to Avoid
- Glare from holographic overlay
- Angled photos distorting MRZ
- Cropped MRZ – both lines must be fully visible
- Blurry or low-resolution images
- Wrong format – convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or PDF
What Happens If Your Passport Expires After eTA Israel Is Granted?
The ETA-IL remains valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, as confirmed by PIBA. Once the passport expires, the ETA-IL expires with it.
| Scenario | ETA-IL approved | Passport expires | ETA-IL valid until |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Full validity | June 2025 | June 2027 | June 2027 |
| B. Passport expires first | June 2025 | March 2026 | March 2026 |
| C. Passport renewed | June 2025 | Renewed July 2026 | Invalid. New application required (25 NIS) |
If you renew your passport, change your name, gender, or citizenship, you must submit a new ETA-IL application with the new passport details. The 25 NIS fee applies to every reapplication. Submit the new request through the PIBA ETA-IL portal.
ETA-IL Validity, Costs & Entering Israel for UK Travellers
The eTA Israel passport validity rule requires a 25 NIS (approximately £5.50 / $7.00 USD) non-refundable application fee and recommends applying at least 72 hours before booking flights or hotels. The ETA-IL permits multiple entries for tourism, business meetings, and family visits, with stays of up to 90 days per visit. The ETA-IL has been mandatory since 1 January 2025.
- E-gates at Ben Gurion Airport: approved ETA-IL holders can use automated e-gates instead of manual queues.
- Blue entry card: Israel no longer stamps passports at Ben Gurion; a blue entry card containing biometric data is issued instead and must be kept until departure.
Emergency Documents, Damaged Passports & Dual Nationality
UK Emergency Travel Documents (valid 12 months) may lack a standard bio-page with a readable MRZ. Contact PIBA at [email protected] or +972-2-535-9740 (English only) for confirmation before applying.
42 Agripas St, Jerusalem, IsraelWater damage, torn pages, or an unreadable MRZ invalidate a passport for the ETA-IL. Dual nationals must board, enter, and leave Israel on the same passport used in the application. Israeli passport holders are exempt from the ETA-IL entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about eTA Israel Passport Validity
How do I calculate the 3-month passport validity rule for eTA Israel?
Count 3 months from your arrival date. Passport must be valid until at least that date – anchored to arrival, not departure.
Can I apply for eTA Israel with less than 3 months on my passport?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond arrival. Renew first. The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable.
Does my UK passport need a biometric chip for eTA Israel?
Yes. Your passport must have a bio-page with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). Standard UK passports meet this requirement.
What happens if my passport expires before 3 months after arriving in Israel?
Renew if your passport expires within 3 months of arrival. PIBA requires at least 90 days of validity from arrival date.
Is the eTA Israel passport validity rule 3 months or 6 months?
ETA-IL: 3 months from arrival. B/2 visa: 6 months from arrival. UK travellers are visa-exempt, so the 3-month rule applies.
What if my passport expires while my eTA Israel is still valid?
ETA-IL expires with passport. Reapply with new passport (25 NIS fee).
Do I still need blank passport pages for Israel?
No stamps at Ben Gurion – you get a blue entry card. Keep 2 blank pages as best practice.
What should I do if my eTA Israel application is rejected due to passport validity?
Renew passport, reapply. 25 NIS fee non-refundable.
Can I use an emergency travel document for the eTA Israel application?
UK ETDs may lack a bio-page or MRZ. Contact PIBA ([email protected], +972-2-535-9740) or the Israeli Embassy in London.
Which passport should I use for eTA Israel if I have dual nationality?
Use one passport for boarding, entry, exit. Israeli passport holders are exempt from ETA-IL.
