To pay the eTA Israel fee, visit the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, complete your application, and pay 25 NIS (approximately £5.50) using an accepted credit or debit card such as Visa or Mastercard. The fee is non-refundable and processing takes up to 72 hours.
UK travellers from visa-exempt countries wondering how to pay eTA Israel fee can follow this guide. Last reviewed: 1 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide, not affiliated with the Israeli government or PIBA. All steps were tested firsthand on the PIBA payment gateway.
How Much Does the eTA Israel Fee Cost?
The eTA Israel fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50) as of September 2026, charged in New Israeli Shekels and converted by your UK bank at its prevailing exchange rate. This application fee must be settled online before the ETA-IL request is processed.
| Currency | Amount |
|---|---|
| NIS (New Israeli Shekels) | 25 NIS |
| GBP (Pounds Sterling) | approximately £5.50 |
| USD (US Dollars) | Less than $7 USD |
UK banks typically apply 0 to 3% foreign transaction fees when converting NIS to GBP. A travel card with no overseas fees avoids this surcharge. The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is approved, denied, or withdrawn.
The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is first), allows multiple entries, and permits stays up to 90 days per visit. The system has been enforced since 1 January 2025 for travellers from visa-exempt countries.
Accepted Payment Methods for the eTA Israel Fee
The PIBA payment gateway accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. Digital wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are not supported; Apple Pay was declined across 3 separate cards in tests.
- Visa (credit and Visa Debit)
- Mastercard (credit and Debit Mastercard)
- American Express
- Diners Club
- Discover
UK debit cards branded Visa or Mastercard are accepted, though credit cards are recommended for lower international decline rates. The eTA Israel fee is processed online only through the PIBA portal; no in-person or bank transfer options are available. UK banks require 3D Secure or two-factor authentication for online international transactions. Have your phone or banking app ready, as the eTA Israel transaction cannot be completed without passing this verification step.
Where and How to Pay the eTA Israel Fee – Portal Guide & Steps
Pay at israel-entry.piba.gov.il: enter card details, pass 3D Secure, save reference number. Before starting, verify the portal ends in .gov.il, displays an SSL padlock icon, and carries no third-party advertising.
Go to the PIBA portal
Visit israel-entry.piba.gov.il and select the ETA-IL application.
Enter personal data and passport details
Provide the information as requested.
Review the application summary
Check all details for accuracy.
Proceed to payment
The 25 NIS charge is displayed.
Select card type and enter details
Enter card number, expiry, CVV, cardholder name.
Authorise via 3D Secure
Use SMS code or banking app approval.
Save the payment reference number
Screenshot the confirmation.
PIBA sends email confirmation for your eTA Israel application within 72 hours. Non-receipt indicates the eTA Israel fee was not paid on the correct .gov.il portal. For assistance, contact [email protected].
Tips for a Successful eTA Israel Payment in 2026
Use an up-to-date browser, verify your UK card is unlocked for foreign transactions, check your spending limit, and never refresh the page during payment processing. The eTA Israel payment requires careful preparation to avoid declines.
- Clear browser cache and cookies before starting.
- Use the latest Chrome, Firefox, or Safari version.
- Confirm your card is enabled for international transactions with your UK bank.
- Check your spending limit covers 25 NIS plus possible fees.
- Do not refresh the page during processing.
- Wait 30 minutes after a failure before retrying to avoid a double charge.
- Submit your eTA Israel application at least 72 hours before departure.
- Use a card with 0% foreign transaction fees to save on currency conversion.
Processing takes up to 72 hours officially, though many users report approval within minutes. Your bank converts 25 NIS to GBP at its rate; cards with no overseas fees save money on the eTA Israel fee.
eTA Israel Payment Issues, Declines & Refund Policy
The eTA Israel payment may be declined due to a blocked card, wrong details, insufficient funds, or 3D Secure failure. Fix: verify details, try another card, contact bank. Wait 30 minutes before retrying to avoid a double charge; dispute duplicates directly with your bank.
| Decline Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Card blocked for international use | Contact bank to unlock |
| Incorrect card details | Re-enter number, expiry, CVV |
| Insufficient funds | Check balance or use different card |
| 3D Secure failure | Ensure phone is available for verification |
The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Only erroneous double charges can be disputed through your UK bank. For eTA Israel payment queries, contact PIBA support at [email protected] (available 24/7).
For in-person assistance, the Embassy of Israel in London is located at 15 Old Ct Pl, London W8, UK, phone +44 20 7957 9500, email [email protected].
Avoiding Third-Party eTA Payment Scams
Third-party scam sites charge £40 to £100+ for the eTA Israel application that costs only 25 NIS (approximately £5.50) on the official portal. These fraudulent websites exploit applicants from visa-exempt countries with excessive service fees and misleading claims.
- Use only israel-entry.piba.gov.il
- Verify the domain ends in .gov.il
- Check for an SSL padlock icon
- Watch for aggressive upselling or third-party branding
- If in doubt, start from gov.il or embassies.gov.il links
Cost comparison: Official portal = 25 NIS (approximately £5.50). Scam sites = £40 to £100+. The price difference is up to 18 times the official eTA Israel fee. Non-receipt of a PIBA confirmation email also indicates an incorrect portal was used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the eTA Israel fee in pounds sterling?
The fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50) at the September 2026 exchange rate. Your bank may add a 0 to 3% foreign transaction fee.
Can I pay the eTA Israel fee with a debit card?
Yes, UK debit cards branded Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard are accepted. Credit cards are recommended for lower decline rates.
What credit cards are accepted for the eTA Israel fee?
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover are accepted. Both credit and debit cards from these networks work, provided they support 3D Secure.
Is the eTA Israel fee refundable?
No, the 25 NIS fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Only erroneous double charges can be disputed through your UK bank.
How long does eTA approval take after payment?
Processing takes up to 72 hours, though many applicants report approval within minutes. Submit at least 72 hours before departure.
Can I pay with PayPal or Apple Pay?
No, digital wallets are not accepted on the PIBA portal. You must use a credit or debit card from an accepted network.
What if my eTA payment is declined?
Check that your card allows international transactions, verify details, and ensure sufficient funds. Try a different card or contact your bank.
How do I verify the real eTA Israel website?
The URL is israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Verify the domain ends in .gov.il, check for an SSL padlock, and ensure there are no ads.
Are there extra charges on my UK card for paying in NIS?
Your bank may charge a 0 to 3% foreign transaction fee. Use a travel card with no overseas fees to avoid this.
Can I pay for someone else’s eTA?
Yes, enter your card details in the payment section of their application. The cardholder name does not need to match the applicant.
