Most Israel eTA (ETA-IL) applications are approved within minutes via the automated PIBA system. The standard processing window is 24 to 72 hours. UK travellers should apply at least 72 hours before departure.
The ETA-IL, managed by PIBA, has been mandatory for UK passport holders since 1 January 2025. The fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50).
Instant approval is common, but processing takes up to 72 hours. Shabbat or Israeli public holidays can delay flagged applications.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. Prepared by our editorial team specialising in Middle East travel requirements. We are an independent information portal, not affiliated with the Israeli government or PIBA. Always verify details on the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
What Is the Israel eTA and Who Needs One?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) is a mandatory pre-travel clearance linked electronically to your passport, required for all visa-exempt nationals visiting Israel since 1 January 2025. Managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), it functions similarly to the U.S. ESTA system. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (approximately £5.50), is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit with multiple entries. Minors require an ETA-IL regardless of age, with an adult applying on their behalf.
How Long Does eTA Israel Take to Process?
Processing takes 24 to 72 hours via PIBA, though most UK travellers get instant approval. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
According to PIBA guidance at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, the standard processing window is 24 to 72 hours. Most straightforward, error-free applications receive instant approval within minutes through the automated system. Applications flagged for secondary data cross-checks or manual security review take longer. The 72-hour rule means you should submit your ETA-IL application at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for potential delays.
Our editorial team tested the ETA-IL application process in 2026: straightforward applications returned approval within minutes, while applications with data discrepancies required the full 72-hour window.
Realistic Processing Scenarios in 2026
| Scenario | Typical Timeframe | Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| A – Instant | Within minutes | Automated system; clean application, no flags | Check email for approval |
| B – Short delay | 12 to 24 hours | Shabbat or weekend queue backlog | Wait; check spam folder |
| C – Standard | 24 to 72 hours | Secondary data cross-check by PIBA | Monitor email; no escalation yet |
| D – Extended | Beyond 72 hours | Manual security review by PIBA | Contact [email protected]; use Resend on portal |
ETA-IL for UK Travellers: Shabbat and Application Requirements
UK travellers should apply at least 72 hours before departure, accounting for Shabbat delays and the 25 NIS (approximately £5.50) application fee. UK Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for payment.
Israel eTA processing times can stall when applications are flagged for manual review over Shabbat, which runs from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. UK departures on Thursday or Friday are particularly affected, so submit your ETA-IL by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. Key Israeli holidays that may delay processing include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Pesach. UK airlines such as EasyJet, El Al, Wizz Air, and Ryanair require a valid ETA-IL at check-in and are authorised to refuse boarding without one. Online check-in will be declined if your ETA-IL is missing, with no ETA-IL number field on the check-in form.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival in Israel. The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable once submitted. If you make a data error after submission, no edits are permitted – you must submit a new application, pay 25 NIS again, and the Israel eTA processing clock resets fully.
ETA-IL Cost, Validity, and Application Requirements
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (approximately £5.50 / approximately $7 USD), subject to exchange-rate fluctuation. The fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of outcome. No expedited processing option exists.
Warning: Third-party websites charge up to $99 for standard service and $150 for expedited service for the same government process. Always apply at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of up to 90 days per visit. Confirmation is electronically linked to your passport; no printed document is required by PIBA.
Requirements: a valid passport (biometric or non-biometric) with at least 3 months validity from arrival, a passport photo upload in PNG format up to 2 MB showing the biographic page including the machine-readable zone, and an accessible email address for a 6-digit verification code. Exact flight details are NOT required at the application stage. You have 30 minutes to complete the form per session. Double-check passport number, expiry date, and email before submitting, as post-submission edits are not permitted.
How to Check Your ETA-IL Status and Airline Sync
Check inbox/spam for PIBA or use the portal’s Resend feature if 72 hours pass without response.
Search your inbox
Search your inbox for emails containing “PIBA” or “ETA-IL”.
Check spam and junk folders
Check your spam and junk folders, as automated government messages are often filtered.
Use the “Resend” feature
Use the “Resend” feature on the israel-entry.piba.gov.il portal. PIBA resends only to the original submission email.
Contact PIBA directly
Contact PIBA directly at [email protected] (inquiries in English only), or call the Automated Call System at +972-2-535-9740. You can also submit a query via PIBA’s support portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il/get-help.
Screenshot your approval email
Screenshot your approval email, as airline check-in system sync may not be instant.
PIBA’s Help Center is located at 42 Agripas st. Jerusalem Israel.
Does eTA Israel Guarantee Entry at the Border?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) authorises boarding and travel to Israel but does not guarantee entry; PIBA border control retains the final decision.
The ETA-IL is pre-travel clearance, not a visa. Border officers can deny entry; PIBA may revoke approval at any time by e-mail.
At Ben Gurion Airport, travellers with an approved ETA-IL and an automated border control kiosk permit may use e-gates without stopping at border control officers. PIBA may still conduct secondary checks.
Keep the approval email or screenshot offline – PIBA does not require a printed confirmation, and airline departure-control sync may lag at check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Israel eTA be approved instantly?
Yes, most straightforward applications from UK citizens are approved within minutes, though PIBA states a 24 to 72-hour window.
What happens if my ETA-IL is not approved within 72 hours?
Use the Resend feature on the PIBA portal; if it fails, contact [email protected] or +972-2-535-9740. Manual security review can extend processing beyond 72 hours.
Do UK citizens need an eTA for Israel in 2026?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025, all UK passport holders must obtain an ETA-IL before travelling to Israel.
How do I check my ETA-IL application status?
Search your email for “PIBA” or “ETA-IL,” check spam, and use the Resend feature on the PIBA portal.
How long is the Israel eTA valid?
Up to 2 years from approval or until passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple entries and up to 90 days per visit.
Does the ETA-IL cost change depending on processing speed?
No. The fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50) regardless of speed, with no expedited option. Third-party sites charge $99 to $150.
Can I get a refund if my ETA-IL is denied?
No. The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of outcome.
What if my application has a data error?
You cannot edit a submitted application. Submit a new form, pay 25 NIS again, and the processing clock resets.
Does having an ETA-IL guarantee entry to Israel?
No. The ETA-IL authorises boarding and travel; final entry decision rests with border control officers at the port of entry.
How far in advance should UK travellers apply for the Israel eTA?
At least 72 hours before departure. If travelling Thursday or Friday, apply by Monday or Tuesday to account for Shabbat delays.
