UK citizens need a valid passport (90 days’ validity), an active email, personal/travel details, a digital photo, and a payment card. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS and is processed in 24 to 72 hours via the PIBA portal. You must complete the process in a single session, as the portal enforces a 30-minute inactivity timeout. Approved ETA-IL authorisation is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business. Apply at least 72 hours before booking non-refundable flights or hotels.
Documents Required for Your ETA-IL Application
Your ETA-IL application requires six items: a valid UK passport, an active email address, personal details, travel information, a digital passport photo, and a credit or debit card.
| Document | Requirement | Common Mistake | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK passport | At least 90 days validity from arrival date in Israel; biometric or non-biometric accepted | Checking issue date instead of expiry date | Verify expiry before starting; aim for 6 months to satisfy airline rules |
| Email address | Active inbox; sole channel for receiving ETA-IL approval | Using an address with no access during travel | Use a personal email you can check abroad |
| Personal information | Full name, date of birth, nationality matching passport | Typos in name fields | Copy details directly from your passport data page |
| Travel information | Intended dates and purpose (tourism or business) | Leaving dates blank | Enter approximate dates if not yet finalised |
| Digital passport photo | ICAO-compliant; JPEG or PNG; under 2 MB; white background, no glasses | Uploading a cropped selfie | Use a scanner or dedicated passport-photo tool |
| Credit or debit card | To pay the 25 NIS non-refundable fee | Card not enabled for international payments | Confirm international transaction settings with your bank |
Flight and hotel bookings are not required; only travel dates and purpose of visit are needed on the form. Submit via the PIBA portal as an external source.
Preparing Your Digital Passport Photo for Upload
Your ETA-IL application requires an ICAO-compliant photo in JPEG or PNG format, typically under 2 MB. Use a white background, neutral expression, and no glasses. Common rejection reasons include shadows, head tilt, and file-size limits. Prepare the image before starting the form.
ETA-IL Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
Your ETA-IL application qualifies for approval if you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, including the United Kingdom, and intend to visit Israel for tourism or business for up to 90 days per entry. The electronic travel authorization does not grant permission to reside in Israel; study programmes up to 90 days are permitted, but longer study requires a separate student visa. ETA-IL applies to nationals of visa-exempt countries, whereas the B/2 visa targets travellers from visa-required countries. Citizens of Moldova must hold a biometric passport to qualify. The ETA-IL pilot launched on 1 June 2024, initially targeting tourists with US and German passports, before becoming mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals on 1 January 2025.
| Category | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Israeli citizens | Exempt | Foreign passport holders with Israeli citizenship must carry proof of citizenship for airline check-in |
| Israeli visa holders (B1-B4, A1-A5) | Exempt | Existing visa covers entry |
| Diplomats / service passport holders | Exempt | Official travel only |
| Crew members on Crew APIS | Exempt | Active-duty crew |
| US military with CAC | Exempt | Common Access Card required |
| Seamen with seamen book | Exempt | Maritime professionals |
Applying for Minors
An adult must submit a minor’s ETA-IL application; a separate 25 NIS fee applies per child. The adult selects “applying for someone else” at the form start and enters the child’s personal data.
When You Need to Reapply
A new ETA-IL application is required if you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, or change your citizenship. The 25 NIS fee applies to each reapplication.
How to Apply for an ETA-IL – Process, Fee & Timing
UK travellers apply via the PIBA portal in one session with a 30-minute inactivity timeout, paying a non-refundable 25 NIS fee.
Visit the PIBA portal
Go to israel-entry.piba.gov.il
Select “Apply for ETA-IL”
Choose the application option on the portal.
Confirm applicant type
Select yourself or someone else.
Enter your email address
Provide an active email you can access during travel.
Fill in personal information
Enter full name, date of birth, nationality matching passport.
Enter passport data
Copy details directly from your passport data page.
Provide travel information
Enter intended dates and purpose of visit.
Review and correct all entries
Final chance before submission.
Pay the 25 NIS fee
~£6-7 GBP, exchange-rate dependent, by credit or debit card.
Receive your ETA-IL confirmation
Confirmation is sent by email.
Standard processing takes 24 to 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before booking non-refundable travel. You may apply any time prior to travel to Israel. If your card is declined, contact your issuing bank to check international transaction settings, then try an alternative card.
Application Form Rules You Must Know
The form cannot be saved, times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and cannot be edited after submission.
Group Applications & Consolidated Payment
The PIBA portal allows a group leader to make a single consolidated payment for multiple ETA-IL applications. The leader needs each member’s application number and passport number, and must pay within 30 days of submission. Each member submits an individual request and stops at the payment stage.
ETA-IL Passport Validity, Duration of Stay & Entry Points
An approved ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years from the approval date or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit at every Israeli entry point.
Your passport must remain valid for at least 90 days from your date of arrival in Israel (legal minimum since the requirement became mandatory on 1 January 2025); however, many airlines enforce a 6-month passport-validity rule, so aiming for six months avoids boarding refusal. At least 2 blank pages are recommended for the entry card or stamp. To extend a stay beyond 90 days, you must request an extension from Israel’s PIBA authority before your permitted period expires.
Does ETA-IL Cover All Entry Points?
| Entry Point | ETA-IL Required | Document Issued at Border |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Gurion Airport | Yes | Entry card (no passport stamp) |
| Allenby Bridge (Jordan) | Yes | Entry card or stamp |
| Sheikh Hussein Crossing | Yes | Entry card or stamp |
| Taba Crossing (Egypt) | Yes | Entry card or stamp |
| Cruise terminals | Yes | Entry card or stamp |
The entry card issued at Ben Gurion must be retained with your passport until departure and may be required when crossing into Palestine.
Transit Through Israel Without Entering
Passengers staying airside may not need ETA-IL; clearing immigration requires it. Verify with your airline.
Travel Risks: Without an ETA-IL, Entry Discretion & Support
Travelling to Israel without an approved ETA-IL risks airline boarding denial, border entry refusal, and return at the traveller’s own cost.
Without ETA-IL, airlines may refuse boarding; at the border, entry is denied and return flight at own cost. An approved ETA-IL does not guarantee entry. The final decision rests with the border control officer, who may deny entry under Israeli law and PIBA procedures. Grounds for mandatory denial include lacking a valid travel document, using a passport reported lost or stolen, publicly calling for a boycott of Israel, or denying the Holocaust or the 7 October attack.
For assistance, contact the PIBA Help Center at [email protected] or +972-2-535-9740 (available 24/7, English only). PIBA’s physical address is 42 Agripas st. Jerusalem Israel. The Government Central Support Center in Israel can be reached at 1299. FCDO travel advice for British citizens travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport is available at gov.uk. The Israeli Embassy in London can clarify entry rules. If your confirmation email is lost, use the “Resend ETA-IL approval” self-service feature on the PIBA portal. The portal also offers self-service options to check eligibility and discover eVisa-B2 for nationals of visa-required countries (pilot: India, Sri Lanka).
Disclaimer: This is an unofficial informational guide for UK travellers. Always verify requirements directly on the official PIBA portal. This article was last verified against PIBA’s published requirements on 9 September 2026.
ETA-IL Validity, Reapplication & Dual Citizenship Rules
An approved ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires; no reapplication is needed for repeat visits.
Your ETA-IL becomes invalid and a fresh application with a 25 NIS fee is required when you receive a new passport, your name changes, your gender changes, or your citizenship changes. Each trigger demands a completely new submission through the PIBA portal.
Dual citizens with Israeli citizenship are exempt from the ETA-IL requirement when travelling on a foreign passport, but must carry a certificate proving Israeli citizenship for airline check-in. Non-Israeli dual citizens must apply for ETA-IL using the passport they will actually travel on.
ETA-IL FAQ
What documents are required for an ETA-IL application for UK citizens?
Valid passport (90+ days validity), active email, personal details, travel info, digital photo, and a credit/debit card. Flight and hotel bookings are not required.
How do I apply for an ETA-IL from the UK?
Visit the PIBA portal, fill in the form, upload your photo, pay 25 NIS, and receive confirmation by email.
What is the ETA-IL application fee in GBP?
25 NIS (~£6-7 GBP, exchange-rate dependent), non-refundable, paid by credit or debit card.
How long does it take to get an ETA-IL approval?
Standard processing is 24 to 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before booking non-refundable travel.
Can I check the status of my ETA-IL application online?
Email confirmation is sent on receipt; approval arrives within 24 to 72 hours. Use the “Resend ETA-IL approval” feature on the PIBA portal if the email is lost.
Do I need to print my ETA-IL confirmation?
Printing is not required by PIBA but recommended; carry your confirmation number. Check your airline’s policy.
What happens if I travel without an ETA-IL?
Airlines may refuse boarding; border authorities deny entry and return you on the next flight at your own cost.
Can I edit my application after submitting?
No. Corrections are only possible during the review step before submission; a new form must be completed for any changes.
Do I need flight or hotel bookings for the ETA-IL application?
No, but you must provide intended travel dates and purpose of visit on the form.
Is the ETA-IL the same as a tourist visa for Israel?
No. ETA-IL is for visa-exempt countries including the UK; the B/2 visa is for visa-required countries.
Do I need an ETA-IL for a transit layover at Ben Gurion Airport?
Passengers staying airside without clearing immigration may not need ETA-IL; clearing immigration requires it.
What passport validity is required for ETA-IL?
At least 90 days from your arrival date in Israel. Biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted; 2 blank pages recommended.
To apply for an ETA-IL from the UK, you need a valid passport with at least 90 days’ validity, an active email address, a digital passport photo, personal and travel details, and a credit or debit card to pay the 25 NIS application fee. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip via the PIBA portal.
