All visa-exempt transit passengers passing through Israel require a valid ETA-IL since 1 January 2025. There is no airside transit exemption. The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5.50), processes within 72 hours, and is valid for 2 years. Airlines may deny boarding without an approved authorisation, even for passengers who never intend to clear Israeli border control.
What Is a Transit Passenger in Israel?
A transit passenger connects through Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) on an international-to-international connecting flight without necessarily clearing Israeli border control. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) requirements for transit apply to British passport holders and other visa-exempt travellers on any itinerary passing through Israel.
Transit falls into three categories:
- Airside transit: passenger remains in the sterile zone without clearing passport control (single ticket, through-checked baggage).
- Landside transit: passenger clears border control to collect and re-check luggage (separate tickets or self-transfer).
- Same-day connection: international-to-international transfer within 24 hours.
The ETA-IL has been mandatory for all visa-exempt nationalities since 1 January 2025. Transit passengers who clear border control fall under the standard maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Do Transit Passengers Need an ETA-IL in 2026?
Yes. All visa-exempt travellers, including transit passengers, must hold a valid ETA-IL since 1 January 2025; no airside transit exemption exists.
The requirement applies to all visa-exempt nationalities regardless of intent to clear border control. PIBA: an ETA-IL lets you reach the border-crossing only; the border control officer makes the final entry decision.
Non-visa-exempt nationals cannot use the ETA-IL system. Israel offers no dedicated transit visa; visa-required travellers must obtain a B/2 visa (eVisa-B2) or consular visa, even for connections through Ben Gurion Airport.
Airside Transit at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Ben Gurion Airport has no sterile international-to-international transit corridor. The decision tree for ETA-IL transit requirements:
- Single ticket, through-checked baggage: you may remain airside during your connection, but airlines routinely verify ETA-IL status at check-in and may deny boarding without an approved authorisation.
- Separate tickets or self-transfer: you must collect and re-check luggage, clearing border control. ETA-IL is strictly mandatory. For example, a passenger flying EasyJet London to TLV then El Al TLV to Athens must clear border control and hold a valid ETA-IL.
- Overnight airside layover: TLV does not permit overnight stays in the sterile zone; passengers must clear border control and hold a valid ETA-IL.
How to Apply for an ETA-IL for Transit Through Israel
Transit passengers apply online at israel-entry.piba.gov.il; the ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5.50), processes within 72 hours, and remains valid for up to 2 years.
Access the online form
Go to israel-entry.piba.gov.il/apply-for-an-eta-il-1 to start your application.
Enter personal and travel details
Provide personal information, travel details, and passport data. The passport must be valid at least 90 days from the date of arrival in Israel.
Review all entries carefully
Corrections are impossible after submission and require a new application with a fresh fee.
Pay the non-refundable fee
The fee is 25 NIS (~£5.50 / ~$7).
Receive approval by email
Typically within 24 to 72 hours.
Submit at least 72 hours before departure; the form times out after 30 minutes of inactivity. An approved ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry, permits multiple entries, and allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. You can apply any time prior to travel.
Required Documents and Eligibility
The application requires a valid email address, travel information, personal information, and a passport valid at least 90 days from arrival. Both biometric and non-biometric passports are accepted. Minors of all ages require an ETA-IL; an adult must apply on their behalf. Israeli permanent residents, dual citizens presenting proof of Israeli citizenship, holders of Israeli visas (B1, B3, B4, A1 to A5), and passengers with official or service passports are exempt.
Processing Time and Cost
Standard processing is 24 to 72 hours; some approvals arrive within minutes. The fee is 25 NIS (~£5.50 / ~$7), non-refundable. Reapplication is required if you replace your passport, change your legal name, gender, or country of citizenship. PIBA may revoke an ETA-IL for immigration or security reasons, notifying you by email. For inquiries, contact PIBA at 42 Agripas st. Jerusalem Israel, or email [email protected] (24/7, English only).
Land Transit and Special Scenarios
Overland transit between Jordan and Egypt via Israeli land borders requires full border clearance and a valid ETA-IL. Land crossings offer no airside or sterile-zone exemption.
At Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and Taba, every traveller must present an approved ETA-IL to Israeli border authorities. Transit to the Palestinian Territories requires additional permits from the Israeli Territory Actions Co-ordinator, as confirmed by UK FCDO guidance. The Rafah crossing regularly closes without warning; the Erez crossing is currently closed.
At Ben Gurion Airport, travellers who clear border control receive an entry card instead of a passport stamp. Keep this card until departure. If entry is denied, you will be booked on the next available flight back to origin on the same airline; the British Embassy cannot intervene in immigration decisions.
In emergency flight diversions, border control officers exercise discretion case by case. Contact PIBA at [email protected].
| Feature | UK ETA (transit) | Israel ETA-IL (transit) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | £10 | 25 NIS (~£5.50) |
| Processing time | Up to 3 days | 24-72 hours |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 2 years or passport expiry |
FAQ: ETA-IL Requirements for Transit Through Israel
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (~£5.50), processes within 72 hours, applies to all visa-exempt transit passengers, and does not guarantee entry at the Israeli border.
Do I need an ETA-IL for a transit layover in Israel?
Yes. All visa-exempt transit passengers since 1 Jan 2025; no airside exemption. Apply at least 72 hours before travel; 25 NIS.
Can I stay airside at Ben Gurion Airport without an ETA-IL?
If your baggage is through-checked and you hold a single ticket, you might remain airside, but no airside exemption exists and airlines may still require an approved ETA-IL at check-in. Separate tickets require border clearance and ETA-IL.
What is the cost of an ETA-IL for transit?
25 NIS (~£5.50 / ~$7), non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or travel plans change.
How long does ETA-IL processing take?
Standard 24 to 72 hours; some approvals arrive within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Do I need a transit visa if my nationality requires a visa for Israel?
Israel offers no dedicated transit visa. Visa-required nationals must apply for an eVisa-B2 or consular visa, even for connections through Ben Gurion Airport.
Does the 90-day passport validity rule apply to transit passengers?
Yes. All travellers must present a passport valid at least 90 days from the date of arrival in Israel.
What happens if my flight is diverted to Israel unexpectedly?
Border control officers have discretion in emergency diversions. Contact PIBA: [email protected].
Do I need to print my ETA-IL confirmation for transit?
Not mandatory, but carry a digital or printed copy. Airlines may verify ETA-IL approval at the boarding gate, similar to ESTA checks for US transit.
Can I transit through Israel to the Palestinian Territories?
An ETA-IL does not authorise travel to the West Bank or Gaza. Additional permits from the Israeli Territory Actions Co-ordinator are required.
Are airline crew members exempt from the ETA-IL transit requirement?
Crew: exemptions exist but are role-specific. Confirm with your airline or PIBA ([email protected]).
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. This is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the Israeli government. Always verify requirements at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before travel.
