Yes, UK citizens need an ETA-IL to enter Israel. The ETA-IL is mandatory since 1 January 2025, costs 25 NIS (approximately £5.50), and is valid for up to two years. British travellers must apply online at least 72 hours before departure via the PIBA portal.
Last verified: 9 September 2026. This article is based on external sources: the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority – ETA-IL and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Israel travel advice.
How we verified this guide: We applied for the ETA-IL with a UK passport in 2025 and compared the confirmation email with the requirements published by PIBA and the UK Foreign Office. Entry remains at the discretion of Israeli border control.
Quick Answer – Do UK Citizens Need an eTA for Israel?
Yes, UK citizens must obtain an ETA-IL before travelling to Israel. The ETA-IL was piloted from 28 May 2024 and became mandatory since 1 January 2025 for every visa-exempt British visitor, regardless of trip purpose or duration.
The ETA-IL permits multiple entries and grants a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. Once approved, it remains valid for up to 2 years from the date of issue or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. The application fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50), payable online via the PIBA portal.
Without a valid ETA-IL, UK citizens will be denied boarding by airlines and refused entry at Israeli border control. The Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) recommends applying at least 72 hours before booking flights, hotels, and related expenses.
Israel ETA-IL Key Facts for British Passport Holders
The table below lists the ETA-IL specifications that apply to British passport holders.
| Attribute | Details for UK Citizens |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first) |
| Maximum stay per visit | 90 days |
| Entries permitted | Multiple entries |
| Application fee | 25 NIS (approximately £5.50, variable by exchange rate), non-refundable |
| Recommended lead time | At least 72 hours before booking flights, hotels, and related expenses |
| Entry guarantee | None – the ETA-IL allows reaching the border only; final decision rests with the border control officer |
ETA-IL Cost & UK Passport Validity Requirements
The ETA-IL fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50), non-refundable. British passports must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the arrival date in Israel.
- Fee: 25 NIS (≈ £5.50) per applicant – non-refundable after submission, payable online by credit or debit card.
- Currency tip: Paying in NIS rather than selecting GBP at checkout avoids dynamic currency conversion surcharges imposed by some card issuers.
- Passport validity: A full British passport must remain valid for at least 90 days from the arrival date in Israel.
- Reapplication triggers: Obtaining a new passport, a change of name, a change of gender, or a change of country of citizenship each requires a fresh ETA-IL application – the authorisation is electronically linked to the passport used at the time of approval.
How to Apply for the Israel ETA-IL – Step-by-Step Guide
Apply online via the PIBA portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) at least 72 hours before departure. No embassy visit is required.
Access the PIBA portal
Access the PIBA ETA-IL portal at the URL above.
Enter passport details
Enter your British passport details exactly as printed.
Provide travel dates
Provide your intended travel dates.
Answer eligibility questions
Answer the eligibility questions.
Upload a photo
Upload a digital passport-style photo.
Review your data
Review all entered data – corrections are permitted only at this stage.
Pay the fee
Pay the 25 NIS application fee by credit or debit card.
Submit the form
Submit the form. After submission, no corrections are allowed; a new form must be completed from scratch.
Receive confirmation
Receive your ETA-IL confirmation email.
Required Documents for the ETA-IL Application
- Valid UK passport (minimum 90 days validity beyond arrival date)
- Digital passport-style photo
- Intended travel dates
- Active email address
- Credit or debit card for the 25 NIS fee
Applying as a Family or Group
Each person, including children, requires a separate ETA-IL application and a separate 25 NIS fee. A family of four travelling together pays 100 NIS (approximately £22) in total. All applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before the group’s departure.
Exemptions, Dual Nationality & B/2 Visa Alternatives
Exempted categories: Israeli citizens and ID holders, dual nationals travelling on an Israeli passport, A5 visa holders, diplomats on service passports, airline crew on Crew APIS, US military members with CAC, and seamen with a seamen’s book. UK passport holders are visa-exempt and need only the ETA-IL.
- B/2 visa alternative: Nationals from countries not on Israel’s visa-exempt list must obtain a B/2 tourist visa, costing 24 GBP through the Embassy of Israel in London (+44 20 7957 9500; [email protected]), with processing spanning 5-45 working days (average 7 working days).
- British nationals of Palestinian origin: Those listed on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number must travel on a Palestinian passport; entry to Palestinian Authority-controlled territories requires advance authorisation from the Israeli Territorial Actions Co-ordinator.
- Unauthorised entry penalty: Deportation from Israel and a re-entry ban of up to 10 years for unauthorised entry to Palestinian Authority-controlled territories.
- Gaza crossings: The Rafah border crossing closes regularly without warning for long periods, and the Erez crossing is currently closed.
Israeli Border Control, Entry Cards & Transit Rules
At Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, UK citizens receive an entry card instead of a passport stamp. This card serves as legal evidence of entry into Israel and must be retained with the passport until departure. The entry card is also mandatory for crossing between Israel and the West Bank.
At some crossings, including Allenby Bridge and Ben Gurion Airport, Israeli border control may issue a restricted entry stamp reading “Palestinian Authority only” or “Judea and Samaria only”, limiting movement through Israeli checkpoints. A refusal of entry is marked by an entry stamp with 2 red lines drawn across it.
British nationals with regional travel stamps (e.g., Jordan, Egypt) do not normally face refusal of entry, though additional questioning may occur. Profiling criteria for extended questioning include public criticism of the state of Israel. Border officers may demand access to personal email or social media accounts, and baggage or digital devices may be searched and withheld for several hours.
If entry is refused, foreign nationals are held at an Immigration Detention Centre a few minutes’ drive from the airport. The centre provides access to a telephone, information in English, and medical assistance; luggage remains stored at the airport. Detained travellers are returned on the next available flight on the same airline. The British Embassy in Israel is accessible by phone but cannot intervene in immigration decisions.
Do You Need an ETA-IL for Transit Flights?
UK citizens remaining airside at Ben Gurion Airport during a connecting flight generally do not need an ETA-IL. However, some airlines may require a valid ETA-IL for boarding regardless of transit status. British travellers should confirm the requirement with their carrier before departure.
What Happens If You Overstay the 90-Day Limit?
Overstaying the 90-day limit may result in fines, detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban of up to 10 years for related violations, as stated by the UK Foreign Office.
Global Travel Authorisations for UK Citizens – Comparison
The ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (approximately £5.50), compared to the US ESTA at $21 USD, the Canada eTA at CAD 7, and the upcoming EU ETIAS at €7. The EU ETIAS, expected to launch in 2026, will apply to UK citizens for short stays in the Schengen Area because the UK is a visa-exempt non-EU country. It is not operational yet, so travellers should check the EU ETIAS site before booking.
| System | Destination | Cost | Validity | Max Stay | UK Citizens Need It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETA-IL | Israel | 25 NIS (≈ £5.50) | Up to 2 years | 90 days | Yes – mandatory since 1 Jan 2025 |
| ESTA | United States | $21 USD | 2 years | 90 days | Yes (Visa Waiver Programme) |
| eTA | Canada | CAD 7 | 5 years or passport expiry | 6 months | Yes (visa-exempt air travel) |
| ETIAS | EU / Schengen Area | €7 | 3 years | 90 days per 180 days | Yes (for Schengen travel; launching 2026) |
Lost Your ETA-IL Confirmation? Status Check & Retrieval
Travellers can retrieve lost confirmations via the PIBA portal using their passport number and email address. The ETA-IL system does not resend confirmation automatically, so UK citizens must proactively look up their status before departure.
For direct assistance, contact the PIBA ETA-IL Help Centre by email at [email protected] (English only). An automated call system is also available at +972-2-535-9740. The ETA-IL is electronically linked to the passport, but airlines may still request visible proof at check-in. Save the confirmation PDF as a backup on your device and carry a printed copy.
PIBA postal address: 42 Agripas St., Jerusalem, Israel.
FAQ: Israel ETA-IL for UK Citizens in 2026
Do UK citizens need an eTA for Israel in 2026?
Yes, all visa-exempt British passport holders must obtain an ETA-IL before departure, mandatory since 1 January 2025 and still required in 2026. Apply via the PIBA portal at least 72 hours before booking.
How much does the Israel eTA cost for UK citizens?
The ETA-IL fee is 25 NIS (approximately £5.50), non-refundable after submission, payable online by credit or debit card via the PIBA portal.
How long does it take to get an Israel eTA?
PIBA does not publish a guaranteed processing time; apply at least 72 hours before booking flights. Some approvals arrive within 36 hours, but do not rely on this.
How long is the Israel eTA valid for UK citizens?
The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years from approval, or until the linked British passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple entries permitted.
Can UK citizens enter Israel without an eTA?
No. Airlines deny boarding and Israeli border control denies entry without a valid ETA-IL.
What documents do I need for the Israel eTA?
A valid British passport (minimum 90 days validity beyond arrival), a digital passport-style photo, travel dates, an email address, and a card for the 25 NIS fee.
Do I need an eTA for transit flights through Israel?
UK citizens remaining airside at Ben Gurion Airport generally do not need an ETA-IL, but some airlines may require one for boarding regardless.
Is the Israel eTA the same as a visa?
No. The ETA-IL is a pre-travel electronic authorisation for visa-exempt nationalities. A B/2 visa is a full consular visa for non-exempt countries, costing 24 GBP with processing up to 45 working days.
Do UK dual nationals need an eTA for Israel?
UK dual nationals with Israeli citizenship or an Israeli ID number are exempt. British nationals of Palestinian origin on the Palestinian Population Register must travel on a Palestinian passport.
What happens if I overstay the 90-day limit in Israel?
Overstaying may result in fines, detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban of up to 10 years for related violations.
Written by the editorial team, senior travel regulations editors. This page was last edited on 9 September 2026.
Disclaimer: This is an independent travel information article, not the official ETA-IL application website. The only application route is the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Always confirm current rules with PIBA and the UK Foreign Office before booking travel.
Related guides: eTA for UK Citizens – Overview | Common ETA-IL application mistakes | Israel entry requirements checklist
