UK citizens need an approved Israel eTA (ETA-IL) before travel, available online via the PIBA portal for 25 NIS. Applications typically process within 24 to 72 hours, and status can be checked using a reference number. For eTA Israel support UK, applicants can email [email protected] or call +972-2-535-9740 (Sunday to Thursday, Israel time UTC+3).
Since 1 January 2025, holding a valid ETA-IL is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt passport holders, including UK citizens. The Israel eTA remains valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires, permitting multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Do UK Residents Need an Israel eTA in 2026?
Yes. The Israel eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation to Israel) has been mandatory for visa-exempt passport holders, including UK citizens, since 1 January 2025. UK passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days but must hold a valid Israel eTA before departure. Your passport must remain valid for at least 90 days after your date of arrival in Israel. The Israel eTA is valid for up to 2 years from approval (or until passport expiry, whichever comes first), allowing multiple entries.
Non-British UK residents need an Israel eTA if they hold a passport from a visa-exempt country. Eligibility depends on passport nationality, not UK residency status. Use the check eligibility tool on the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il to confirm qualification. Holders of an Israeli identity number are exempt.
How to Apply for the Israel eTA From the UK
UK residents apply for the Israel eTA online via the PIBA portal for 25 NIS (approximately £5 to £6) at least 72 hours before travel.
Go to the PIBA portal
Navigate to israel-entry.piba.gov.il and select “Apply”.
Enter passport and travel data
Provide your passport number, email address, and travel details. Your passport must remain valid for at least 90 days after your date of arrival in Israel.
Upload your passport photo
Upload a passport photo meeting PIBA’s requirements for dimensions, background, and file size.
Pay the 25 NIS fee
Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Check with your UK bank for foreign transaction fees on NIS-denominated payments.
Submit and receive confirmation
Review before submitting; no corrections after. A confirmation email arrives from the piba.gov.il domain.
The Israel eTA is valid for up to 2 years from approval (or until passport expiry, whichever comes first), allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit with multiple entries.
How to Check Your Israel eTA Status and Get Help From the UK
The Israel eTA support portal lets UK residents check application status by entering their reference number and passport number at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Results show Approved (ready to travel), Pending (normal within 72 hours), or Rejected. If Pending exceeds 72 hours, email [email protected] with “Urgent: Application pending” in the subject line, including your reference number, passport number, travel date, and departure airport.
Lost your reference number? Check your confirmation email from piba.gov.il, or use your passport number and date of birth on the portal. The Israel eTA support team responds to email inquiries in English only.
| Channel | Contact | Hours | UK Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIBA Email | [email protected] | Working days | No restriction | Non-urgent queries, escalation |
| PIBA Phone | +972-2-535-9740 | Sun-Thu (Israel, UTC+3) | Sun-Thu, ~07:00-16:00 GMT | Urgent status queries |
| Embassy London | +44 20 7957 9500 | Mon-Fri, UK hours | Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00 GMT | Visa alternatives, consular guidance |
| PIBA Office | 42 Agripas St., Jerusalem, Israel | Sun-Thu (Israel) | Sun-Thu, ~07:00-16:00 GMT | In-person help (Israel only) |
What to Do if Your Israel eTA Is Refused
Refused Israel eTA applicants can apply for a B/2 tourist visa through the Israeli Embassy in London. The Israel eTA support framework does not include a formal appeal process. Common refusal reasons include a passport reported lost or stolen, security screening flags, or a previous overstay in Israel.
The B/2 tourist visa requires an in-person appointment at the Embassy and typically takes approximately 2 weeks to process. B/2 visa documents: valid passport, passport photos, proof of accommodation, return flight booking, and bank statement. The Embassy of Israel in London is located at 15 Old Ct Pl, London W8, UK, phone +44 20 7957 9500, email [email protected].
Israel eTA vs UK ETA – Which Do UK Residents Need?
UK residents travelling to Israel need the Israel eTA (ETA-IL, 25 NIS, 90-day stay). The separate UK ETA applies only to non-British, non-Irish passport holders entering the UK. A UK citizen flying to Tel Aviv needs the Israel eTA; an Israeli citizen flying to London needs the UK ETA. Dual nationals should use the passport they are travelling on, as the authorization is tied to that specific passport.
| Feature | Israel eTA (ETA-IL) | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Travelling to | Israel | United Kingdom |
| Who needs it | UK passport holders (visa-exempt) | Non-British, non-Irish passport holders |
| Fee | 25 NIS | £10 |
| Validity | Up to 2 years (or passport expiry) | 2 years |
| Max stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Up to 6 months |
| Processing time | Typically 24 to 72 hours | Up to 3 working days |
| Apply at | israel-entry.piba.gov.il | gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta |
Tips to Avoid Israel eTA Application Problems + FAQ
Israel eTA applicants should whitelist the piba.gov.il domain in email to ensure confirmation delivery. The Israel eTA is electronically linked to your passport number; if you renew your passport, you must reapply. Pay with Visa or Mastercard denominated in NIS and check for foreign transaction fees from your UK bank. Double-check your passport number, date of birth, and email address before final submission, as corrections after submission require a new application form.
How long does it take to get an Israel eTA from the UK?
Typically 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Can I pay for the Israel eTA with a UK debit or credit card?
Yes; Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The fee is 25 NIS (~£5 to £6); check with your UK bank for foreign transaction fees.
What if I haven’t received my Israel eTA confirmation email?
Check your spam, promotions, and social tabs. Whitelist the piba.gov.il domain. If still missing after 24 hours, contact [email protected] with your passport details.
Do I need to reapply for an Israel eTA if I get a new passport?
Yes. The Israel eTA is electronically linked to your passport number. Reapplication is also required if you change your first or last name, gender, or country of citizenship.
Can I correct a mistake after submitting my Israel eTA application?
Before submission, corrections are permitted during the final review step. After submission, the form cannot be corrected; you must submit a new application.
What happens if my Israel eTA has been pending for over 72 hours?
Email [email protected] with “Urgent” in the subject line. Provide your reference number, passport number, travel date, and departure airport.
Can I apply for an Israel eTA in person at the Embassy in London?
No. The Israel eTA is online-only via the PIBA portal. The Embassy handles only B/2 tourist visa applications after eTA refusal.
Do non-British UK residents need an Israel eTA?
Yes, if they hold a passport from a visa-exempt country. Eligibility is based on passport nationality, not UK residency. Check the PIBA eligibility tool.
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. This guide reflects the ETA-IL rules in force since 1 January 2025. This is an independent informational website not affiliated with the Israeli government, PIBA, or the Embassy of Israel. The ETA-IL application is available only at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Fees and processing times may change without notice.
