Published: 15 March 2025 | Updated: 9 September 2026 | Written by the editorial team, independent travel regulations analysts.
The Israel eTA vs UK ETA comparison reveals distinct fees, validity periods, and entry rules for visa-exempt travellers. Israel’s ETA-IL costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD), the UK ETA is £10, and Canada’s eTA is 7 CAD (~$5 USD). Israel and UK ETAs are valid for 2 years, Canada eTA for 5 years, all expire with passport renewal. Transport modes differ: Israel and UK cover air, land, sea; Canada eTA is air-only.
Israel eTA vs UK ETA vs Canada eTA: Full Comparison
Costs and stays: Israel 25 ILS / 90 days, UK £10 / 6 months, Canada 7 CAD / 6 months. Canada’s 5-year validity outlasts the 2-year validity of the Israel ETA-IL and the UK ETA.
| Feature | Israel ETA-IL | UK ETA | Canada eTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | 25 ILS (~$7 USD) | £10 | 7 CAD (~$5 USD) |
| Validity | 2 years or passport expiry | 2 years or passport expiry | 5 years or passport expiry |
| Max stay per visit | 90 days | 6 months | 6 months |
| Processing time | Within 72 hours | Up to 3 working days | Usually within minutes |
| Transport mode | Air, land, and sea | Air, land, and sea | Air only |
| Mandatory from | 1 January 2025 | Rolling rollout (EU: 5 March 2025) | 2016 |
Canada eTA: air only; Israel and UK: all borders. All allow multiple entries and expire with passport. The Israel ETA-IL has been mandatory since 1 January 2025; the Canada eTA since 2016.
Application Process and Costs Explained
The Israel eTA vs UK ETA comparison extends to application methods: Israel via gov.il, UK via biometric app, Canada via IRCC (often instant). According to UK Home Office guidance (last updated 9 April 2026), UK ETA processing takes up to 3 working days.
- Israel ETA-IL: Apply online via the gov.il website. Processing takes up to 72 hours; fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Verify the URL ends with “gov.il” to avoid phishing. For assistance, contact the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) at 42 Agripas st. Jerusalem Israel, email [email protected], phone +972-2-535-9740 (24/7).
- UK ETA: Submit through the UK ETA app, which requires a mandatory biometric photo. Processing takes up to 3 working days; non-refundable fee is £10. Confirm the URL ends with “gov.uk”. The UK is also replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas via the UK Visas and Immigration account.
- Canada eTA: Apply via the IRCC website. Approval typically arrives within minutes; fee is 7 CAD (~$5 USD).
Sherpa charges $28 (surcharge). Apply via gov.il/gov.uk to avoid markups. While approvals can arrive sooner, apply at least 72 hours before travel per government guidance.
Nationality Rules, Validity, and Transport Differences
- Israel ETA-IL: Holders of an Israeli identity number are exempt. Passport must be valid for at least 90 days from arrival. At Ben Gurion Airport, travellers receive an entry card instead of a passport stamp, retained until departure.
- UK ETA: Eligibility is determined by the nationality shown on the passport. Travellers whose nationality is not on the eligible nationalities list cannot obtain a UK ETA and must check whether a visa is required.
- Canada eTA: Dual Canadian citizens cannot apply for an eTA and must travel on a valid Canadian passport. The Canada eTA applies to air travel only, while the Israel ETA-IL and UK ETA cover air, land, and sea border crossings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do British citizens need an eTA for Israel?
Yes. Mandatory since 1 Jan 2025. Apply via gov.il, fee 25 ILS (~$7).
How much does an Israel eTA cost compared to the UK ETA?
The government fee for the Israel ETA-IL is 25 ILS (~$7 USD); the UK ETA costs £10. Third-party agents like Sherpa charge $28 for the Israel eTA, a service surcharge. Verify URLs end with gov.il or gov.uk.
What is the processing time for Israel eTA vs UK ETA?
Israel ETA-IL: up to 72 hours. UK ETA: up to 3 working days. Canada eTA: usually within minutes, making it the fastest of the three.
Can I use my eTA for business or short-term study?
All three allow tourism, business, and short-term study. They do not permit work or residence. Check nationality-specific restrictions.
What happens if my eTA application is refused?
There is no administrative appeal for any of the three systems. You must apply for a full consular visa instead.
Can I extend my stay beyond the eTA limit?
In Israel, contact the embassy. In the UK, you can apply to extend in some cases. For Canada, apply via IRCC before your status expires. Max stay: 90 days (Israel), 6 months (UK and Canada).
Do children and infants need a separate eTA?
Yes. All passengers, including infants and children, require their own individual eTA for the UK ETA, Israel ETA-IL, and Canada eTA. Each must have a valid passport and pay the respective fee.
Is the Canada eTA required for land crossings from the US?
No. The Canada eTA is air-only. Driving from the US does not require it. The Israel ETA-IL and UK ETA cover air, land, and sea.
Are transit passengers exempt from these authorisations?
UK ETA: transit passengers not passing through UK border control are exempt. Israel: no separate transit eTA required for airside transit. Canada eTA: required for all air transit, even if transiting without entering Canada.
What does Israel issue instead of a passport stamp?
At Ben Gurion Airport, Israel issues an entry card instead of a passport stamp. You must keep it with your passport until departure as evidence of legal entry. At other border points, you may receive an entry card or a passport stamp.
This is an independent informational portal for travellers and is not affiliated with any government agency. All fees and rules are based on government sources (gov.il, gov.uk, IRCC) as of September 2026.
