Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. This guide was prepared by a UK-based travel writer who completed a test ETA-IL application on the PIBA portal in June 2026. Fee and processing details reflect the PIBA website as of that date.
To apply for an eTA Israel from the UK in 2026, visit the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, complete the five-step online form, and pay 25 ILS (~£5.50). Processing takes up to 72 hours, so apply at least 72 hours before departure. The form has a strict 30-minute timeout with no save feature, so gather all documents before starting.
The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization), mandatory for British citizens visiting Israel since 1 January 2025, is an online pre-travel clearance managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). It is not a visa. UK passport holders must obtain it before boarding their flight. The system was piloted on 1 June 2024 for US and German passport holders before expanding to all visa-exempt nationalities.
Who Needs an ETA-IL?
UK citizens on the visa-exempt list qualify for the ETA-IL. Each traveller, including infants, requires a separate application. A guardian submits on behalf of minors. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days from your planned entry date into Israel.
Eligibility and Exemptions
Holders of an Israeli identity number are exempt, regardless of any other citizenship. All other dual nationals must apply using the passport they intend to travel with. The ETA-IL functions similarly to the US ESTA system: it authorises travel to the border but does not guarantee entry.
ETA-IL vs eVisa-B2: Which One Do You Need?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (100+ countries, including the UK) use the ETA-IL. Nationals of countries requiring a visa must apply for an eVisa-B2 or a traditional embassy visa. A pilot eVisa-B2 programme for Sri Lankan passport holders residing in India or Sri Lanka was announced on 25 June 2025.
What You Need Before You Start the Application
Have a valid passport, travel details, accommodation address, email address, and payment card ready before opening the form. Preparing everything in advance is critical because of the 30-minute session limit.
Pre-Application Checklist
- Valid email address for verification
- Passport details: number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
- Travel information: arrival date, flight number, port of entry, accommodation address in Israel
- Personal information: full name, date of birth, UK address, phone number
- Payment card for the 25 ILS fee
Use Chrome or Edge on a desktop device to avoid session timeout risks during the application.
How Much Does the ETA-IL Cost?
The ETA-IL fee is 25 ILS (~£5.50 or $7 USD equivalent). The transaction is charged in ILS with automatic GBP conversion at checkout and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Exchange rate as of September 2026; the actual GBP amount may vary by 1-2% depending on your card issuer.
Accepted Payment Methods
| Card Type | Status |
|---|---|
| American Express | Confirmed |
| Visa / Mastercard | Verify at checkout on the PIBA portal (gov.il) |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Not confirmed |
Step-by-Step ETA-IL Application Walkthrough
Verify Your Email
Click “Get started” on the portal and verify your email via activation link or OTP code.
Enter Travel Information
Arrival date, flight number, port of entry, accommodation address, and purpose of visit.
Enter Passport Details
Passport number, issue and expiry dates, issuing country – name must match character-for-character.
Personal Details and Security Questions
Date of birth, gender, UK address, phone number, and security declarations.
Review, Pay, and Submit
Check every field, pay the 25 ILS fee, and submit – no edits possible after submission.
All steps must be completed within a 30-minute session on the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
Step 1: Verify Your Email
Click “Get started” on the portal, enter your email address, and verify it via the activation link or OTP code sent to your inbox. Check your SPAM folder if the email does not arrive within five minutes. The session timer starts the moment you click “Get started”, so have all documents ready before opening the form.
Step 2: Enter Travel Information
Provide your arrival date, flight number or transport method, port of entry (e.g., Ben Gurion Airport), accommodation address in Israel, and purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, medical treatment, or short-term study).
Step 3: Enter Passport Details
Enter your passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and issuing country. Your full name must match the passport character-for-character, including diacritics and middle names. A name mismatch may delay or result in refusal of your ETA-IL.
Step 4: Personal Details and Security Questions
Add your date of birth, gender, UK address, and phone number. Answer security questions covering prior entry refusals, criminal record, and declarations regarding boycotts of Israel. Exact question text may vary.
Step 5: Review, Pay, and Submit
Review every field. This is your last chance to correct errors before clicking “Submit.” Pay the 25 ILS fee by card. After submission, no field can be edited; mistakes require a new application and a new payment.
Warning: The 30-Minute Session Limit
The PIBA portal enforces a hard 30-minute timer from session start. There is no save-and-return feature. If the timer expires, all entered data is deleted and you must restart from Step 1. Prepare all information before opening the form, and use a desktop with a stable internet connection.
After You Submit: Processing and Approval
Approval is delivered via email within up to 72 hours of submission. The authorisation is linked directly to your passport; no physical document is issued. Apply at least 72 hours before departure, ideally 2-3 weeks in advance to allow time for reapplication if the form is refused. You can submit your application any time prior to travel.
How You Receive Your Approved ETA-IL
PIBA notifies applicants by email only. The message contains the approval status, reference number, and validity dates. Keep a copy of the approval email throughout your stay. The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries with stays up to 90 days per visit.
Lost Your Approval Email?
Use the “Resend ETA-IL approval via email” feature on the PIBA portal to re-send the document to your original address. For persistent issues, contact PIBA at [email protected] or call +972-2-535-9740 (English only, available 24/7). Within Israel, the Government Central Support Center is reachable at 1299.
Can I Correct Mistakes After Submitting?
No edits after “Submit.” Any error requires a new application and another 25 ILS payment. Check every field character-for-character against your passport during Step 5 before confirming.
Reapplication is also required if you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, or change your country of citizenship.
Applying for a Family or Group
Each traveller, including children and infants, needs a separate ETA-IL application. No family form exists. The PIBA portal offers a “Manage group payment” option to process multiple submissions in one transaction. Each traveller needs a unique email address for Step 1 verification. For two adults and two children: four separate forms, one group payment.
Arriving in Israel: What to Expect
At Ben Gurion Airport, approved ETA-IL holders access automated e-gates via a kiosk permit. The border control officer makes the final entry decision; the ETA-IL authorises travel to Israel but does not guarantee entry. An entry card is issued instead of a passport stamp and must be kept until departure.
Applying from the UK: Travel Advisory and Embassy Contact
Check current FCDO travel advice at gov.uk; the Israeli Embassy in London handles entry-requirement enquiries. The ETA-IL requirement remains mandatory regardless of travel advisories. Note: Israel introduced a reciprocal UK ETA for Israeli travellers visiting the UK on 8 January 2025.
FCDO Travel Advisory
The FCDO currently advises against all travel to parts of Israel and against all but essential travel to other parts. This advisory does not exempt British travellers from the ETA-IL requirement. If you decide to travel, you must hold a valid ETA-IL before boarding.
Israeli Embassy in London: Contact Details
15 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL, UKPhone: +44 20 7957 9500. Email: [email protected]. The Embassy handles entry-requirement clarifications; direct ETA-IL application issues to PIBA at [email protected].
FAQ
Does my child need a separate ETA-IL?
Yes. Every traveller including infants requires a separate ETA-IL. A parent or guardian must submit on behalf of minors.
Can I apply if I have dual citizenship?
Holders of an Israeli identity number are exempt regardless of other citizenship. All other dual nationals must apply using the passport they intend to travel with.
I made a typo after submitting. Can I fix it?
No. Any mistake requires a new application and another 25 ILS payment. Review all data during Step 5 before submitting.
Can I check my ETA-IL application status online?
PIBA sends updates by email only. If you lose the approval email, use the “Resend ETA-IL approval via email” feature on the PIBA portal.
What happens if my ETA-IL is refused?
Contact PIBA at [email protected] or +972-2-535-9740 (include your reference number). You may submit a new application with corrected data; the 25 ILS fee applies again and is non-refundable.
Does the ETA-IL cover travel to Palestine?
No. The ETA-IL authorises entry to Israel only. Entering Palestinian Authority territories requires separate Israeli authorisation at certain crossings.
How far in advance should I apply?
Minimum 72 hours before departure; ideally 2-3 weeks to allow for reapplication if refused.
Does the ETA-IL guarantee entry to Israel?
No. The border control officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.
Do I still need an ETA-IL if the FCDO advises against travel?
Yes. FCDO advice is independent of Israeli entry requirements. If you travel, you must hold a valid ETA-IL.
What currency is the fee charged in?
25 ILS (~£5.50, September 2026), charged in shekels. Non-refundable. GBP conversion is automatic at your card provider’s rate.
When do I need to reapply for an ETA-IL?
You must submit a new application if you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, or change your country of citizenship. The ETA-IL is valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
