Frequently Asked Questions

The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) is a mandatory electronic entry permit required since January 1, 2025, for citizens of more than 100 visa-exempt countries. It must be obtained online before traveling to Israel.

The ETA-IL authorization means you have been pre-screened and approved to travel to Israel. However, it does not guarantee entry — final admission is determined by a border control officer at your point of arrival.

Citizens of more than 100 visa-exempt countries who previously could enter Israel without prior authorization now need an ETA-IL. This includes citizens of most EU member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

Citizens of more than 100 visa-exempt countries are eligible for the ETA-IL. You can check your eligibility on our eligibility page or use the eligibility checker on our homepage. If your country is not on the list, you may need to apply for a standard visa at an Israeli embassy.

Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own ETA-IL. Children and infants need a separate application with their own passport. A parent or legal guardian can submit the application on their behalf.

No. Israeli citizens are not required to apply for an ETA-IL. The system is designed exclusively for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries.

If one of your citizenships is Israeli, you do not need an ETA-IL. If you hold passports from two non-Israeli countries, apply with the passport you intend to use when entering Israel.

PIBA exempts Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identity number, foreign passport holders who also hold Israeli citizenship, and travellers with a valid Israeli visa (A/1 to A/5, B/1, B/3 or B/4). Crew members listed on the crew APIS, US military personnel holding a CAC card, seafarers with a seaman's book, and diplomats or passengers travelling on official and service passports are also exempt.

You will need to provide personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport information (number, issue and expiry dates), contact information, travel details, and a valid email address where your ETA-IL will be delivered.

The official government fee is 25 ILS (approximately $7 USD). This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online via Visa, Mastercard or American Express at the time of application.

Yes. You can submit an ETA-IL application on behalf of family members or travel companions. Each person needs their own application with their individual passport details.

Yes, you can submit multiple ETA-IL applications in a single session. However, each person requires their own individual application with their personal details and passport information.

If you discover an error after submitting your application, you should submit a new application with the correct information. The original application fee is non-refundable. It is crucial to double-check all details before submission.

We recommend applying at least one week before your planned travel date. While most applications are processed within 72 hours, some may require additional review time.

The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, you may enter Israel multiple times, with each stay limited to 90 days.

Yes. The ETA-IL permits multiple entries into Israel during its 2-year validity period. Each visit must not exceed 90 days. There is no limit on the number of entries as long as the ETA-IL remains valid.

The ETA-IL allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension through the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) in Israel before your 90 days expire. Overstaying is a serious violation.

If you pass through Israeli border control — which is the case for most connections at Ben Gurion Airport — you need an ETA-IL. Passengers who remain airside in a dedicated transit area without clearing immigration are generally not required to hold one. As the arrangement depends on your route and airline, confirm with your carrier before departure and apply if there is any doubt.

Yes. The ETA-IL is a travel authorization, not a guarantee of entry. Border control officers at Israeli entry points have the final authority to grant or deny entry based on their assessment.

Most ETA-IL applications are processed within 72 hours. However, some applications may take longer if additional review is required. We recommend applying at least one week before your planned travel date.

If your ETA-IL is denied, you will receive a notification by email and the 25 ILS fee is not refunded. PIBA explicitly asks applicants not to submit further ETA-IL applications, as this will not change the outcome — contact the ETA-IL help center (eta@piba.gov.il) instead, or apply for a visa at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate. Common reasons for denial include security concerns, incomplete information, or previous immigration violations.

No. The official government fee of 25 ILS is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. This policy is set by the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA).

PIBA requires a new ETA-IL if you obtain a new passport or change your name, gender or country of citizenship. You also need a new one once your previous ETA-IL has expired. A denial is not a reason to reapply — contact the ETA-IL help center instead.