Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the ETA-IL for Israel.
General
The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) is a mandatory electronic entry permit required since January 1, 2025, for citizens of approximately 96 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 approximately 96 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.
Eligibility
Citizens of approximately 96 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.
Application
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 or Mastercard 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.
Entry & Stay
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.
Yes. Even if you are only transiting through an Israeli airport and not leaving the terminal, you are still required to have a valid ETA-IL. Make sure to apply before your journey.
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.
Fees & Denial
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. The 25 ILS fee is non-refundable. You may apply for a standard 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).
You should submit a new ETA-IL application if your passport has been renewed or replaced, if your previous ETA-IL has expired, if your personal details have changed significantly, or if a previous application was denied and you have resolved the issue.