Beginning January 1, 2025 all tourists and business travelers coming to Israel from visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain advance travel authorization from a newly-established “ETA-IL” platform. The countries exempt from entry visas to Israel include the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, the UAE, and all European countries. The full list of visa-exempt countries can be accessed here.
This requirement is a significant change in Israeli entry policy, as it will no longer be possible for to simply board an airplane for Israel and present one’s passport upon arrival at Israeli passport control.
ETA-IL must be made at least 72 hours prior to travel. There is an application fee of NIS 25 (about $7), payable by credit card. If approved, travel authorization remains valid for two years, or until the passport expires, the earlier of the two. Each person traveling to Israel, regardless of age, needs to submit a separate ETA-IL application.
ETA-IL authorization does not guarantee entry to Israel. Border control officers at the port of entry make the final determination of admissibility to the country, and may deny entry if the traveler is found to have made false statements on the ETA-IL application or is otherwise inadmissible to Israel.
Applicants for ETA-IL authorization must provide their passport details, travel information, personal information and information about prior visits to Israel. Applicants will be notified by email regarding the approval or denial of the ETA-IL request. If denied, applicants will be required to request an entry visa to Israel at their local Israeli Embassy or Consulate.
Tourists and business travelers coming under ETA-IL authorization may visit Israel for up to 90 days each trip. Note: The ETA-IL registration requirement also applies to foreign experts from visa-exempt countries, coming to Israel for work assignments of up to 90 days under the expedited application procedure.
The ETA-IL platform can be accessed here.
The content in this communication is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be comprehensive. It does not serve to replace professional legal advice required on a case by case basis.
