Israel Launches Electronic Travel Authorization ETA-IL System
Israel’s new ETA-IL system launches 1 June 2024, modernising visa-free entry with an online pre-screening process for 100 visa-exempt nationalities entering from 1 July 2024.
Israel officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorization system, known as ETA-IL, on 1 June 2024, designed to modernise and secure entry procedures for visa-exempt travellers, aligning with similar systems in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
How the ETA-IL works
The ETA-IL pre-examines travel requests from tourists who are citizens of visa-exempt countries. During the pilot phase from 1 June to 30 June 2024, only citizens of the United States and Germany may voluntarily apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization free of charge.
From 1 July 2024, the system will open to all citizens of countries benefiting from Israel’s visa-entry exemption, including EU nationals, who must complete an online travel-authorisation application prior to travel.
The ETA-IL application comprises several key steps:
Online registration: Applicants create a government portal account (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and fill out an online form with personal and travel details.
Fee payment: ETA-IL costs 25 NIS (NIS 7). During the pilot period the system is free for U.S. and German citizens.
Review and approval: Israeli authorities screen the information and either approve or reject the application, usually within minutes but up to 72 hours.
Receipt of ETA-IL: Approved applicants receive the ETA-IL electronically, typically by e-mail.
Presentation on arrival: Travellers must show the approved ETA-IL to immigration officers along with a valid passport.
Which countries need an ETA-IL?
Israel currently grants visa-free short-stay access to citizens of 100 countries. From 1 July 2024, travellers from the following countries will need an ETA-IL for entry: South Africa, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominica, United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Spain, Estonia, Eswatini, United States, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Solomon Islands, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo, Lesotho, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, North Macedonia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Norway, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Central African Republic, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, San Marino, St Vincent and the Grenadines, El Salvador, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu.
ETA-IL validity and conditions
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Cost | 25 NIS (NIS 7) |
Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expiry |
Duration of stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
Processing time | A few minutes up to 72 hours |
Eligible countries | 100 visa-exempt countries |
Pilot phase | 1 June–30 June 2024 (United States and Germany) |
Full roll-out | 1 July 2024 |
The ETA-IL is generally valid for multiple trips within a 2-year period from the approval date or until the passport expires. Holders may stay for up to 90 days on each visit. Those requiring a longer stay must request an extension from the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). Short-term study programmes (under 90 days) are covered; longer academic courses need a student visa.
In April 2024, the Ministry of Tourism launched a global promotional campaign showcasing Israel’s historic sites, cultural heritage, and technological innovation, aiming to increase inbound tourism by 10 % by the end of 2024.
May 2024 saw Israel sign a tourism-cooperation agreement with the European Union to exchange best practices and jointly promote destinations, including initiatives for accessibility and sustainable tourism.
In June 2024, the government announced streamlined visa procedures for business travellers, speeding processing times and easing documentary requirements to attract more professionals and investors.
Spécialiste de la veille réglementaire et experte en contenus destinations, elle analyse quotidiennement l’évolution des formalités d’entrée pour traduire la complexité administrative en guides pratiques. Son rôle combine expertise terrain et précision technique afin de garantir la fiabilité des informations délivrées aux voyageurs.
