Official launch of electronic travel authorization in Israel

Israel has officially launched its electronic travel authorization system, known as ETA-ILthis June 1, 2024. This initiative aims to modernize and secure entry procedures for visa-exempt travelers, in line with similar practices adopted by countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia.

How ETA-IL works

The ETA-IL system has been designed to pre-screen travel applications to Israel for tourists who are citizens of visa-exempt countries. During the pilot phase, which runs from June 1 to June 30, 2024, only citizens of the United States and Germany can apply for electronic travel authorization on a voluntary basis and free of charge.

From July 1, 2024, the system will be open to visitors from all countries benefiting from a visa waiver for entry into Israel, including European citizens, who will be required to complete an online travel authorization application prior to their trip.The ETA-IL application process takes place in several stages:

1. Online registration Applicants must create an account on the dedicated government portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and fill in an online form with their personal information and travel details.
2. Payment of fees ETA-IL fees are 25 NIS (7 €). During the pilot period, use of the system is free of charge for American and German citizens.
3. Verification and approval The Israeli authorities check the information provided and approve or reject the request. The response is usually sent within a few minutes, but can take up to 72 hours.
4. Reception of ETA-IL In the event of approval, the applicant receives his ETA-IL electronically, usually by e-mail.
5. Arrival presentation On arrival in Israel, travelers must present their ETA-IL to immigration officials, along with a valid passport.

Starting from June 1st, 2024 the ETA-IL system will open for application submissions as a pilot program only for holders of American and German passports. During the pilot phase, submitting an application will be voluntary and exempt from fees. The system will open to other... pic.twitter.com/oaLouu8mou

- Anabelle Taub-Lima 🎗️ (@TaubLima) May 30, 2024

Countries requiring ETA-IL

Israel currently grants short-stay visa exemption to citizens of 100 countries. From July 1, 2024, citizens of the following countries will need an ETA-IL authorization to travel to Israel: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Belarus, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo, Lesotho, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Northern Macedonia, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates, United States, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Central African Republic, Dominican Republic, Republic, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, El Salvador, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu..

Validity and conditions of ETA-IL

The ETA-IL is generally valid for multiple trips for a period of 2 years from the date of approval or until the passport expires.. Travelers holding an ETA-IL may stay in Israel for up to 90 days per visit. If a longer stay is desired, an extension of stay must be requested from Civil Status and Immigration Authority (PIBA). For short-stay study programs (less than 90 days), an ETA-IL is sufficient, but for longer studies, a student visa is required.

April 2024, the Ministry of Tourism has launched a tourism promotion campaign to attract more visitors, highlighting the country's historical and cultural sites as well as its technological innovations. This campaign aims to increase the number of tourists by 10 % by the end of 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C68JMolp08Y/

May 2024, Israel signs tourism cooperation agreement with the European UnionThis agreement facilitates the exchange of best practices and the joint promotion of tourist destinations. The agreement includes initiatives to improve the accessibility of tourist sites for people with reduced mobility and to promote sustainable tourism.

Finally, in June 2024, the Israeli government announced the simplified visa application procedures for business travelersThis will enable faster processing times and reduced documentation requirements. This measure aims to attract more foreign professionals and investors, thus strengthening the Israeli economy.

• Israel

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