What are the specific purposes of stay that can be covered by ETA-IL?

The ETA-IL for Israel is intended for tourist stays, family visits and business trips (excluding work) of up to 90 days per visit.

If my passport expires in less than two years, what is the validity of my ETA-IL?

Your ETA-IL authorization will be valid for up to 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

What happens if my ETA-IL expires while I'm in Israel?

If your ETA-IL expires during your stay in Israel, this will not affect your departure.

Do I need a visa if I am a citizen of one of the countries eligible for ETA-IL?

Citizens of the 99 countries and territories listed will be exempt from visa requirements for stays of less than 3 months, and will be required to apply online for an ETA-IL prior to travel from January 1, 2025.

Is there another electronic visa system for Israel?

Yes, there is an eVisa-B2 which is an online visa application system for nationals of countries that require a visa to enter Israel for tourism, family visits or short business trips. A pilot program is underway for Indian and Sri Lankan passport holders residing in these countries since February 1, 2025.

Can the Israeli authorities refuse my entry into Israel even if I have an approved ETA-IL?

Yes, obtaining an ETA-IL does not constitute a right of entry into Israel, which is granted or refused on arrival by the immigration officer. Moreover, if your passport indicates that you have visited a country at war or in conflict with Israel, the authorities may investigate and refuse you entry.

Where can I find the list of countries that require a visa for Israel?

You can find the list of countries requiring a visa here. on the Israel Population and Immigration Authority website.

If I want to stay in Israel for more than 90 days with an ETA-IL, what do I have to do?

For stays longer than 90 days, an extension of stay must be requested from the Civil Status and Immigration Authority (PIBA).

What information do I need to provide about my parents on the ETA-IL application form?

The ETA-IL application form will ask you for the surname and first name(s) of your father and mother.

Israel: Travel authorization

ETA-IL: the travel authorisation that changed Israel's entry rules

Since 2025

The ETA-IL has been mandatory since 1 January 2025 for all nationals of visa-exempt countries, regardless of the option chosen.

100% online

Every step to enter Israel (ETA-IL or eVisa) is completed online — no visit to a consulate is required.

Passport 3 months

The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned entry date, a requirement common to all travellers.

Official ETA-IL Israel banner — The ETA-IL has been mandatory for all nationals of visa-exempt countries since 1 January 2025.

The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization Israel) is the electronic authorisation system put in place by the Israeli government for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Its entry into force on 1 January 2025 fundamentally changed the steps to be taken before any trip to Israel.

This is not a visa. Nationals of the countries concerned — including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada — were until then exempt from any administrative formality for short stays. From now on, a prior online step is mandatory, even if you are exempt from a visa.

The ETA-IL is obtained online, via the official portal of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), or through an authorised service provider. The process is entirely paperless and does not require a visit to a consulate.

Validity

2 years from the approval date, or until the passport expires (whichever comes first).

Length of stay

90 days maximum per visit, with multiple entries throughout the entire validity period of the authorisation.

Processing time

Allow at least 72 hours between submitting the application and departure — no expedited procedure exists.

Official fees

25 shekels (approximately 8 €) in official fees, plus any service charges if you use an authorised intermediary.

ETA-IL ≠ guaranteed entry right

Obtaining an approved ETA-IL does not constitute a guaranteed right of entry into Israel. The final decision rests with the immigration officer at the border at the time of your arrival. If your passport contains stamps from countries at war or in conflict with Israel, the authorities are entitled to question you and, if applicable, to deny you entry.

Who must apply for the ETA-IL — and who is exempt?

The ETA-IL concerns all nationals of countries and territories whose citizens are exempt from a visa for Israel. The list, established and maintained by the Israeli government, includes 99 countries and territories. Among French-speaking countries, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and Luxembourg are notably included.

Since 1 January 2025, belonging to a visa-exempt country is no longer sufficient: the ETA-IL is a prerequisite for boarding a flight to Israel. Airlines are responsible for verifying that passengers hold one before boarding.

Good to know

Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identification number (mispar zehut) are exempt from the ETA-IL: their national travel document or identity card is sufficient to enter Israel. Likewise, holders of a valid Israeli visa do not need to apply for one.

Furthermore, if you are merely transiting through an Israeli airport without crossing the border, check with your airline regarding specific requirements.

Nationals of countries that are not exempt from a visa for Israel follow a different procedure: they must submit a traditional visa application. An eVisa-B2 programme — an electronic visa for tourism, family visits or short business trips — has been in pilot deployment for certain nationalities since February 2025, notably for holders of Indian and Sri Lankan passports residing in their country of origin. This programme, distinct from the ETA-IL, is aimed at nationals subject to a visa requirement, not at those who are exempt.

How to apply for the ETA-IL, step by step

Example of an ETA-IL Israel confirmation — Example of a confirmation document after ETA-IL approval.

The application is made entirely online. The official portal is in English — the Israeli website is not available in French — but the form remains relatively simple and guided. Each field is accompanied by clear instructions, and you can review your answers before submitting.

Please note: once the application has been submitted, it is impossible to amend the information entered. If there is an error, you will need to submit a brand new application (and pay the fees again). Take the time to check every field before confirming.

Payment is made by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard or equivalent). No free or expedited procedure exists: the indicative processing time is 72 hours from the date of payment.

1
Gather your documents
Prepare a scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 3 months from the planned entry date) and the information listed below.
2
Access the official portal
Go to the website of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) or use an authorised intermediary. The form is in English.
3
Complete the questionnaire
Fill in all sections: identity, contact details, employment status, previous travels, parents' full names, and the purpose of your visit.
4
Check carefully before submitting
This is your last opportunity to correct an error. After submission, no amendment is possible: a new application would be required.
5
Pay the official fees
Pay by credit or debit card. The official fee is 25 shekels (approximately 8 €). Service charges may be added depending on the channel used.
6
Wait for confirmation
Allow at least 72 hours. Once the ETA-IL is approved, you will receive an electronic confirmation. Keep it carefully for boarding.

Practical tip

The Israeli official website and form are only available in English. If you are not comfortable with English or would like assistance checking your documents before submission, an authorised intermediary can handle the process for you. Note that the website specifies that uploaded documents must be perfectly legible and resized to specific formats — a common source of rejection to anticipate.

The information and documents needed for your ETA-IL application

Before starting the form, make sure you have all the following information to hand. Not having it available during data entry may force you to restart the procedure from the beginning.

List of items to prepare

Valid passportScanned copy, legible, valid for at least 3 months from the planned entry date into Israel.
Identity and personal contact detailsOther nationality (if applicable), marital status, full personal address, phone number.
Employment statusStatus (employed, self-employed, unemployed, student…). If employed: name and contact details of the company.
Parents' full namesYour father's and mother's first and last names are systematically requested in the form.
Travel historyIf you have previously visited Israel, indicate the year of your last visit.
Previous Israeli applicationsIndicate whether you have previously applied for an Israeli visa, a prior ETA-IL or any other permit for Israel.
Purpose of visitTourism, family visit, business trip (excluding paid work), studies, NGO, etc.
Credit or debit cardFor payment of official fees (25 shekels, approximately 8 €). Visa or Mastercard accepted.

Required passport validity: At least 3 months after the planned entry date
Official fees: 25 shekels (≈ 8 €)
Payment method: Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
Indicative processing time: Minimum 72 hours after submission
Form language: English only
Amendment after submission: Impossible — new application required

Duration, renewal and special cases to be aware of

The ETA-IL is a multiple-entry authorisation: it allows you to travel to Israel as many times as you wish during its validity period, within the limit of 90 days per visit. It is therefore not necessary to submit a new application for each trip, as long as the authorisation is still valid and your passport has not expired or changed.

However, any change of passport requires a new ETA-IL application, even if your previous authorisation has not yet expired. Similarly, any change in personal data (change of name, marital status, etc.) requires the submission of a new application.

If your ETA-IL expires while you are already in Israel, this does not affect your departure: you may leave the country normally until the end of your authorised stay (maximum 90 days per visit).

For stays exceeding 90 days, there is no automatic extension of the ETA-IL. A stay extension application must be submitted directly to the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), before the 90-day period expires.

Passport particularity

The Israeli border police does not stamp entry or exit in French passports (nor in most European passports). Instead, a blue paper sticker is given to you upon arrival: it serves as your residence permit for the duration of your visit. It is essential to keep it until your departure.

Preparing your trip to Israel: practical tips and final checklist

Beyond the ETA-IL, a few additional precautions will allow you to approach your trip with peace of mind. The Israeli border is known for its thorough checks: it is better to arrive well prepared.

Stamps from countries in conflict with Israel

If your passport contains entry or exit stamps from countries at war or in open conflict with Israel, immigration officers may question you at length or even deny you entry. This risk exists even with an approved ETA-IL: the authorisation does not guarantee access to the territory. If in doubt, check with the relevant authorities before travelling.

Apply early

Submit your ETA-IL application at least 72 hours before departure — and ideally before booking flights and accommodation, to avoid unnecessary expenses in the event of a refusal.

Check your passport

Make sure it is valid for at least 3 months after your planned entry date and that it does not contain any stamps likely to cause problems.

Documents in required formats

The Israeli portal requires specific formats and resolutions for uploaded files. A poorly resized or illegible document may result in the application being rejected.

Keep your blue sticker

Upon arrival, the border officer will give you a blue paper sticker serving as your residence permit. Do not lose it: it will be requested upon departure.

Pre-boarding checklist

Approved ETA-IL received and savedKeep the confirmation (email and/or PDF) accessible offline.
Passport valid for at least 3 months after entry
Return flight ticket or proof of onward travelAuthorities may request proof that you intend to leave the country.
Proof of accommodation for the first nightsHotel address, host name, etc.
Sufficient financial means for the duration of the stayBorder officers may check your ability to cover your expenses.
Blue sticker kept throughout the stayIssued on arrival by the border police, it serves as your residence permit.
Contact details of your embassy or consulateTo have in case of lost documents or an emergency situation on the ground.

Key takeaways

The ETA-IL is an electronic travel authorisation — not a visa — mandatory since 1 January 2025 for all nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to travel to Israel. It is applied for online, costs 25 shekels (approximately 8 €) in official fees, and can be valid for up to two years. Submit your application at least 72 hours before departure, ensure your documents meet the required formats, and keep your blue sticker throughout your stay.

Israel

1 option for Israel

ETA-IL