Israel has postponed the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) for visa-exempt travelers, now taking effect January 1, 2025, with a pilot phase running through December 2024.
","protected":false},"content":{"rendered":"Israel has recently announced the postponement of the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) for travelers exempt from visa requirements. Originally planned for summer 2024, the measure will now come into force on January 1, 2025. The decision was made to allow airlines and travelers additional time to prepare for the new requirement, extending the pilot phase.
\nThe ETA-IL is an electronic travel authorization that nationals of certain countries must obtain before traveling to Israel. It applies to citizens of countries currently exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays. The ETA-IL permits stays of up to 90 days per visit and remains valid for multiple entries over a two-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
\nTo obtain an ETA-IL, travelers must complete an online form on the portal of the Population and Immigration Authority of Israel (PIBA). The form requires personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Once submitted, a verification is conducted, and the authorization is typically sent via email within minutes to 72 hours.
\nDuring the pilot period, which began on July 1, 2024, the ETA-IL is issued free of charge. However, starting January 1, 2025, a fee of 25 NIS (approximately 7 USD) will apply per request. The ETA-IL remains valid for two years and allows multiple entries into Israel, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.
\n| \n Feature | \n\n Detail |
|---|---|
| \n Effective Date | \n\n January 1, 2025 |
| \n Countries Affected | \n\n 99 visa-exempt countries |
| \n Validity Period | \n\n 2 years or until passport expiration |
| \n Maximum Stay Duration | \n\n 90 days per visit |
| \n Cost | \n\n 25 NIS (~7 USD) starting 2025 |
| \n Pilot Period | \n\n July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 |
| \n Application Method | \n\n Online via PIBA portal |
| \n Processing Time | \n\n Minutes to 72 hours |
The following nationals must obtain an ETA-IL before traveling to Israel: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and other European countries, as well as some non-European nations.
\nThe delay in implementing the mandatory ETA-IL until January 2025 was largely driven by requests from airlines, which needed more time to adapt to the new system. This transition period also allows travelers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements without immediate pressure.
\n![\"PIBA](\"https://cdn.visamundi.co/uploads/wp-504eb9aa44d7b83d-screenshot-2024-08-04-at-12.50.25-1024x266.png\")
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