What is Israel's ETA-IL and do I need one?

For decades, citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and dozens of other countries simply flew to Israel and received a tourist entry on arrival. That era ended on 1 January 2025. Now there is a step to complete before you even reach the airport, and travellers who skip it are turned away at the departure gate, not at Ben Gurion.

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Detailed Explanation

The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online permission that visa-exempt travellers must hold before boarding a flight to Israel. It is administered by the Population and Immigration Authority under the framework of the Entry into Israel Law 1952. Crucially, it is not a visa. It is a pre-screening tool, similar to the US ESTA or the UK ETA, that lets Israel vet arrivals in advance while keeping the visa-free arrangement in place for tourism, business, and family visits of up to 90 days.

Who needs one? Citizens of the roughly 90-plus countries that were previously visa-exempt, which includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the European Union member states. If you come from one of those countries and you are visiting Israel as a tourist, to see family, or for short business, you need the ETA-IL. It does not replace a proper visa for people who require one anyway, such as those coming to work or study, or nationals of countries that were never visa-exempt. Those travellers still apply for the relevant visa through an Israeli mission.

The mechanics are light but non-negotiable. You apply online, pay a fee of about NIS 25 by card, and answer basic questions about your passport, travel, and background. Israel advises applying at least 72 hours before departure, though most approvals come faster. Once granted, the authorization is linked to your passport and is valid for two years, or until the passport expires if sooner, and it allows multiple entries with each stay capped at 90 days. It does not extend how long you may remain: the ordinary tourist rules still apply, and how those work over a year is covered in our answer on how many days you can stay in Israel per year.

For non-residents with ongoing ties to Israel, a property, family, or an inheritance matter, the ETA-IL is now a routine part of every trip. Keep the approval confirmation with your travel documents, and remember that holding an ETA-IL is permission to travel, not a guaranteed entry: the border officer at Ben Gurion still makes the final admission decision under the Entry into Israel Law 1952, exactly as before.

In Practice: Under the Entry into Israel Law 1952, the Population and Immigration Authority (Rashut HaOchlusin VeHaHagira) requires visa-exempt travellers to hold an approved ETA-IL before boarding. The fee is about NIS 25, non-refundable, paid by card; you should apply at least 72 hours before your flight, and an approval remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, covering multiple 90-day visits.

Key Considerations

• The ETA-IL is mandatory for visa-exempt travellers since 1 January 2025 and is checked at boarding.
• It is a pre-screening authorization, not a visa, and does not replace work or study visas.
• The fee is about NIS 25 and approval lasts two years or until the passport expires.
• Each visit is still capped at 90 days; the ETA-IL does not lengthen your permitted stay.
• Holding an ETA-IL does not guarantee entry; the border officer still decides on arrival.

When to Consult a Lawyer

This question typically requires professional legal advice when:

• You have been refused an ETA-IL or previously overstayed and are unsure whether you can re-enter.
• Your visit is really for work, study, or long-term stay, which needs a visa rather than an ETA-IL.
• You have a prior immigration or criminal issue that could affect admission at the border.

A qualified Israeli attorney can advise whether an ETA-IL is sufficient for your purpose or whether your plans require a formal visa.

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Speak With an Israeli Attorney

We advise non-residents on whether the ETA-IL covers their visit or whether a work, study, or long-stay visa is required, and we assist where an authorization or entry has been refused.

Contact us for a confidential initial consultation.