Overview
Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and roughly 90 other countries have long entered Israel visa-free for up to 90 days — but since 1 January 2025, that's no longer enough on its own. Every visa-exempt visitor must now also obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure, applied for directly at the Population and Immigration Authority's own portal. It's a genuinely self-service system: fill in the form, pay a small government fee, and receive approval — typically within 72 hours, often much sooner. Nationalities that were never visa-exempt still apply for a traditional B/2 visa at an Israeli consulate instead.
Visa categories
| ETA-IL | For visa-exempt nationalities; covers tourism, business, family visits and study up to 90 days, or culture/sport activities up to 30 days. |
|---|---|
| B/2 visa (consulate) | For nationalities not covered by the visa waiver — applied for at an Israeli embassy or consulate. |
Documents checklist
- Valid passport (biometric or non-biometric)
- Basic travel and contact details
- Payment card for the fee (25 NIS / ~$7-8 USD)
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Step-by-step application process
1. Confirm you're visa-exempt
Check the current exempt-country list — if you're not on it, you need a B/2 visa from an Israeli consulate instead.
2. Go to israel-entry.piba.gov.il
Confirm the URL ends in .gov.il before entering any details.
3. Complete the online form
Enter your passport, contact and trip details — the form takes only a few minutes.
4. Pay the fee
Pay 25 NIS (about $7-8 USD) by card.
5. Wait for your approval
You'll get an email notification once PIBA processes your request, usually within 72 hours — apply well ahead of departure.
Fees & processing time
| Fee | 25 NIS (~$7-8 USD) |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Often quick; allow at least 72 hours |
| Validity | Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first |
| Stay length | Up to 90 days per visit (30 days for culture/sport activities) |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new ETA-IL if I get a new passport?
Yes — a new passport, or a change of name, gender or citizenship, requires a fresh ETA-IL application.
Does an ETA-IL replace a visa?
No — for visa-exempt nationals it's an additional pre-screening step layered on top of the existing visa-free arrangement, not a substitute visa.
Sources reviewed: israel-entry.piba.gov.il (Population and Immigration Authority), embassies.gov.il consular notices (multiple missions). Exempt-country lists and fees change — always confirm on the official portal before applying.