As of January 2025, visitors to Israel from visa-exempt countries (countries that visitors from which, prior to traveling to Israel, do not require a visa obtained in advance and may obtain their visa at the port of entry to Israel) must now obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the State of Israel.

A holder of an ETA-IL is permitted to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. It should be emphasized that approval of the ETA-IL application does not insure entry to Isreal, and an immigration clerk may deny entry to Israel even if approval was given for an ETA-IL.

The ETA-IL is valid for a two-year period, for multiple trips of 90 days or fewer within that period. If any single visit is to extend for more than 90 days, a request for an extension of that stay must be submitted.

All visitors to Israel should have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before they start their trip. The application for the ETA-IL may be made any time prior to travel, but it is recommended that it be submitted at least 72 hours before making any other travel arrangements (tickets, lodging, etc.).

The ETA-IL may be obtained through a simple and fast online application form found at https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/ . The application process will first determine whether the applicant is eligible for an ETA-IL based on their country of origin. There are then a few basic questions to answer, and a fee of NIS 25 is charged. A response will be sent within 24 to 72 hours.

The following persons are exempt from the requirement for an ETA-IL: (a) foreign nationals with official Israeli documents; (b) travelers with a valid Israeli visa (B1,B3, B4, A1, A2, A3, A4, or A5); (c) travelers holding a foreign passport who also have Israeli citizenship; (d) travel and official representatives; (e) crew members appearing on the Crew APIS; (f) U.S military members holding a CAC; (g) seamen with a seamen book; (h) diplomats and passengers holding official or service passports; (i) foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Israel; and (j) foreign nationals who transit through an Israeli airport without going through border control.

Important note – Approval of a B1 work permit is not sufficient to enter Israel, and an entry visa from the relevant Israeli consulate abroad must be stamped in the traveler’s passport.

Visitors from countries for which a visa is required for travel to Israel must obtain a visa as before.