Israel ETA-IL: Visa-Exempt Passports Only (2026)

ETA-IL is only for visa-exempt passports

Start at the official eligibility check. If your citizenship does not require a B/2 visitor visa for Israel, ETA-IL is the pre-travel authorisation for a short tourism or business visit.

If your passport requires a visitor visa, ETA-IL is not an alternative. Paying ILS 25 will not create visa eligibility. Follow the visa route shown by PIBA or contact the nearest Israeli mission.

Travellers who already hold a valid Israeli visa, Israeli citizens and identity-number holders, certain official travellers, listed crew and airside transit passengers can also be exempt from ETA-IL. Read the current PIBA result for the exact case.

Official portal and fee

Apply only at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. It is the Population and Immigration Authority portal and sits on the Israeli government gov.il domain.

The official fee is ILS 25 and is non-refundable. Government notices say there is no express option. The official flow sends both a submission notification and a payment receipt. A missing receipt is a reason to check whether the payment was made on the real portal.

Timing and validity

PIBA recommends submitting the application at least 72 hours before booking flights, hotels or other non-refundable travel expenses. Many decisions arrive immediately, but official notices allow up to 72 hours.

An approved ETA-IL is generally valid for multiple trips for up to two years, or until the passport expires first. A new passport, or a change of name, gender or citizenship, requires a new application.

Each visit can be up to 90 days. ETA-IL is not for employment, study or another long stay.

What to prepare

The official instruction lists a passport, a valid email address and a payment card. The government entry page says an ETA traveller’s passport must remain valid for three months beyond arrival.

Use an email inbox you control. The approval message contains the ETA-IL number, validity and conditions. Keep that message available during entry and the stay.

PIBA does not publish readable regexes, character limits or validation messages for the live form. The field guide covers the public preparation rules only.

Review before submitting

PIBA says you can correct the form before submission. After submission, it cannot be edited and a mistake requires a new application. Review the passport, citizenship, visit purpose and email before paying.

Approval allows you to travel. It does not guarantee admission or replace border control.

This independent guide is not affiliated with PIBA or any application service.