Israel's ETA-IL: Who Needs One, How Long It Lasts, and What Cancels It

Israel introduced a mandatory electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors on 1 January 2025. Nearly two years on, travellers from visa-waiver countries still arrive at the airport unaware of it. Here is what it is and how to avoid being one of them.

What is the ETA-IL?
It is a pre-travel authorisation issued by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority. It is not a visa. It is the permission that visa-exempt travellers now need before they are allowed to board a flight to Israel.

Who needs one?
Nationals of countries whose citizens do not need a visa for Israel. That includes most of Europe, North America and Australasia.

There is no general exemption for short trips, transit passengers or frequent visitors. If your nationality is visa-exempt and you are travelling to Israel, the authorisation applies to you.

Nationals who do need a visa follow the visa process instead, which is separate.

What happens if I travel without one?
In practice you do not get as far as Israel. Airlines check for a valid authorisation before departure, and a passenger without one is refused boarding.

This is the most common way the requirement is discovered: at a check-in desk, on the day of travel.

How long does an approved ETA-IL last?
Up to two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It can be used for multiple trips within that period.

Each visit can last up to 90 days.

What cancels it?
The authorisation is tied to the passport you applied with. A new passport means a new application.

The same applies if your name, gender or nationality changes. Travellers who renew a passport between trips, or after a name change on marriage, are carrying an authorisation linked to a document they no longer use.

Is there a passport validity requirement?
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date you arrive.

Is the charge refundable?
No. The application charge is non-refundable, including if the application is refused or if the details entered are wrong and a new application is needed.

Does an ETA-IL guarantee entry?
No. As with every authorisation of this kind, it permits you to travel. The border officer on arrival makes the entry decision.

What should I do?
Check whether your nationality is visa-exempt for Israel. If it is, apply before you book anything non-refundable, using the passport you will travel on.

If you have renewed your passport since your last trip, assume your previous authorisation no longer covers you.

Verified against the Israel Population and Immigration Authority entry portal and UK FCDO Israel entry requirements, checked 1 October 2026.