Many countries allow business travelers and tourists from visa-exempt nations to enter without visas for short stays, often with no pre-flight registration requirements. The list of countries now requiring pre-flight registration, however, continues to grow with Israel’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA-IL) system, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025. The system seeks to enhance national security measures while improving immigration efficiency by providing the Israeli Population & Immigration Authority with traveler data needed to pre-screen incoming visitors.
Similar to the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which has been required for visa-exempt travelers since 2009, registration and approval in ETA-IL is now required for nearly all entrants to Israel at least 72 hours before arrival. Registrants must enter their passport information (from a visa-exempt country), valid email address, and a valid payment method to cover the required registration fee of 25 Israeli Shekel (about USD 7). Once the application is submitted, an “immediate” response is emailed to “most applicants,” with some requiring up to 72 hours to process.
Since the Israeli Population & Immigration Authority may follow up with additional questions for some applicants, travelers should consider submitting the ETA-IL application well in advance. Once approved, the authorization remains valid for up to two years (or until passport expiration, whichever is sooner), permitting business or tourism entry for a maximum of 90 days per visit. Applicants denied under the ETA-IL system will generally be advised to apply for a visa stamp at their local Israeli embassy or consular post.