Application for eTA IL for travel to Israel

Travelling to Israel is a unique experience that attracts millions of visitors every year, whether they are drawn by its rich historical heritage, its dynamic culture or its exceptional landscapes. Since 1 January 2025, a new formality has been introduced for international travellers: the eTA-IL, or Electronic Travel Authorisation Israel. This electronic travel authorisation is now required for citizens of certain visa-exempt countries, and aims to simplify and secure entry requirements for Israeli territory. In this article, we will guide you step by step to understand what the eTA-IL is, find out if you are affected, and discover how to apply online quickly and easily. Whether you are planning a business trip, holiday or family trip, this information will allow you to travel with peace of mind and in accordance with the new rules in force.

eTA IL for Israel: in brief

• Required for visa-exempt travellers: The eTA-IL is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling to Israel for stays of less than 90 days.
• 100% online process: The eTA-IL application is quick and easy and can only be completed online through approved websites.
• Fast processing time: The majority of applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours, with emergency options available for immediate needs.
• Extended period of validity: The eTA-IL is valid for two years or until the expiry of the passport, allowing for multiple stays in Israel.
• An affordable cost: The cost of the eTA-IL is 25 Israeli shekels, but depending on the services offered by certain private platforms, there may be additional processing fees.

What is the eTA-IL?

The eTA-IL, or Electronic Travel Authorisation Israel, is an electronic travel authorisation introduced by the Israeli authorities. It is required for citizens of certain countries who are exempt from the standard visa requirement and who wish to stay in Israel for a maximum of 90 days. This system, which is similar to those already used in other countries such as Canada and the United States, allows travellers' eligibility to be verified before their departure, thus simplifying the requirements at points of entry into Israel.

The eTA-IL is not a replacement for a visa for an extended stay or for specific purposes such as work or study. It is intended exclusively for tourist stays, business trips or transit.

The eTA-IL system has been designed to:

• Strengthen national security: by allowing the Israeli authorities to screen travellers before their arrival and quickly identify potential risks.
• Facilitate border procedures: by reducing queues and administrative processing at the airport.
• Modernise travel requirements: by offering a fast and accessible 100% online process that meets the needs of modern travellers.

eTA-IL is part of a modern and secure approach that benefits both travellers and the authorities, making travel to Israel smoother and more secure.

Which countries are eligible for eTA-IL?

eTA-IL is intended for citizens of countries that benefit from a standard visa exemption for short stays in Israel. These travellers must now obtain this electronic authorization before their departure. Here is an indicative list of the countries concerned:

• Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Greece, and other European Union countries exempt from visas for Israel.
• North America: United States, Canada.
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand.
• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico.
• Other regions: South Africa, United Kingdom.

This list may be updated according to Israeli policies. It is therefore recommended that you consult the official websites of the Israeli authorities or the eTA platforms before planning your trip.

Some categories of travellers are not subject to the eTA-IL requirement. These include:

• Israeli citizens or holders of Israeli identity documents.
• Holders of a valid Israeli visa, such as work, student or permanent resident visas.
• Air or sea crew members, diplomats and other official representatives travelling for work-related reasons.

What are the eligibility requirements for the eTA IL?

To obtain the eTA-IL and travel to Israel, travellers must meet a set of specific criteria. These conditions are intended to ensure that applicants meet the Israeli government's requirements for simplified and secure entry into the country.

1. Be a citizen of a country exempt from visa requirements for Israel:

The eTA-IL only applies to citizens of countries that benefit from a traditional visa exemption for short stays in Israel. If your country is not eligible for the exemption, you will need to apply for a traditional visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your region.

2. Hold a valid passport

Travellers must present a passport that is valid for at least three months after the expected date of entry into Israel. This passport must also:

• Contain a blank page for a possible stamp.
• Be an ordinary passport (special or temporary travel documents may require additional verification).

3. Plan a stay of 90 days or less

The eTA-IL is only valid for short stays, such as:

• Tourist trips: exploring historical sites, holidays, etc.
• Business trips: meetings, conferences or prospecting.
• Transits: stopovers or connections in Israel.

Travellers planning to stay longer than 90 days or with other objectives, such as work or study, will need to apply for a visa appropriate to their situation.

4. Comply with other specific requirements

• Good travel history: applicants must not have been previously refused entry or deported from Israel.
• Additional documents: in some cases, the Israeli authorities may request additional evidence, such as a return ticket, accommodation reservation or proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay.

What is the online application procedure for the eTA IL?

To obtain the eTA-IL, travellers can go through the official website or through service provider websites, which offer simplified assistance and additional services to make the online application. Here are the detailed steps of the process to be followed via these platforms:

Before starting the procedure, make sure you have the following factors:

• A digital copy (in high quality) of your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your entry into Israel.
• An active email address to receive confirmation of your eTA-IL.
• A valid means of payment (bank card or other method accepted by the site).
• In some cases, additional documents such as proof of funds, a hotel reservation or a return ticket may be required.

Filling in the online form:

• Go to the official website or the website of the service provider of your choice. These platforms often offer a user-friendly interface translated into several languages, thus simplifying the procedure.
• Fill in the form with the requested information:
  • Personal details (surname, first name, date of birth, nationality).
  • Contact details (postal address, telephone number, e-mail).
  • Travel information (planned dates, place of arrival in Israel).
  • Passport information (number, date of issue, expiry date).

Payment of processing fees:

• Service providers generally charge additional processing fees for their services, in addition to the official eTA-IL fees.
• Make the payment using the options provided on the website (credit card or online payment services).

Submitting the application:

• Carefully check all the information provided before validating your application. Any errors may result in delays or your application being rejected.
• Submit your form and keep a copy of the reference number provided by the website.

Receiving and verifying the eTA-IL:

• Once your application has been approved, you will receive the eTA-IL by email, usually within 48 to 72 hours.
• Print a copy or save a digital version on your phone to present to the authorities if necessary.

Processing time and validity of the eTA IL

One of the major advantages of the eTA-IL is the speed with which it is processed. For the majority of applications made via service provider websites, the processing times are generally as follows:

• Average processing time: between 24 and 72 hours.
• Urgent requests: some websites offer an emergency service, allowing you to obtain authorization in less than 24 hours for an additional fee.

Once issued, the eTA-IL is generally valid for a period of two years or until your passport expires, if it expires before the end of the validity period. This means that:

• You do not need to renew the eTA-IL for each trip if your passport remains valid.
• You must reapply as soon as you get a new passport.

Possibility of multiple stays during the period of validity

The eTA-IL allows travellers to make several visits to Israel during its period of validity, subject to the following conditions:

• Each visit must not exceed 90 consecutive days.
• The purpose of your visit must remain consistent with the intended use of the eTA-IL (tourism, business, transit).

How much does the eTA IL cost?

The cost of the eTA-IL includes:

1. Official fees: This fee is set by the Israeli authorities at 25 Israeli shekels and covers the administrative processing of your application.
2. Service fees: If you go through a service provider site, these platforms generally apply additional fees for their support services, which include:
   • Verification of the information provided.
   • Rapid support in case of errors or problems.
   • The option of priority processing for urgent requests.

The total amount may vary depending on the site used, but it is generally between 20 and 60 EUR. Private sites generally display the costs before your request is submitted.

Private platforms offer secure payment options tailored to the needs of international users, including:

• Bank card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and sometimes other debit or credit cards.
• Online payment services: some platforms allow the use of systems such as PayPal.
• Other methods: some sites offer locally adapted solutions, such as payments by bank transfer or other regional services.