travel tips

pre-entry approval

Beginning on January 1, 2025, all visitors to Israel must have a visa or an ETA-IL. ETA stands for Electronic Travel Approval. The IL extension stands for Israel. This latter point is essential because the USA and the EU have launched similar pre-approval processes. Be aware that the ETA-IL is only for travelers from visa-exempt countries.

Below are instructions and screenshots to aid you in applying for an ETA-IL.

The first step is to ensure you are on the correct website. The Israeli government has warned travelers that other websites may charge extra fees to those using their service. The official ETA-IL site is HERE.

This is what one version of the landing page looks like. There are a series of rolling images, so be aware that the look may change.

Click the red button [Check & Apply] to begin the process and determine your eligibility for the ETA-IL. Use the drop-down menu to identify your nationality. Press [Next].

Press [Next]. Use the dropdown menu on this page to select the primary purpose of your visit to Israel.

Press [Next]. This page will let you know if you can apply for an ETA-IL.

Note that the ETA-IL is valid for two years or less, depending on the expiration date of your passport. An ETA-IL allows unlimited entries to Israel, but each entry is limited to 90 days. Finally, the cost of an ETA-IL is 25 shekels. The fee is paid online at the end of the application process.

Press [Apply for an ETA-IL].

Pay close attention to the details on this page. Here, you see the information you need to gather before starting the process.

Once you have gathered the above information, press [Start application]. This page outlines the next steps in the application process.

Press [Continue to application]. The first thing you see will be a disclaimer. Essentially, the disclaimer says that the ETA-IL only allows you to travel to Israel. The airline is not supposed to allow you to board the flight to Tel Aviv without the ETA-IL approval.

Please be aware that approval for the ETA-IL DOES NOT guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the country. The border patrol will make the final decision on your entry.

After confirming the disclaimer, you will declare if you are applying for yourself or someone else. Press [Verify your email].

Enter your email address, then confirm your email address. Ensure you have access to the supplied email address because you will need to 1) verify receipt of email at that address in the next step and 2) receive your approval at the supplied address.

After entering your email address in both boxes, press [Verify your email]. Shortly afterward, you will receive a verification code at the provided email address. Enter that code in the following screen.

After entering your 6-digit code, a green check mark will appear, confirming your address. Additionally, a blue [Verify your email] button will appear. Press that button to advance. The next page requires some details of your travel. NOTE: You do not have to have an actual travel date; you can provide a general date you are considering. Remember, the ETA-IL is valid for two years or less, depending on the expiration date of your passport.

After entering your travel information, press [Enter your passport information].

On this page, you will enter your passport details. All the necessary information is in your passport, so have it on hand.

Press [Enter personal details]. Provide all the required information, then press [Next].

Enter the required information on this page, then press [Next].

This page allows you to review and confirm or correct the information you previously entered in each of the three categories. After verifying your information in each section, press [Confirm this section]. Finally, you must confirm the declaration by checking the [I confirm the declaration] box. Afterward, press [Submit].

Congratulations! You are almost done. Press [Go to payment site].

Select your preferred payment method. Then, complete your payment details and press [Pay]. The final page will be the payment confirmation page. You will have the option to print the confirmation page.

You will receive several emails throughout the application process. The most important email, though, is the approval email. The approval process may take up to 72 hours.

This is the approval email you want to receive.