Visa to Israel: ETA-IL and Entry Requirements Guide

Planning a journey to Israel begins long before arriving in Jerusalem, walking beside the Sea of Galilee or floating in the Dead Sea. One of the first and most important steps is understanding which travel authorization applies to your passport.
Some international visitors can travel to Israel without obtaining a traditional tourist visa, but this does not necessarily mean that they can simply arrive without completing any formalities. Since January 1, 2025, travelers using passports from countries that are exempt from an Israeli entry visa have generally been required to obtain an approved ETA-IL before starting their journey. Visitors from countries that are not part of the visa-exemption program may instead need a B/2 visitor visa, which may be available through the eVisa-B2 system or an Israeli embassy or consulate.
The correct procedure depends primarily on the nationality shown in the passport that will be used for the trip. The traveler’s country of residence is not necessarily what determines the requirement. A person may live in the United States, the United Kingdom or Canada while holding a passport issued by a different country. In such a case, the rules associated with the passport nationality are normally the relevant ones.
This guide explains the difference between ETA-IL and a visa to Israel, how to use the official application systems, what travelers should prepare before departure and how these entry requirements affect families, pilgrimage groups and organized tours.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Israel?

Whether you need a visa to Israel depends on your passport nationality, the type of passport you hold, the purpose of your visit and your personal circumstances. There is no single answer that applies to every international traveler.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries usually do not need to obtain a traditional tourist visa for a short visit. They must, however, normally receive ETA-IL authorization before departure. Travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt may need to obtain a B/2 tourist or visitor visa before traveling. Certain applicants can use Israel’s online eVisa-B2 application system, while others may be directed to the Israeli diplomatic mission responsible for their country.

Travelers who already hold an appropriate Israeli visa or official Israeli documentation may be treated differently. Israeli citizens, permanent residents with an Israeli identification number and some holders of diplomatic, service or official passports may also be exempt from the ETA-IL process. Because individual circumstances vary, the safest approach is to use the official Israel Entry system rather than relying on an old visa list, a travel forum or the experience of someone who visited Israel before the current rules took effect.

The official starting point is the Israel Entry website operated by the Population and Immigration Authority. The website provides an eligibility check and directs travelers toward ETA-IL, eVisa-B2 or another relevant procedure.

What Is ETA-IL?

ETA-IL is Israel’s Electronic Travel Authorization. It is designed for travelers who hold passports from countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a conventional entry visa for short visits.

Although ETA-IL is sometimes informally described as an electronic visa, it is more accurately understood as a pre-travel authorization. It confirms that an eligible traveler has received permission to begin the journey to an Israeli border crossing and request admission. It does not itself grant an unconditional right to enter or remain in the country. The final decision is made by Israeli border-control officials when the visitor arrives.

ETA-IL is intended primarily for short visits such as tourism, pilgrimages, family visits and certain business activities. It does not replace the appropriate authorization for employment, long-term education or other activities that require a dedicated visa.

An approved ETA-IL is generally valid for multiple journeys for up to two years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. Each visit may generally last for up to 90 days, subject to the decision made at the border. The official application fee is currently NIS 25. Israeli authorities recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure, and official notices state that applicants can normally expect a response within 72 hours.

These details can change, so they should always be checked again when the trip is being planned.

Where Should You Apply for ETA-IL?

Applications should be submitted through the official ETA-IL portal. Travelers can read a fuller explanation on the government’s Learn About ETA-IL page and use the official ETA-IL Help Center when they encounter a technical problem or need clarification.

It is important to pay attention to the address of the application website. Private companies may operate websites that resemble an official immigration portal and charge additional handling or service fees. Some travelers knowingly choose to use an intermediary, but such a service is not the same as applying directly to the Israeli government.

Official Israeli notices advise travelers to use the government portal and state that the standard ETA-IL government fee is NIS 25. They also explain that an applicant should receive an email acknowledging the application and a receipt for the payment.

Bein Harim Tours does not issue ETA-IL approvals or make immigration decisions. These responsibilities belong exclusively to the relevant Israeli authorities.

How Does the ETA-IL Application Work?

The ETA-IL process is completed online. Applicants provide an active email address, travel information, passport details and personal information. All details should be entered exactly as they appear in the passport that will be used to enter Israel.

A minor spelling error, an incorrect passport number or confusion between the issue date and expiration date may create unnecessary complications. Travelers should therefore check every field carefully before submitting the form.

The authorization is electronically connected to the passport used in the application. If the traveler later receives a new passport, the old ETA-IL will not simply transfer to it. A new application is also generally required after a change of name, gender or citizenship.

Even though the authorization is stored electronically, it is sensible to keep an accessible copy of the approval email. A printed copy may also be helpful during airline check-in, particularly when traveling as part of a large family, pilgrimage group or organized tour.

Each eligible traveler needs an appropriate authorization, including children and infants traveling on their own passports. Group leaders should not assume that one approval covers an entire family, church group or tour party.

Who Needs an eVisa-B2 or Tourist Visa?

Visitors whose passport nationality is not visa-exempt may need a B/2 visitor visa rather than ETA-IL. Israel’s B/2 category is commonly associated with short visits for tourism, family visits, medical tourism, business meetings and certain short non-academic programs.

Some eligible nationals can submit an application through the online eVisa-B2 system. The official process requires applicants to provide passport and personal information, travel details and supporting documentation. The government application page currently states an application fee of NIS 105, although applicants should confirm the fee and requirements when they apply.

Information about this route is available on the official eVisa-B2 information page. Travelers can also consult the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate the Israeli embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.

An eVisa-B2 or conventional visitor visa remains different from ETA-IL. ETA-IL is for eligible visa-exempt travelers, while B/2 visas are used by visitors who require a visa. Neither document guarantees admission. Both allow a traveler to arrive at the border and request entry, where the final decision remains with the Israeli authorities.

Passport Validity and Travel Documents

Passport validity should be checked before flights, hotels or non-refundable tours are booked. Different official procedures may state different minimum validity requirements depending on whether the traveler needs ETA-IL or a visa. Airlines and countries used for transit may also impose their own rules.

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism advises that visitors who require an entry visa should generally have a passport valid for six months beyond their arrival date. The rules for visa-exempt travelers using ETA-IL may differ, so each traveler should check the official guidance that applies to their own status.

In addition to a valid passport and the relevant authorization, visitors should be ready to explain the purpose and expected length of their visit. Border officials may ask where the traveler will stay, which places are included in the itinerary and when the visitor plans to leave Israel.

Having a return or onward ticket, hotel details, a tour confirmation and the contact information of a host can help the traveler answer these questions clearly. Proof of sufficient funds or travel insurance may also be useful, depending on the circumstances. These materials do not replace a visa or ETA-IL, but they help demonstrate that the visit has been planned properly.

What Happens When You Arrive in Israel?

Possessing ETA-IL or a valid visa means that the traveler is authorized to begin the journey and request entry. It does not remove the normal border-control procedure.

On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, a land crossing or a seaport, travelers pass through immigration inspection. Questions may focus on the reason for the trip, accommodation, planned destinations, relatives or contacts in Israel and the expected departure date.

Visitors should answer truthfully and consistently. The information provided at the border should correspond with the purpose stated in the application. Someone entering as a tourist should not describe plans to work, while a visitor arriving for an organized pilgrimage should be able to provide the relevant itinerary or group details.

Travelers who have previously experienced immigration difficulties, overstayed a visa, been denied entry or have unusual citizenship or residency circumstances should obtain guidance directly from an Israeli authority or qualified legal professional before traveling.

Israel Entry Requirements for American, British, Canadian and European Travelers

Travelers frequently search for country-specific rules, but nationality examples must be used carefully. U.S., UK and Canadian passport holders, as well as citizens of many European countries, are commonly part of Israel’s visa-exemption arrangements. For short tourist visits, these travelers will therefore generally need ETA-IL rather than a traditional tourist visa.

However, residence in one of these countries is not enough. A Canadian resident holding a passport from a visa-required country may need eVisa-B2 or another visa. Similarly, a dual national must check the rules for the passport that will actually be presented during the journey.

This is why a broad online statement such as “Americans do not need a visa” is incomplete. A U.S. passport holder may be exempt from a traditional visa, but still needs to meet the ETA-IL requirement, unless a specific exemption applies. All travelers should use the official eligibility checker shortly before making final arrangements.

Special Considerations for Families and Tour Groups

Group travel can make visa preparation more complicated because members of the same group may have different nationalities. A church group departing from London, Toronto or New York may include participants who hold several different passports. Some may need ETA-IL, while others may require eVisa-B2 or a consular visa.

Group organizers should collect passport-nationality information early without making assumptions based on where participants live. Each traveler remains responsible for satisfying the entry requirements attached to their own passport.

Families should also check the documentation required for minors, especially when a child is traveling with only one parent, with grandparents or with another accompanying adult. Consent documents or evidence of the relationship may be useful and may be required by an airline, transit country or border authority.

A tour operator can help participants understand practical arrangements, provide itinerary confirmations and coordinate arrival details. It cannot approve a visa, influence an ETA-IL decision or promise admission to Israel.

Planning Your Visit After Your Authorization Is Approved

Once the correct authorization has been received, travelers can focus on building an itinerary that reflects their interests and the time available.

Jerusalem is often the heart of a first journey to Israel, combining religious landmarks, archaeological sites and neighborhoods shaped by thousands of years of history. The Galilee and Nazareth are especially important for Christian pilgrimage programs, while Masada and the Dead Sea offer an entirely different landscape and historical experience. Tel Aviv and Jaffa add Mediterranean beaches, architecture, food and modern Israeli culture.

A guided program can be particularly valuable for travelers who want to connect individual sites to a wider historical or religious narrative. Bein Harim Tours offers day tours, private tours and multi-day itineraries that can include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Masada, the Dead Sea and other leading destinations.

Travelers should confirm entry approval before committing to non-refundable bookings. They should also monitor airline notices, official travel guidance and any changes to border or security arrangements close to departure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visas and ETA-IL for Israel

Is ETA-IL the same as a visa to Israel?

No. ETA-IL is an electronic travel authorization for eligible travelers from visa-exempt countries. A tourist visa or eVisa-B2 is intended for travelers who are required to obtain a visa. Although both allow a traveler to request admission, they are legally and procedurally different.

How much does ETA-IL cost?

The official ETA-IL application fee is currently NIS 25. Travelers should check the amount on the government portal when submitting an application, as fees can change. A website requesting a much higher payment may be a private intermediary rather than the official Israeli application system.

How long does ETA-IL approval take?

Official guidance recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure and states that applicants can generally expect a response within 72 hours. Applying earlier is sensible because a delayed or unsuccessful application may require further action.

How long is ETA-IL valid?

An approved ETA-IL is generally valid for multiple visits for up to two years or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first. A new passport or a change to certain personal details normally requires a new application.

How long can I stay in Israel with ETA-IL?

ETA-IL is intended for visits of up to 90 days. The length actually granted is subject to border control, and a traveler who wishes to remain longer must follow the appropriate procedure with the Population and Immigration Authority.

Do children need ETA-IL?

Eligible visitors of all ages generally need ETA-IL, including children and infants traveling with their own passports. Parents or guardians can complete the application for a child, but the details must match that child’s passport.

Can ETA-IL be used for several trips?

Yes. It is generally valid for multiple journeys during its validity period. Travelers do not normally need to submit a fresh application for every holiday, provided the authorization and the linked passport remain valid and the traveler’s relevant personal details have not changed.

Can I work in Israel with ETA-IL?

No. ETA-IL is intended for eligible short-term visits and does not provide permission to work in Israel. Employment, long-term study and other activities require the appropriate visa or permit.

What should I do if my ETA-IL is refused?

Applicants should follow the instructions in the decision email and use the official Help Center when appropriate. A refusal should not be ignored, and a traveler should not assume that submitting the same information repeatedly will change the result. Complicated cases may require communication with an Israeli diplomatic mission or professional legal advice.

Does ETA-IL guarantee entry into Israel?

No. ETA-IL allows an eligible traveler to start the journey and request admission. Israeli border officials make the final decision after reviewing the traveler’s documents and circumstances.

Do I need to print my ETA-IL approval?

The approval is electronically linked to the passport, but keeping both a digital and printed copy is a sensible precaution. It can be particularly useful during airline check-in or when a group leader is helping several participants organize their documents.

Where can I check whether I need ETA-IL or a visa?

Use the official Israel Entry portal. It is the most reliable starting point for determining whether your passport requires ETA-IL, eVisa-B2 or another visa procedure.

Conclusion

Understanding whether you need ETA-IL or a visa to Israel is an essential part of preparing for a successful visit. Visa-exempt travelers generally need an approved ETA-IL before departure, while visitors from visa-required countries may need eVisa-B2 or a visa issued through an Israeli embassy or consulate.

The most reliable approach is to check the rules attached to the passport you will use, apply through the official Israeli government website and complete the process well before your flight. Travelers should also check passport validity, keep their accommodation and return-travel information available and remember that final entry approval is always made at the border.

Once the formalities are complete, the journey can become the main focus. From Jerusalem and Bethlehem to Nazareth, the Galilee, Masada and the Dead Sea, Israel offers an exceptional concentration of history, faith, culture and natural landscapes. Careful preparation makes it easier to arrive with confidence and devote more time to experiencing the country.

***This article provides general travel information and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Entry requirements, fees and procedures may change. Travelers should verify all information through official Israeli authorities before booking or traveling.