As of January, 1, 2025, Israel will require travelers to provide either a valid visa or “Marom ETA-IL” (Electronic Travel Authorization) approval to enter the country. ETA-IL applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to Israel. However, the Israeli government recommends that travelers submit their applications at least 72 hours prior to booking flights, hotels, and/or similar expenses related to their travel.

Travelers applying for the ET-IL authorization will receive a reply within 24-72 hours, and if their application is approved, will be allowed to enter Israel for business visits and tourism for up to ninety (90) days at a time. The ETA-IL will remain valid for multiple entries over a two-year period or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. This announcement was previously made in 2024, but was postponed to give travelers the proper time to prepare for this new requirement. Israel’s introduction of the ETA-IL system comes as the European Union seeks to implement its own electronic travel authorization scheme for visa exempt nationals, which is expected to launch in 2025.

Israel’s Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement

Israel’s ETA-IL requirement will apply to all nationals from visa exempt countries, which include the United States, Canada, all European Union member states, and most countries in Latin America, among others. Presently, nationals of these countries are eligible to enter Israel for tourism or business purposes based on their passport alone, without any prior application.

Applications for ETA-IL will cost NIS 25 per visitor.

Successful ETA-IL applicants are not required to carry a printout of their confirmation, but are advised to record their confirmation number and check any airline-specific requirements before travel. Applicants who are denied an ETA-IL are encouraged to contact the program’s help center to identify errors in their application rather than reapplying. 

The Israeli government cautions that approval of an ETA-IL application does not guarantee admission to Israel. Border control officers retain discretion over the entry of visitors into the country. Travelers entering on an ETA-IL who wish to remain in Israel longer than the allotted 90-day period will be required to request an extension from Israeli immigration authorities.

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