Israel will soon require all visitors to have a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) prior to departure. The form will be required beginning 01AUG, 2024 for travellers from the U.S., Canada and all other visa-exempt countries.
"The ETA system, adapted for tourists from visa-exempt countries, speeds up the online confirmation, thus simplifying the entry process,” officials said on 29MAY.
“As of AUG2024, all travellers to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval prior to departure.”
The new rule doesn’t apply to visitors from countries for which a visa is required, who still will have to obtain a visa, or to Israeli citizens or holders of an Israeli identity number.
1. ETA-IL acts as a system of authorizations for visitors from countries exempt from authorizations, streamlining the entry process.
2. Eligible visitors can stay up to 90 days upon receipt of approval through the ETA-IL system.
3. The approval remains valid for up to two years or until the passport expires, eliminating the need for repeated applications during this period.
4. In case of passport renewal or changes in personal information, a new travel permit is required.
5. The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (about $9.25 CAD) , waived during the pilot phase.
6. For technical assistance, contact eta@piba.gov.il.
7. The pilot phase begins on 1JUN, 2024, with eligibility extended to US and German citizens. Other nationalities can apply from IJUL, 2024, with mandatory approval required from 1AUG, 2024.
8. The purpose of the pilot phase is to activate the system and evaluate the application process before it becomes mandatory. During this period, participation is voluntary for interested visitors from the countries participating in the pilot.
Note: Please note that the website will only be accessible from 1JUN, 2024.
