eTA IL Israel required : Where to apply online ?

If you're planning a trip to Israel, whether to discover its cultural riches, visit its historic sites or for business reasons, it's essential to check whether you need an electronic travel authorisation, known as an eTA IL. Required by many international travellers, this simplified visa allows you to enter Israel for a short stay without major administrative complications. On this page, we will guide you step by step through the online application procedure, the conditions to be met and the documents needed to obtain your eTA IL easily. Whether you're in transit or planning a longer stay, find out everything you need to know to travel with peace of mind. You'll also find practical advice on how to avoid common mistakes and information on the most reliable platforms for making your application in complete safety.

Apply for an eTA IL online !

• What is the eTA IL? The eTA IL is a required electronic travel authorization to enter Israel for short stays.
• Who is it for? It is intended for travellers of specific nationalities, in transit or on a tourist or business visit to Israel.
• How do I apply? The application is made online by filling in a form, paying the administrative fee and receiving confirmation by e-mail.
• Price: The cost of the eTA IL is 25 Israeli shekels on the official website, excluding any processing fees.
• Processing time: The eTA IL is generally issued within 48 to 72 hours, but it is advisable to apply at least one week before departure.

→ eTA IL application form ←

Who should apply for an eTA IL visa for Israel?

To enter Israel, many travellers must now obtain an electronic travel authorisation, the eTA IL. However, the rules vary according to nationality, purpose and length of stay. Here's everything you need to know to find out if you are covered by these requirements.

Nationalities covered by the eTA IL :

The eTA IL is required for citizens of certain countries who wish to visit Israel without a traditional visa. These nationalities mainly include :

• Countries eligible for a short stay without a visa, but subject to prior authorization.
• Travellers from countries that have signed specific agreements with Israel to simplify entry requirements.

The eTa IL is intended for citizens of countries benefiting from visa exemption, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and many European countries.

Specific cases:

• Transit in Israel: if you stop over at an Israeli airport without leaving the international zone, you will generally not need an eTA IL. However, if you wish to leave the airport during transit, this authorization is required.
• Short stays (less than 90 days): the eTA IL is required for foreign visitors coming for tourism: cultural visits, pilgrimages, personal discovery, business: participation in meetings, conferences or business negotiations or family reasons: visits to relatives living in Israel.
• Specific stays (excluding tourism and business): humanitarian missions, cultural or artistic projects may also require an IL eTA, depending on the nature of the activity.

Certain categories of travellers are not required to obtain an eTA IL:

• Travellers holding a valid Israeli visa (tourism, work, study, etc.).
• Holders of diplomatic or official passports, depending on the bilateral agreements between Israel and their country of origin.

For longer stays (study, work or immigration), a traditional visa should be requested from the Israeli embassy or consulate, as the IL eTA only covers short stays.

Conditions and documents required for an eTA IL application

To apply for an eTA IL authorization for Israel, you need to meet certain criteria and provide the required documents. Here are the major conditions to be met to ensure that your application is approved.

• Valid passport : the passport is the major document for applying for an eTA IL. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your expected date of arrival in Israel.
• Return or onward ticket : you must prove that you will be leaving Israel at the end of your stay, with a return or onward ticket.
• Address for your stay in Israel : provide a valid address (hotel, temporary accommodation or a host's home).
• Proof of sufficient funds : although rarely requested, proof of financial resources may be required to ensure that you will be able to support yourself during your stay.
• Parental authorisation (for minors): if you are travelling with minor children, a letter of parental authorisation or guardianship may be required.

eTA IL eligibility criteria

To obtain an eTA IL, you must meet the following criteria:

• Reason for stay: the eTA IL is reserved for short-term stays (tourism, business, transit). For longer stays (work, study, etc.), a specific visa is required.
• Migration history: people with a history of being banned from entering Israel or with immigration problems in other countries may have their application rejected.
• No threat: you must guarantee that your visit will not pose a threat to Israel's public safety.
• Accurate information: any error or inconsistency in the application form (name, passport number, date of birth) may result in rejection of the eTA.

Steps to apply for an eTA IL visa online

Obtaining an eTA IL visa for Israel is quick and easy if you follow the right steps. Here is a detailed guide to applying online.

Step 1: Fill in the eTA IL form online

• Access the form on the official website or platform of your choice.
• Fill in the information requested:
  • Personal details: surname, first name, date of birth.
  • Passport details: number, date of issue, expiry date.
  • Reason for stay: tourism, business, transit, etc.
  • Address of intended stay in Israel (hotel, relative's home, etc.).
• Carefully check the information you have entered before moving on to the next stage.

Step 2: Pay the processing fee

• Once you have completed the form, you will be redirected to a secure payment page.
• Fees generally vary between USD 20 and USD 50, depending on the platform used.
• Use a valid bank card to complete the payment. A receipt will be sent to you by e-mail once the transaction has been completed.

Step 3: Receive confirmation and processing times

• Once your application has been validated, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your file.
• Processing time is generally 48 to 72 hours, but may vary depending on the period or the complexity of the application.
• Once approved, the IL eTA will be electronically linked to your passport. You will not need to print it out, but it is advisable to keep a digital or paper copy as a precaution.

How much does an eTA IL application cost?

There are administrative costs involved in applying for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA IL) for Israel. These costs may vary depending on whether you use the official website or a third-party platform. Here is an overview of the fees to be expected and the refund policies in the event of refusal.

• Standard cost via the official website: The administrative fee for an IL eTA application is 25 Israeli Shekels. This amount covers the processing of your file by the Israeli authorities.
• Method of payment: you must pay these fees online using a bank card when you submit your application. A receipt of payment will be sent to you by e-mail.

The official website offers the standard rate at no extra cost. This is the most economical and straightforward option for submitting your application.

Third-party platforms charge additional fees to simplify the process or provide personalised assistance. The total cost can be between USD 30 and USD 80, depending on the services included (multilingual assistance, verification of information, etc.). They can be useful for people who are unfamiliar with online administrative procedures.

The administration fee is non-refundable if your IL eTA application is rejected. This fee covers the processing of the application, whether it is accepted or not. Some platforms offer a partial or full refund policy if your application is rejected, but this depends on their terms and conditions of service. Check these conditions before submitting your application to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

If you make a mistake on your application: If you make a mistake on your form (passport number, date, etc.) and your eTA is rejected, you will have to submit a new application and pay the fee again.

Processing time for eTA IL Israel

Processing times for obtaining your eTA IL for Israel are generally fast, but it is important to be well organised to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here's what you need to know about processing times, stocks to be taken in the event of a delay, and the period of validity of the eTA.

Average processing time for eTA IL:

• Standard processing : the majority of IL eTA requests are processed within 48 to 72 hours of submission.
• Express processing: some third-party platforms or services may offer expedited processing, often in less than 24 hours, for an additional fee.

During peak tourist periods or in the event of technical problems, processing times may be extended. It is therefore advisable to apply at least one week before your departure.

Validity of the eTA IL: Duration and conditions for renewal

• Period of validity: an eTA IL is generally valid for 2 years from the date of approval or until the expiry of your passport, whichever is the earlier.
• Number of entries: the eTA IL allows multiple entries into Israel during its period of validity, provided that each stay does not exceed 90 consecutive days.
• Renewal : you cannot extend or renew an existing eTA. If it expires, you will need to submit a new application with a valid passport. If you obtain a new passport before your eTA expires, a new application will also be required, as the eTA is electronically linked to a specific passport.