Quick answer: U.S. citizens need an approved ETA-IL before traveling to Israel for a short tourism or business visit. The authorization costs 25 NIS, is valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Each traveler needs a separate ETA-IL, including infants and children. The approval is linked to the passport used in the application.
Apply at least 72 hours before departure. An approved ETA-IL allows you to travel to the border, but the border officer makes the final decision on entry.
Need Help With Your Application?
iVisa guides you through the form, reviews your application for errors, and submits it to the Israeli authorities on your behalf.
Our role: U.S. Passport Service Guide is not a government agency. We explain the requirements and show you how to apply directly or use a paid service. We may earn a commission from sponsored links.
On This Page
- Israel ETA-IL requirements at a glance
- Rules to double-check before applying
- How to apply for an ETA-IL
- Arrival in Israel and the blue entry card
- When an ETA-IL is not the right document
- Frequently asked questions
Israel ETA-IL Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | What U.S. Travelers Need |
|---|---|
| Travel authorization | An approved ETA-IL before departure for eligible short tourism or business visits. |
| Government fee | 25 NIS. The application fee is non-refundable. |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per visit. The border officer determines the permitted stay at entry. |
| Passport validity | The U.S. State Department says a U.S. passport must be valid for 90 days at the time of entry. |
| Blank passport page | 1 blank page is required for entry formalities, although U.S. passports are normally not stamped. |
| Decision time | PIBA says applicants can expect a response within 72 hours. |
| Children | Every traveler needs a separate ETA-IL linked to an individual passport, including infants and children. |
| Transit | An ETA-IL is not required when you remain in airport transit and do not pass through Israeli border control. You need one if you enter Israel. |
Before You Apply, Double-Check These Rules
- The 2-year validity does not allow a 2-year stay. Each visit is limited to 90 days or less.
- The ETA-IL is tied to one passport. A new passport requires a new application.
- Every child needs a separate application and passport.
- A valid Israeli visa, Israeli citizenship, or an Israeli identity number may make an ETA-IL unnecessary.
- An ETA-IL covers short tourism and business visits. It does not replace a work, study, or long-stay visa.
- If you apply directly, use the official website ending in gov.il. The government system sends a payment receipt and an application email.
How to Apply for an Israel ETA-IL
Applying directly through Israel's Population and Immigration Authority avoids a service fee. You enter the information, check the form, and monitor the application yourself. iVisa guides you through the form, reviews the application, and submits it to the Israeli authorities.
What to Prepare
- A valid U.S. passport.
- An email address you check regularly.
- Your travel information.
- Your personal and passport information.
- A Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card for the 25 NIS government fee when applying directly.
Application Steps
- Verify your email and start the form. Use an email address you can access during the application and before travel.
- Enter your information. Provide the requested travel, personal, and passport details and answer the eligibility questions.
- Review and pay. Check the information carefully before submitting, then pay the 25 NIS government fee.
- Watch for the decision. PIBA sends the status to the email used for the application. Once approved, the ETA-IL is linked electronically to your passport.
Check These Details Before You Submit
- Your name, date of birth, and passport number match the passport exactly.
- The passport will still be valid for at least 90 days when you enter Israel.
- You used the passport you plan to carry on the trip.
- Your email address is correct.
- The trip is for an activity allowed under an ETA-IL.
- You submitted a separate application for every traveler.
When to apply: Apply at least 72 hours before departure. We recommend applying a week or more before travel so there is time to fix a problem before your flight.
Already applied? Check your email and spam folder for the receipt and decision. If an approved direct application exists, you can use the official resend-confirmation page. For technical help, contact the ETA-IL service center at eta@piba.gov.il.
You can correct the direct application before it is submitted. Review the information carefully because changes after submission may require another application.
Arrival in Israel: Keep the Blue Entry Card
An ETA-IL allows you to travel to Israel, but it does not guarantee admission. You will still pass through border control, and the officer makes the final decision on entry and length of stay.
Israeli authorities normally do not stamp U.S. passports at entry. After passport control, travelers are issued a blue entry card. Keep the card with your passport during the trip because it is your record of legal entry.
The Israel Airports Authority confirms that passengers receive a blue entry card at passport control.
When an ETA-IL Is Not the Right Document
Work, Study, and Longer Stays
An ETA-IL is for short tourism and business visits. Employment, study, and other long-term activities require the appropriate Israeli visa or permit. Do not assume unpaid volunteer work is covered; confirm the correct status before applying.
Valid Israeli Visa or Israeli Citizenship
You do not need an ETA-IL if you already hold a valid Israeli visa that covers the trip. Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identity number are also exempt. Dual U.S.-Israeli citizens should follow Israel's current rules for entering and departing with Israeli travel documents.
Transit Without Entering Israel
Travelers who remain in the international transit area and do not pass through Israeli border control do not need an ETA-IL. If your itinerary requires you to clear immigration, collect luggage, change airports, or otherwise enter Israel, obtain the ETA-IL before departure.
U.S. Citizens With Palestinian Authority Documents
Additional procedures may apply to U.S. citizens who hold a Palestinian Authority ID or passport or are listed in a Palestinian population registry. Review the current U.S. State Department entry guidance before travel.
Check conditions before departure: Review the current U.S. State Department travel advisory and entry information. Security conditions, flights, and access to border crossings can change.
Israel ETA-IL Frequently Asked Questions
No. An ETA-IL is a travel authorization for eligible visitors from visa-exempt countries. It allows you to travel to Israel for a short visit, but border control still makes the final decision on admission.
Yes. Every traveler needs a separate ETA-IL linked to that traveler's own passport, including infants and children.
You must apply for a new ETA-IL if you receive a new passport or change your name, gender, or country of citizenship.
No. Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli identity number do not need an ETA-IL. Dual U.S.-Israeli citizens should follow Israel's rules for entering and departing with Israeli travel documents.
An ETA-IL is for short tourism and business visits. It does not authorize employment, study, or other long-term activity. Travelers planning volunteer work should confirm the correct status with the Israeli authorities before applying.
Check your spam folder first. If you applied directly and an approved application exists, use the official resend-confirmation page. For help, contact the ETA-IL service center at eta@piba.gov.il.
Apply With iVisa
iVisa can review your form before submitting the ETA-IL application to the Israeli authorities.
How we checked this page: We compared Israel's current ETA-IL and entry guidance with U.S. State Department and Israel Airports Authority information.
Last reviewed: August 3, 2026.
