How Much Does the eTA Israel Cost
The official eTA Israel fee is 25 ILS (Israeli New Shekel). In other major currencies, this equals approximately:
| Currency | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Israeli Shekel (ILS) | 25 ILS |
| US Dollar (USD) | $7 |
| Euro (EUR) | €6.50 |
| British Pound (GBP) | £5.50 |
| Australian Dollar (AUD) | A$10 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | C$9 |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | ¥1,050 |
This fee is paid online during the application process using a Visa or Mastercard. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Are there any hidden fees for the eTA Israel?
The 25 ILS fee is the only official government charge. There are no additional processing, service, or hidden fees when you apply through the official portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge $50-$100 or more for the same service.
Payment Methods Accepted
The official eTA Israel portal accepts:
- Visa credit and debit cards
- Mastercard credit and debit cards
Other payment methods such as American Express, PayPal, bank transfers, or cryptocurrency are not accepted. If you do not have a Visa or Mastercard, consider using a prepaid Visa or Mastercard from your bank.
eTA Israel Processing Time
Most eTA Israel applications are processed quickly. Here are the typical timelines:
Standard Processing
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard application | 1 to 72 hours |
| Peak travel season (holidays) | Up to 72 hours |
| Weekend applications | May be longer (processed next business day) |
Most travelers report receiving their eTA Israel approval within a few hours. However, some applications may take up to 72 hours or longer if additional screening is required.
When to Apply
It is recommended to apply for your eTA Israel at least 72 hours before your departure. This provides a buffer in case of:
- Processing delays
- Application errors requiring correction
- Additional screening requirements
- Technical issues with the portal
Can I get an eTA Israel urgently or on the same day?
There is no official expedited processing option for the eTA Israel. All applications go through the same standard process. While many are approved within hours, there is no guarantee of same-day processing. Always apply at least 72 hours before travel.
Factors That Can Delay Processing
Several factors can cause your eTA Israel application to take longer:
- Incomplete information – Missing or incorrect details may require manual review
- Security screening – Applications flagged for additional security checks take longer
- Name matches – If your name matches someone on a watchlist, extra verification is needed
- Previous immigration issues – Past visa denials or deportations in Israel can trigger delays
- High application volume – During peak travel seasons (summer, Jewish holidays), processing may be slower
- Technical issues – Occasional portal maintenance or outages
How to Check Your eTA Israel Application Status
After submitting your application, you can check its status by:
- Logging into your account on the official portal
- Checking your email for status update notifications
- Looking for the approval email in your spam/junk folder
Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Application received, under review |
| Approved | eTA Israel granted, check email for details |
| Denied | Application rejected, see reason in email |
| Additional Information Required | More details needed before decision |
eTA Israel Validity Period
Once approved, your eTA Israel is valid for:
- 2 years from the date of issue, OR
- Until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
During the validity period, you can make multiple visits to Israel, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.
What Invalidates Your eTA Israel
Your eTA Israel becomes invalid if:
- Your passport expires
- You get a new passport (even if your old one has not expired)
- Your eTA Israel reaches its 2-year expiry
- It is revoked by Israeli authorities
If any of these occur, you must apply for a new eTA Israel.
Comparison with Similar Programs
How does the eTA Israel cost and processing compare to other electronic travel authorizations?
| Program | Cost | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTA Israel (ETA-IL) | 25 ILS (~$7) | 1-72 hours | 2 years |
| US ESTA | $21 | Up to 72 hours | 2 years |
| Canada eTA | CAD $7 | Minutes to days | 5 years |
| Australia ETA | AUD $20 | Minutes to days | 1 year |
| New Zealand NZeTA | NZD $17-23 | Up to 72 hours | 2 years |
| Sri Lanka ETA | $50 | 24-48 hours | 30 days |
The eTA Israel is one of the most affordable electronic travel authorizations globally.
Refund Policy
The 25 ILS eTA Israel fee is non-refundable. This applies to:
- Denied applications
- Withdrawn applications
- Duplicate applications (apply twice by mistake)
- Changed travel plans
This is standard practice worldwide. The US ESTA, Canada eTA, and Australia ETA all have similar non-refundable fee policies.
What if I accidentally submitted two eTA Israel applications?
If you submit duplicate applications, only the most recent one will be active. The fee for the duplicate application is not refunded. Always check your application status before submitting a new one.
Tips to Save Money and Time
- Apply directly through the official portal – Avoid third-party services that charge extra
- Double-check your application – Errors lead to delays and potential re-application fees
- Use a passport with long validity – Ensures your eTA Israel remains valid for the full 2 years
- Apply during off-peak times – Weekday mornings may see faster processing
- Keep your confirmation email – No need to re-apply if you can access your original approval
