Step 1: Visit the Official eTA Israel Portal
To apply for your eTA Israel, you must use the official portal operated by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). The official website is:
israel-entry.piba.gov.il
Beware of unofficial websites that charge inflated fees for the same service. The official government fee is only 25 ILS (approximately $7 USD). Third-party services may charge $50-$100 or more for what you can do yourself in minutes.
Is it safe to apply through third-party eTA Israel services?
While some third-party services are legitimate, they charge significantly more than the official fee. The official portal is secure, available in English, and straightforward to use. We recommend applying directly through the government website.
Step 2: Create Your Account
On the official portal, you will need to:
- Click “Apply for an ETA-IL” on the homepage
- Enter your email address
- Create a secure password
- Verify your email address through the confirmation link sent to your inbox
The portal supports multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, and Hebrew.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Information
The eTA Israel application form requires the following personal details:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Country of birth
- Current residential address
- Email address
- Phone number
Important: All information must match your passport exactly. Even minor spelling differences can result in delays or denial.
Step 4: Enter Passport Details
You will need to provide:
- Passport number
- Passport issuing country
- Date of issue
- Date of expiry
- Passport type (ordinary, diplomatic, service)
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Israel. While there is no strict 6-month validity rule published by PIBA, most airlines and travel experts recommend at least 6 months remaining validity.
Can I apply with a temporary or emergency passport?
The eTA Israel system accepts standard passports. If you are traveling on a temporary or emergency passport, contact the Israeli embassy or consulate in your country before applying, as special procedures may apply.
Step 5: Provide Travel Information
The application asks for basic travel details:
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, other)
- Intended date of arrival in Israel
- Accommodation details (hotel name or host address)
- Contact information in Israel (if available)
You do not need to have a confirmed flight or hotel booking to apply. Estimates are acceptable for the application.
Step 6: Answer Security Questions
The eTA Israel form includes several security-related questions about:
- Criminal history
- Previous visa refusals or deportations
- Health-related declarations
- Travel to certain countries in recent years
Answer all questions truthfully. Providing false information can result in permanent denial and future visa ineligibility.
Step 7: Pay the eTA Israel Fee
The official fee is 25 ILS (Israeli New Shekel), which is approximately:
- $7 USD
- 6.50 EUR
- 5.50 GBP
- 10 AUD
Payment methods accepted:
- Visa credit/debit card
- Mastercard credit/debit card
The payment is processed securely through the government portal.
Is the eTA Israel fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The 25 ILS fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. This is standard practice for electronic travel authorizations worldwide, including the US ESTA and Canada eTA.
Step 8: Submit and Wait for Approval
After submitting your application:
- You will receive an email confirming your submission
- Most applications are processed within a few hours to 72 hours
- You will receive an email notification when your eTA Israel is approved
- The approval email will contain your authorization number
Processing Time Expectations
| Scenario | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard application | 1-72 hours |
| Peak travel season | Up to 72 hours |
| Incomplete application | Additional days (may require resubmission) |
| Applications requiring review | Up to 2 weeks |
Step 9: Verify Your eTA Israel Approval
Once you receive your approval email:
- Check that all details match your passport
- Note the expiry date of your eTA Israel
- Save the authorization number
- Take a screenshot or save the email for offline access
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Name mismatch – Ensure your name matches your passport exactly, including middle names
- Wrong passport number – Double-check every digit
- Expired passport – Your passport must be valid for your trip duration
- Incorrect email address – You need access to this email for your approval
- Rushing through security questions – Read each question carefully before answering
What If My eTA Israel Application Is Denied?
If your application is denied, you have two options:
- Apply for a traditional visa – Visit your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate
- Reapply – Only if the denial was due to a correctable error in your application
Common denial reasons include inaccurate information, passport validity issues, or security concerns identified during screening.
For more details on costs and timelines, see our guide on eTA Israel Cost and Processing Time.
