Israel Introduces Paid Electronic Entry Permits from 1 January
Starting tomorrow, 1 January 2025, all tourists visiting Israel will need a visa or ETA-IL permit. The ETA-IL permit costs 25 shekels (about $7) per person; each person planning a visit will have to apply separately. Exceptions will be made for Israeli citizens or those with an Israeli identification number, according to The Times of Israel.
Those who have two citizenships, if one of them is Israeli, can travel to Israel with their passports until 31 December 2025, and then they will need an ETA-IL permit.
As of 1 January, foreign travellers from the United States, European Union member states, and dozens of other visa-free countries must submit an online application for digital authorisation before travelling as a requirement to enter Israel. Previously, visitors from visa-free countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and EU member states were able to visit the country without a permit.
The electronic travel permit, called ETA-IL, costs NIS 25 (USD 6.80) and applies to business, leisure or tourist visitors wishing to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority advises that you apply for a travel permit at least 72 hours in advance of booking airline tickets, hotel rooms and other similar expenses related to your planned trip to Israel.
After filling out the online application form with information about the person, length of stay and reason for travel, a response is sent by email within 24-72 hours. The electronic authorisation is valid for multiple trips to and from Israel for two years or until the traveller's passport expires. To obtain a new passport or change your name or gender, you must apply for a new travel authorisation.
Most foreign airlines have suspended their flights to and from Israel, and airfares for available flights have increased amid the ongoing war with the Hamas terrorist group and rising geopolitical tensions. Israel is currently continuing to implement new entry rules, which places another burden on foreign nationals wishing to visit the country despite the war.