For most Western travellers, entering Israel as a tourist is straightforward — but since 2025 there’s one extra step to do before you fly: the ETA-IL travel authorization. This is general guidance; always confirm the rules for your nationality with an official Israeli government source before booking, as requirements can change.
Visa-free entry
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, the EU/Schengen area, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries can visit Israel visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days — but visa-free no longer means paperwork-free. Travellers from these visa-exempt countries now need an ETA-IL (below) before travelling. Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt must instead arrange a B/2 visitor visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate in advance.
The ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization)
Since 1 January 2025, most visa-exempt travellers must obtain an ETA-IL — an Electronic Travel Authorization — before boarding a flight to Israel. It’s a quick online pre-screening, not a visa, and applies to citizens of the visa-exempt countries above (the US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia and many others). Israeli citizens and holders of an Israeli ID number don’t need one.
What to know:
- Where to apply: only through the official government portal, israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Apply directly — third-party sites add a markup for the same authorization.
- Cost: a government fee of ₪25 (about $7), paid by credit card. The online form takes roughly 10–15 minutes.
- When to apply: at least 72 hours before your flight. Most approvals are near-instant, but some take up to 72 hours — don’t leave it to the airport.
- Validity: once approved, it’s generally good for multiple trips for up to two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), each stay up to 90 days.
- What it does — and doesn’t: an approved ETA-IL lets you travel to the border. As with any country, the border officer makes the final decision on entry.
Fees, eligible countries and rules can change — always confirm the current details on the official ETA-IL portal before you travel.
The paper entry slip
Israel typically does not stamp passports at Ben Gurion Airport. Instead you’re given a small paper entry slip at passport control. Keep it safe — hotels may ask for it at check-in, and you may need it at internal checkpoints. The slip also keeps any Israel entry record out of your passport, which can simplify later travel to certain countries. For a full explanation of what the slip means, what happens at land borders, and how evidence of Israel travel affects future trips, see our dedicated Israeli passport stamp guide.
At the border
Expect security questions on arrival — about your trip, where you’re staying and whom you know in the country. This is routine; answer honestly and have your accommodation details handy. Your ETA-IL approval and a passport valid for at least six months are the documents to have ready. Carry your passport throughout your trip, as you’ll show ID at attractions and transport hubs.
Extending your stay & overland entry
If you need longer than your permitted stay, you can apply for an extension at a Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) office before your current authorization expires. See the full Israel tourist visa extension guide for the step-by-step process, required documents, fees and alternatives including the border-run option. If you’re entering overland from Jordan or Egypt, the ETA-IL requirement and procedures differ by crossing — see our border crossings guide.
Travelers who need a B/2 visa — including Chinese citizens
Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list — including China — must apply for a B/2 Tourist Visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate before travelling. The ETA-IL does not apply to Chinese passport holders. For a complete guide to the B/2 visa application process, flight options, payment practicalities, and Mandarin-speaking guide options, see our dedicated Israel for Chinese travelers guide.
Turkish nationals — mandatory PIBA security clearance
Turkish passport holders are not on Israel’s visa-exempt list and require a B/2 Tourist Visa. Since 2026, all Turkish nationals must additionally complete a mandatory PIBA (Population and Immigration Authority) security clearance before their visa can be approved — a step that extends processing time beyond a standard B/2 application.
If you hold a Turkish passport, apply well in advance of your intended travel date and confirm current clearance procedures directly with an Israeli embassy or consulate in Turkey, or via the official PIBA portal. Immigration policies can change; always verify before booking.
Filipino travellers — visa-exempt, ETA-IL required
Philippine passport holders are on Israel’s visa-exempt list — no visa application needed. However, since January 2025, Filipino citizens must obtain an ETA-IL (₪25) at iaa.gov.il at least 72 hours before travel. For the full Filipino-specific guide — flights from Manila, GCash in Israel, PhilHealth abroad, Catholic pilgrimage sites, and OFW-family visit logistics — see our dedicated Israel for Filipino travelers guide.
Working Holiday Visa (Australia, NZ, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, South Korea)
Citizens of six countries — Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, and South Korea — can apply for an Israeli Working Holiday Visa (WHV) that permits a stay of up to 12 months with the right to work legally. Unlike a tourist permit, the WHV requires a formal application at the Israeli Embassy in your home country before departure, and allows employment (with a maximum of three months per single employer). It is a genuine work-permitted stay, not an extended tourist visa. For full details — eligibility, the application process, what work is permitted, and how to plan 12 months in Israel — see the Israel Working Holiday Visa guide.
Before you go
Not sure which category applies to your passport? Use our Visa & ETA-IL checker for an instant result by nationality — covers 150+ countries.
Pair this with our first-time guide and read Is Israel safe to visit? for current-advice guidance. Sort the practical essentials too — an eSIM, travel insurance and your airport transfer — before you fly.