Passengers arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport on November 20, 2022. (Photo by Ali Leib Abrams/Flash90)
Israel has introduced a new ETA-IL system (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel), which will be mandatory from August 1, 2024. This streamlined process is designed to speed up and ease travel approval for visitors from visa-exempt countries. The Ministry of Interior’s Israel Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) is overseeing the effort, allowing eligible travelers to obtain permission to visit Israel and stay for up to 90 days on a B-2 tourist visa.
However, there are potentially serious problems with this new system, including an increase in denials of entry and false denials of applicants. In general, there is a looming danger that the government will reject electronic applications for arbitrary reasons or with bias. And, more importantly, the Ministry of Interior still needs to implement an appeals procedure whereby those whose applications have been rejected can request a review. Finally, it must be emphasized that Israeli border patrol officers still have the power to deny entry to Israel upon arrival in cases of suspected illegal immigration or with broad discretion.
What is ETA-IL? New requirements before entering Israel
ETA-IL is an innovative Electronic Travel Authorization System that simplifies the entry process for tourists and business travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Israel. The new system supports Israel’s economic growth by increasing the efficiency of travel processing and making it easier for international travelers to explore business and leisure opportunities. Similar to the ESTA required for tourists visiting the US, ETA-IL requires an online application to be submitted a few days before the flight. The application fee is 25 NIS and is valid for two years once approved.
Main advantages of the ETA-IL system
Quick and easy application: The ETA-IL system offers a simple application process that can be completed online.
Fewer Israeli refusals at Ben Gurion Airport: In a normal year, before the COVID-19 pandemic and the War of the Iron Sword, approximately 20,000 tourists would be denied entry at Israeli border checkpoints upon arrival. Obviously, these refusals are humiliating for foreign tourists and costly for the State of Israel. ETA-IL allows for pre-approval of entry into Israel, which hopefully reduces the number of refusals.
Fast Approval: Most applicants receive travel authorization almost immediately. In some cases, it can take up to 72 hours.
Longer Stays: Travelers approved through the ETA-IL system can stay in Israel for up to 90 days, allowing ample time for business or tourism.
Could there be problems with the ETA-IL system?
It is too early to precisely assess the problems of the use of the ETA-IL system by the Israel Immigration Authorities. However, based on experience in this field, there are some significant concerns. First, all new systems have problems and applications may be unfairly rejected. Second, the reasons for refusal are unclear and the appeal procedure is still unclear. The number of rejected applications may increase. Third, visitors may be denied entry to Israel upon arrival at an Israeli border checkpoint (usually Ben Gurion International Airport) if the Immigration Authorities doubt the purpose of the visit. Fourth, the number of rejected applications may increase, since, overall, online application rejections are more accessible than restricting the entry of tourists who have already arrived.
Example of approval notice (if identification information has been changed)
Step-by-step guide to ETA-IL application
Step 1: Gather everything you need
A valid passport from a visa-exempt country.
Flight details.
A valid email address.
Payment method (Visa®, Mastercard®, or American Express®) for the 25 NIS fee (non-refundable once applied).
Step 2: Apply for ETA-IL
Please provide accurate details in the ETA-IL application form.
You will pay a fee of 25 NIS (application is free during the pilot period).
Please submit your application.
Step 3: Wait for a response
Step 4: Receive your results
If approved, you will receive an email with your ETA-IL number, start date, and terms and conditions. Please keep a copy of this message for the duration of your stay in Israel.
If any additional information is required, we will contact you with instructions.
If your application is rejected, you will receive an email advising you to contact our Help Center for more information and to follow up on your application. Please do not submit an additional application as this will not affect your outcome. As mentioned above, there is currently no formal appeals procedure in place, but this may be introduced shortly.
Supporting economic growth and tourism
The ETA-IL system is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israel’s tourism and business travel sector. By simplifying entry procedures, Israel aims to attract more tourists, thereby boosting the local economy. The system benefits tourists and supports businesses by facilitating access for international customers, partners and investors.
Conclusion – Only time will tell how the ETA-IL system is implemented
The ETA-IL system holds great potential, but it also poses potential dangers and problems. The Israeli Ministry of Interior has positioned the system as a revolution in travel to Israel, allowing travelers from visa-exempt countries to quickly, easily, and efficiently obtain travel authorization. However, it remains to be seen whether the system will be used fairly and equitably, or whether it will lead to an increase in the number of refusals and make it much more difficult to challenge refusals to enter Israel.
