Citizens of the 99 countries eligible for short-term visa-free travel to Israel must now apply for an ETA-IL permit before traveling. Currently, the procedure for obtaining it is voluntary, but from January 1, 2025, it will become a mandatory condition for visiting the state. Find out what will change for visa-free travelers in Israel very soon

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Initially, the requirement to have an electronic travel permit for visa-free travelers to Israel was supposed to come into effect on August 1 of this year. However, the Israeli government decided to delay the implementation of the permit until January 1, 2025.

Therefore, while ETA-IL can be obtained voluntarily, let's find out what this new system is and how it will change the life of visa-free travelers already next year.

ETA-IL - what is this system?

Last April, the Israeli authorities announced the introduction of a new entry procedure for tourists from visa-free countries. This is a new system that requires travelers to obtain a special electronic entry permit before traveling to Israel.

These changes are aimed at improving border control and increasing the level of security in Israel.

When will the ETA-IL system be operational in Israel?

The ETA-IL system was launched in test mode on June 1, 2024 for US and German citizens. From July 1, 2024, tourists from 99 countries who enjoy the right to short-term visa-free travel have been given the opportunity to apply for an ETA-IL electronic travel permit. It was planned that the system would become mandatory from August 1, 2024, but the other day the Israeli government announced the extension of the test regime until January 1, 2025. The decision by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) came after multiple requests from airlines to allow additional time to prepare for the implementation of this new travel requirement.

How to immigrate to Israel we told earlier.

How to apply for ETA-IL to Israel?

To obtain an ETA-IL, visa-exempt tourists must complete an application on the website of the Population and Immigration Bureau (PIBA) via the link.

This is a short questionnaire, the filling of which will take no more than 10 minutes of your time. The system will offer to enter information in certain fields: profile data (name, date and place of birth), citizenship information, passport data, address, email address and phone number, education and work experience, criminal record, etc.

Be careful when filling out the application - entering incorrect data may lead to rejection. You will have the opportunity to review and correct any errors in the application before submitting it.

- When to apply: The authorities recommend applying at least 72 hours before arriving in Israel.

- When I receive an answer: you will receive a decision on the application immediately after submission, the permit will be sent to your e-mail address. We advise you to print the received permit, although this is not a mandatory requirement.

- What to do in case of rejection: if the application is rejected, contact the information center instead of resubmitting the same application.

- How long can you stay in Israel on the basis of ETA-IL: If approved, tourists and business travelers can stay in Israel for up to 90 days (per entry).

- How long is the ETA-IL permit valid: The permit is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first, and allows multiple trips to Israel.

Pay attention! Presenting a valid ETA-IL at border control does not guarantee automatic entry into Israel. The border guard will make the final decision based on the package of documents you have. The employee of the service has the right to refuse entry to any foreigner.

How much does it cost to get an ETA-IL permit in Israel?

During the pilot phase, which lasts until 31 December 2024, obtaining an ETA-IL is voluntary and free of charge. From January 1, 2025, obtaining an ETA-IL authorization will be mandatory before traveling to Israel. As of this date, there will be an application fee and the ETA-IL price will be NIS 25 (approximately US$7 at the current exchange rate).

Importantly! If you plan to visit Israel within the next two years, you can apply for an ETA-IL during the trial period, before the state fees are imposed.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Who needs an ETA-IL to enter Israel?

An ETA-IL permit for travel to Israel is required for foreigners traveling to Israel for the purpose of travel, visiting family, friends or business from the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia , Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico , Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

What will change in the entry procedure to Israel with the introduction of the ETA-IL system?

It is expected that after the implementation of the system, border control in Israel will become stricter. From now on, more attention will be paid to the accurate classification of travel purposes, such as tourism, business and work. This is likely to result in the denial of entry to individuals attempting to enter Israel as business visitors with the intention of working in the country.

Requirements and employment programs for foreigners in Israel at the link.

It is already clear that the ETA-IL system will change the lives of many foreigners entering Israel. However, it is possible that the date of implementation of the ETA system may be postponed.

Therefore, follow the latest information from the world of travel and migration on the Visit World portal in the "News" section.

We will remind you! In October 2024, the ETIAS system will become operational in the European Union, according to which the rules of travel will change for 1.4 billion people from 60 countries of the world. From now on, citizens of countries that previously entered the Schengen area on the basis of a visa-free visa will need to have an ETIAS permit to enter European countries. More details in this material.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To ensure a safe move to Israel, consult a migration specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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