New ETA Visa Israel Postponed to January 2025 – What You Need to Know
The highly anticipated launch of the new ETA Visa Israel has been postponed from August 2024 to January 2025.
While this delay might seem like an inconvenience, there’s some good news. Nationals from the United States and Germany can still apply for the ETA Visa for Israel free of charge as part of the pilot program. Here’s what you need to know about the postponed launch and how it might affect your travel plans.
What is the ETA Visa Israel?
The ETA Visa for Israel is a new digital travel permit that will allow foreign nationals from certain countries to enter Israel. Countries that had Visa free entry to Israel before have to apply for the mandatory ETA-IL before they travel to Israel. The Israel Evisa will be implemented to further secure Israels borders and register tourists electronically before they even arrive in the country. It is also meant to speed up the immigration process at the borders.
Postponement – From August 2024 to January 2025
Originally, the ETA system was slated for an August 2024 rollout, just in time for the high tourist season. However, the Israeli authorities have now pushed back the official launch date to January 2025. The decision to postpone stems from a need to ensure that the system is fully optimized, secure, and ready for a seamless user experience. While this may be a setback for travelers who were eager to take advantage of the ETA process, the delay is intended to enhance the overall functionality of the visa application system.
Who Will Need the ETA Visa for Israel?
The ETA Visa will be mandatory for citizens of many countries once implemented. You can find all eligible countries HERE.
How Will the Postponement Affect Travelers?
The primary impact of this postponement is that travelers who were planning to visit Israel after August 2024 will still need to use the current visa process until the new ETA system goes live in January 2025. For many, this means going through the traditional visa application procedures, which can be more time-consuming compared to the streamlined ETA system.
Preparing for January 2025
If you’re planning to visit Israel, it’s essential to keep the new January 2025 ETA Visa launch in mind. Until then, be prepared to follow the existing visa procedures if you intend to visit Israel before the ETA system goes live.
For now, mark your calendars and stay updated on any further announcements regarding the ETA Visa for Israel. This new system will revolutionize the way travelers enter Israel, making the journey smoother and more efficient.
