Israel ETA IL 2025 – Data Security and Privacy

In January 2025, Israel is launching its new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, known as the “Israel ETA,” designed to streamline entry for tourists and short-term visitors from eligible countries. This move reflects Israel’s focus on digitizing travel processes, making it easier for visitors to apply online and, in most cases, avoid the need for a traditional visa.

However, for many travelers, the convenience of an online application also raises important questions about privacy, data security, and how personal information is managed in the process. In this post, we’ll dive into what travelers need to know about how long Israel will retain their data and the measures in place to protect it.

What Is the Israel ETA and How Does It Work?

The Israel ETA system will allow eligible travelers to apply for entry authorization online before arriving in the country. This system provides a simpler and faster alternative to traditional visa applications and will likely apply to tourists and short-term visitors from specified countries.

Travelers will submit their personal information, passport details, and travel history through an online portal. Once the application is reviewed and approved, travelers receive an ETA, typically valid for 90 days from the date of approval. The ease of use and automation is a major plus for tourists, but it’s natural to wonder about what happens to your personal information once it’s submitted.

Data Retention – How Long Will Israel Keep Your Information?

Israel’s ETA program will store applicant data for a defined period, allowing for immigration processing, security screening, and record-keeping. Here’s what we know about the retention period:

Standard Retention Period: Initial guidelines indicate that personal data submitted through the ETA system will be kept for up to 5 years after the authorization’s expiration. This period aligns with the global standards set by similar ETA and e-visa systems worldwide, allowing Israeli authorities to use the data for security, statistical, and administrative purposes.

Extended Retention in Exceptional Cases: In cases where security alerts or red flags are associated with a specific traveler, Israeli authorities may retain the data beyond the standard 5-year period. This extended retention period is reserved for cases that require ongoing monitoring, investigation, or record-keeping due to national security concerns.

Automatic Data Deletion: For most applicants, the data will be automatically deleted from Israeli immigration systems after the 5-year period. This ensures that the majority of travelers’ data isn’t kept unnecessarily, limiting exposure and privacy risks over time.

How Israel Secures Your Data – Privacy Measures and Technologies in Place

Security and data privacy are top concerns for any digital immigration system, and Israel’s ETA program incorporates multiple layers of security to safeguard personal data. The data you submit undergoes stringent protection protocols, including:

End-to-End Encryption: From the moment you submit your application, your data is encrypted using advanced encryption technology, both in transit (as it moves to Israel’s servers) and at rest (when stored in Israeli databases). Encryption keeps your information secure from unauthorized access, ensuring only relevant immigration officials can view it.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The online portal for the ETA system will require multi-factor authentication for account access, meaning applicants will need more than just a password to log in. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and protects sensitive data from online breaches.

Advanced Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: Israel’s ETA system uses advanced firewall protections and real-time intrusion detection systems. These technologies monitor for suspicious activity and immediately alert security teams to potential threats, keeping stored data secure from cyber-attacks.

Regular Security Audits and Compliance: To comply with global data protection standards, Israel conducts regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on its immigration systems. The system is designed to follow international standards, including GDPR-like protocols for data protection and privacy, ensuring that data storage and processing practices are regularly reviewed and updated.

Controlled Access: Only authorized personnel with appropriate security clearance have access to the data collected through the ETA system. Access control protocols restrict viewing privileges, meaning your information is handled only by officials directly involved in processing or reviewing applications.

Transparency and Your Rights – Accessing or Deleting Your Data

Israel’s ETA program also supports transparency by allowing travelers to review or, in some cases, request deletion of their data if they believe it is no longer necessary for Israel’s immigration purposes. Here’s how it works:

Data Access Requests: Travelers can request information on how their data is being used or stored. If you’re concerned about what specific information has been retained, you can submit an access request to relevant Israeli immigration authorities.

Data Deletion Requests: While Israel retains data for a set period, travelers may have the right to request data deletion sooner if they believe their data is no longer relevant or poses a privacy concern. Although this is not guaranteed and is subject to immigration and security policies, it’s a useful option for travelers who wish to assert control over their personal information.

How to Apply for an ETA IL

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the ETA IL when it launches in January 2025:

Complete the online form – Each applicant must provide personal details such as full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information.

Upload required documents – A passport photo and potentially other supporting documents will be required.

Pay the application fee – There will be a non-refundable fee for each application, payable online.

Submit your application – Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation of your ETA status, typically within a few days.

It’s important to apply for the ETA IL well in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.