From the Israel Visa Waiver Program to the New ETA IL – What You Need to Know
For many years, Israel has operated a visa waiver program that allowed citizens of select countries, including the UK, the EU, the US, and other nations, to enter the country for short stays without the need for a visa. This program provided tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family with easy, visa-free access to Israel for up to 90 days.
However, as global travel security and border control measures evolve, Israel is transitioning to a more streamlined and secure process with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA IL) system. In this article, we’ll look at the old visa waiver program and explain what the new ETA IL means for travelers.
The Old Israel Visa Waiver Program
The Israel visa waiver program has long been one of the most convenient aspects of traveling to the country for short-term visits. The program allowed passport holders from over 100 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and most of Europe, to stay in Israel for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa.
Key Features of the Israel Visa Waiver Program
Visa-Free Travel for Short Stays: Travelers from visa-exempt countries could enter Israel without prior visa applications or authorizations. This made it convenient for tourists, businesspeople, and families visiting the Holy Land.
90-Day Stay Limit: Under the waiver program, visitors could remain in Israel for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Longer stays for work, study, or religious purposes required specific visas.
Simple Entry Requirements: Travelers only needed a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay, proof of onward or return travel, and sometimes evidence of sufficient funds.
On-the-Spot Entry Decisions: Entry was largely decided at the point of arrival by immigration officers, who might ask some security-related questions but generally allowed smooth entry for most travelers from visa-exempt countries.
Blue Entry Card Instead of Stamping Passports: To avoid stamping passports, especially for travelers who also visit other Middle Eastern countries, Israeli border control issued a blue entry card upon arrival. This card served as proof of legal entry and needed to be shown when leaving the country.
Why the Transition to the Israel ETA IL?
As global security concerns increase, many countries are moving toward digital travel authorization systems for better control over who enters and exits their borders. These systems, like the US’s ESTA or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS, allow for pre-screening of travelers before they even board a plane. Israel’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA IL) system is part of this global trend.
Motivations Behind the Change
Enhanced Security Measures: Pre-screening visitors through the ETA system allows Israeli authorities to better assess potential risks and ensure that security concerns are addressed before travelers arrive in the country. This proactive approach can help identify individuals who may pose a threat or have criminal backgrounds which was not possible with the old Israel Visa waiver program.
Streamlining Entry for Tourists: While the visa waiver program was straightforward, border control in Israel can involve detailed questioning and sometimes lengthy wait times. With the ETA IL system, many of these checks can be automated, allowing for faster and smoother entry processes at Israeli airports and land borders.
Modernization of Travel Processes: The introduction of the ETA IL brings Israel in line with many other countries that have already adopted electronic authorization systems. The shift to a digital platform is part of a global movement to modernize and secure borders in a post-pandemic world.
The Introduction of the ETA IL
What is the ETA IL? The ETA IL is an online pre-travel authorization that will allow travelers from visa-exempt countries to visit Israel for short stays (up to 90 days). This system is designed to be quick and easy but serves as a more secure method for allowing entry into the country. It was mainly implemented to further secure Israels borders and to screen tourists before they even arrive in the country.
Who Needs to Apply? Citizens of countries that previously benefited from the visa waiver program, including the UK, US, Canada, EU countries, and many others, will now need to apply for an ETA before traveling to Israel for tourism, business, or short-term family visits. You can find all eligible countries HERE.
How to Apply for the ETA IL: The ETA IL application process is completed online, much like the US’s ESTA or Canada’s eTA systems. Travelers will need to:
Fill out the ONLINE FORM with personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
Answer a few security-related questions.
Pay a small processing fee
When to Apply: It is recommended that travelers apply for their ETA IL at least 4 days before departure. In many cases, approval will be almost immediate, but giving yourself a few days ensures enough time in case further checks are required.
Validity of the ETA IL: Once granted, the ETA IL is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period. However, individual visits will still be capped at 90 days. This means you can use your ETA IL for multiple trips to Israel without needing to reapply each time, as long as the authorization remains valid. On the other hand you can not extend your ETA-IL if it happens to run out while you are in the country, in that instance check our other article here.
Exemptions: The ETA IL is meant for tourist and business travelers. Those planning to work, study, or stay for extended periods (over 90 days) will still need to apply for a traditional visa through an Israeli consulate.
Conclusion
The new ETA IL introduced in 2025 enhances the previous visa waiver program by streamlining the application process, reducing wait times, and improving security measures. It offers a fully digital solution that simplifies entry for travelers, making it faster and more efficient than the old visa system.
