INFO: Israel has a new ETA-IL requirement for visitors

UPDATED!!

This is BIG, important news for anyone planning to visit Israel who holds a passport that doesn't require applying for a visa in advance.

Israel is instituting a new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement.

This means that while you don't need to apply for a visa at the embassy/consulate, you DO need to apply for an ETA before you book your flight. You will NOT be able to get on a flight to Israel without a valid ETA-IL.

This requirement goes into effect on January 1, 2025

(If you have a teudat zehut or Israeli passport, this DOES NOT apply to you!)

Click here to learn all about it: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/home-page/

In short, you now need to apply for an ETA-IL before you book a flight - it remains valid for 2 years from the date of issue. The ETA costs 25 NIS. If someone tries to charge you more than 25 NIS, they aren't the official site and you should NOT use their services. Do it yourself here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/home-page/

Hope this helps your trip go smoothly! 

Be sure to support all the businesses in the North of Israel when you come. Many have been struggling to survive since the onset of the war in October 2023. Now that things are quiet - everyone needs your support!

Come find me and my family at the Safed Puzzle Room, Tzfat's flagship escape room game! Find out more at https://safedpuzzleroom.com 

Find me on Facebook

If you want to find (and share!) shopping deals, please join my deals groups on Facebook: 

Kosher Frugal

Israeli Shopping Overseas 

Live in Israel, Shop Online 

Israel Deals Made Easy (in English) 

I'm also on WhatsApp with an opt-in group where you'll get links to deals I find. Only admins can post.

ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization for incoming tourists to Israel

This is BIG, important news for anyone planning to visit Israel who holds a passport that doesn't require applying for a visa in advance.

Israel is instituting a new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement.

This means that while you don't need to apply for a visa at the embassy/consulate, you DO need to apply for an ETA before you book your flight. You will NOT be able to get on a flight to Israel without a valid ETA-IL.

(If you have a teudat zehut or Israeli passport, this DOES NOT apply to you!)

Click here to learn all about it

In short, you now need to apply for an ETA-IL before you book a flight - it remains valid for 2 years from the date of issue. The ETA will cost 25 NIS.

The ETA pilot phase begins on June 1, for US and German passport holders. During the pilot phase, the fee is WAIVED.

So if you want your first ETA-IL for free, and you hold an eligible passport - apply during the month of June! You don't have to have a trip planned to get yours, and it will make it easier for you to spontaneously buy tickets when you see a deal you like later.

After the pilot phase, the system will be open to everyone who holds a passport from a country that is exempt from an advance visa. The ETA-IL will cost 25 NIS and is non-refundable, but it is valid for 2 years, provided your passport doesn't expire or get changed.

Click here to enter the ETA-IL application system

So if you know US or German passport holders who plan to visit in the next 2 years - pass this post along to them, so they can apply for an ETA-IL between June 1 and June 30, and avoid the fee this time!

More ideas for bringing Israel home!

this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. thanks for your support!

Good morning! My last post was about buying those special Judaica pieces that you usually buy when you visit Israel, without getting on a plane.

Some people prefer to buy Israeli jewelry! And guess what? You can do that, too - AND get that Amazon convenience. So go ahead, buy an Israeli gift, support an Israeli jeweler, and do it without traveling (because traveling to Jerusalem is just out of the question right now)!

Here's a talented Israeli jeweler with an Amazon storefront: PZ Jewelry

You know you need to check this page out and see the beautiful designs!