ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization): American citizen in United States → Israel
US citizens are visa-exempt for Israel — the official visa table lists United States of America passports as "Exempted" — but since January 2025 they must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before travel: 25 NIS, valid for multiple trips over up to two years, with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Visa-exempt travellers to Israel do not need a visa but must obtain an ETA-IL online before travelling (required since January 2025). An approved ETA-IL lets you stay up to 90 days per visit and is valid for multiple trips over up to two years, or until your passport expires.
- Validity
- Valid for multiple trips over a period of up to two years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first
- Entries
- Multiple entry
- Max stay per visit
- Up to 90 days per visit
When to start
Start 3–7 days before your travel date.
The official State of Israel B/2 visa table lists United States of America passports as "Exempted" — you do not need a B/2 visa. Since January 2025, citizens from visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before travelling to Israel.
Have ready a passport issued by a visa-exempt country valid for the duration of your stay, a valid email address and a payment method (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) for the 25 NIS fee.
Complete the ETA-IL application form on the official Israel Entry portal, ensure the information is accurate and pay the 25 NIS application fee. The Population and Immigration Authority recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure.
Most applicants get a response immediately; in certain cases it may take up to 72 hours. If approved, you receive an email with your ETA-IL number, the start date and the terms — keep a copy during your stay. Present it (and your passport) at the border, where the officer makes the final decision on entry.
What you'll need
- Valid passport (visa-exempt country) — A passport issued by a visa-exempt country, valid for at least three months from the date of your arrival in Israel. ✓ verified
- Approved ETA-IL — The email with your ETA-IL number, start date and terms — keep a copy with you during your stay in Israel. ✓ verified
- Valid email address — A valid email address — your ETA-IL result is sent to it. ✓ verified
- Payment card — A valid payment method — Visa, Mastercard or American Express — for the 25 NIS fee. ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
You apply online on the official Israel Entry portal of the Population and Immigration Authority — there is no embassy visit. You need a valid passport, an email address and a payment card.
Fees
| ETA-IL application fee | NIS 25 |
Gotchas to watch
- The ETA-IL requirement has applied to all visa-exempt travellers since 1 January 2025 — visa-free no longer means you can just show up.
- An ETA-IL is valid for multiple trips over up to two years, or until your passport expires — a new passport or a change of name, gender or citizenship requires a new authorization.
- The 25 NIS fee is non-refundable; apply before booking flights and hotels.
- Most applicants get a response immediately, but it can take up to 72 hours — apply at least 72 hours before departure.
- An ETA-IL does not guarantee entry: it only allows you to reach the border crossing, where the border control officer makes the final decision.
