From Jan. 1, All Visitors to Israel Must Apply for Online Digital Authorization to Enter

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Triggering concerns for Israel’s already struggling tourism industry, the government has announced that, as of January 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must now apply online for digital authorization to enter the country, even those from countries such as the US and UK that were once visa-exempt, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.

The additional bureaucratic hoops have been explained as necessary for Israel’s security, TOI reports. Other countries are reportedly implementing similar measures.

The Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA-IL – costs $6.80 and applies to all travelers wanting to stay for up to 90 days. “Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority advises that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours before booking flight tickets, hotel rooms, and other similar expenses related to planned travel to Israel,” TOI said in its report.

“Once the application form is filled out online with information about identity, length of stay, and reason for travel, a reply is sent via email within 24 to 72 hours. The electronic authorization is valid for travel on multiple trips to and from Israel within a period of two years or until the traveler’s passport expires. Obtaining a new passport or a name or gender change will require an application for a new travel authorization,” TOI explains.

In a statement to TOI about the impact of the new measure, Yossi Fatael, director general of the Israel Inbound Tour Operators Association, said: “We don’t think it’s wise to introduce any bureaucratic burden in our war situation when coming to Israel is not something that people are considering easily. Right now, we need to be as open as we can for those who are interested in visiting Israel.”

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