ETA-IL for U.S. citizens: the Israel visa question, answered
Checked against the official pages on 13 November 2026. How we check.
The ETA-IL is the Israel visa question most U.S. travelers are really asking about.
Since 1 January 2025, nationals of visa-exempt countries, the United States among them, must have an approved ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before they leave for Israel, according to the Population and Immigration Authority notice that the Embassy republished (Embassy notice).
You apply on PIBA’s own site, not at a consulate: New York’s page puts it plainly, «The consulate is not part of the process of issuing the permit» (New York’s ETA-IL page).
What the ETA-IL is and who needs one
It is an entry authorization for visa-exempt visitors who plan to stay up to 90 days. Approval is valid for up to two years, or until the passport expires, and a change of name, gender or citizenship means a new application, New York’s page says. Crew on duty and diplomats on mission are exempt.
So is an Israeli who travels on a foreign passport, if that passport is linked to their Israeli record or if they show their Israeli passport with it.
Anyone who is not visa-exempt, for instance a green card holder whose nationality needs a visa for Israel, applies for a visa at an Israeli mission instead (see the visa section below).
How to apply and what it costs
The application is on the Authority’s site, israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
The fee is 25 shekels, «less than 7 dollars» in the Embassy’s words, and you should get an email when the request arrives and an answer within 72 hours.
The Embassy adds two checks against copycat sites: the address ends in «gov.il», and PIBA sends a receipt for the payment; no receipt means you did not use the official site. Questions go to [email protected].
| ETA-IL | Entry visa at a mission | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Visa-exempt nationals, U.S. passport holders included | Travelers who are not visa-exempt |
| Where | Online, PIBA’s site | In person, at the Israeli mission where you live |
| Cost | 25 shekels | The consular fee chart |
| Answer | Within 72 hours, by email | At the consul’s discretion |
The entry visa for travelers who are not visa-exempt
New York’s visa page lists what a short-stay visitor brings in person to an Israeli mission (New York’s visa page):
- A travel document valid at least three months beyond the visa
- A bank statement covering at least three months
- A letter from the employer
- The address where you will stay in Israel
- Travel insurance for the whole stay
- Two 5×5 cm photos
The visit needs an appointment, and the consular officer can decide whether to see you in person.
- Your passport, valid for the trip
- A card to pay 25 shekels on the official site
- An email address you check, for the approval
- Your travel dates, for a stay of up to 90 days
Questions people ask
Do I need visa for Israel?
Not with a U.S. passport for a short visit. You need the ETA-IL instead, filed online before the flight.
Do I need a visa to enter Israel?
Not with a U.S. passport for a visit of up to 90 days; you need the ETA-IL. Other nationalities may need a visa from a mission.
Does U.S. citizen need visa for Israel?
No, a U.S. citizen does not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days, but does need an approved ETA-IL since 1 January 2025.