Update, 1/16/25: The UK ETA requirements went into place on January 8th. Many passengers have been denied boarding for their flights when connecting in the UK due to a lack of an ETA. The UK has now decided to temporarily exempt transit passengers while the matter is reviewed.
Note that airline agents may not yet see this exemption, so for now, transit passengers may want to apply for an ETA, just to be safe:
Additionally, the UK announced that it will soon increase the cost of an ETA from £10 (currently $12.23) to £16 (currently $19.57). Announcing that fees will be increased after just 1 week is surprising, but hey, that’s nothing compared to the usurious fees that the UK charges for Air Passenger Duty on departing flights…
Update, 12/31/24: The trial period to apply for a free ETA-IL will end today at 4:59pm ET!
I just applied and received ETA-ILs for my family. The process takes about 5 minutes per person and you’ll need an entirely separate application for each of your children. Luckily, you can apply for everyone with the same email and phone number.
The system says there is a cost of 25 shekels per person, but that fee isn’t charged and no credit card is needed if you apply before 1/1 Israel time.
When applying, I just picked a random travel date in June and picked a stay up to 90 days. No proof of travel is needed. Be sure to check that you have a biometric passport, as all US passports issued since 2007 are. And be sure to apply with all dates in the DD/MM/YYYY format.
All 6 of us received approval emails within minutes of finishing the application. For those of us with passports expiring in 2027 or later, the ETA is good for entry through 12/30/26. For those of us with passports expiring earlier, the ETA expires on the day that the passport expires and we’ll have to apply for another paid ETA when renewing those passports.
Originally posted on 12/24/24:
2025 is shaping up to be the year of the Electronic travel authorization or ETA. That means more irritating paperwork and fees for international travelers and the end of the days where you can just hop on a plane without prior travel permission for countries with visa waivers.
Unless they are further delayed, Israel will require an ETA-IL starting 1/1/25. The UK will require an ETA starting 1/8/25, and the EU will require one later in 2025. I’d expect more countries to hop onto that bandwagon as well. Once implemented, you won’t be able to board a plane to fly there without an ETA, unless you have a visa.
Travelers of all ages will need one and you should apply for one several days before traveling.
ETAs will be required for people coming from countries with visa waivers, such as the US. If you are coming from a country that requires a visa, you can ignore the ETA requirements.
You can apply for an ETA-IL here. If you do so by 12/31/24, the 25 shekel fee will be waived. The ETA will be valid for 2 years after approval and up to 90 days per stay, but if you get a new passport you will have to apply for a new ETA-IL. You can apply even if you don’t have travel booked to Israel.
Student visa holders and permanent residents of Israel are exempt from an ETA-IL, though Chaim V’Chessed recommends that they, too, apply for an ETA-IL just in case an airline agent isn’t familiar with those exemptions. However, people in those categories will have to be creative with their answers in order to apply for an ETA-IL. Personally, I think most airline agents will be familiar with the fact that visa holders don’t need an ETA, though I guess there’s nothing to lose by having one and avoiding a potential argument with an uninformed agent on a power trip.
This is what agents will see as the requirement starting on 1/1/25, stating that an ETA is needed for trips up to 90 days, if you don’t have a visa:
The UK will require an ETA for most visa waiver countries for travel starting January 8th, 2025. It will require it from EU countries starting April 2nd, 2025.
US citizens can apply for a UK ETA now. It costs £10 to apply. Any UK citizen, dual citizen, or anyone with a visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK is exempt from an ETA. The ETA is valid for 2 years after approval and up to 6 months per stay, but if you get a new passport you will have to apply for a new ETA.
The UK requires an ETA even if you’re connecting to another country.
Expect an ETA to be required to enter EU countries later in 2025, though they will call it an ETIAS and charge 7 euros for it. The EU’s new entry system will eliminate passport stamps, which I find a little sad. I love reliving trips through passport stamps!
Of course, the implementation of these has been delayed in the past and could be further delayed, though we are nearly at the anticipated start dates for Israel and the UK.
Will you apply for an ETA-IL for free before 1/1/25?
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153 Comments On "[UK Temporarily Exempts Transit Passengers From ETA, Price Will Soon Increase] 2025 Will Be The Year Of Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements"
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No reason to go to Europe anymore.
Really, what changed?
Well, obviously he only flies for passport stamps
I thought you said it’s “likely to be extended” a few months ago and “i’ll believe it when i’ll see it”
It was extended previously.
yes did apply yesterday…,
its asking for a travel date…
What is the real purpose of all these requirements, especially when illegals (migrants in PC speak) are welcomed anytime, anywhere, and no matter what they do?
The government loves more data and fees.
Ummmmm… wut? They’re already getting all the data they want from this little booklet thingy called a “passport”. Why do they need an ETA on top of that as well?
Are they really? And it isn’t “PC speak,” it’s simply accurate speak. “Illegals” doesn’t mean much at all. Perhaps if you said “a migrant that entered the United States illegally” you might not sound like such an “uneducated.”
Don’t miss the point with all the acronyms they put after your name in college.
You mean “illegal aliens” as they are legally called
Will an ETA be required for a stopover?
Yes.
do i need to have a trip scheduled to do this? Can i i just apply for free with my whole family and now i know im good for the next 2 years?
You don’t need booked travel. Yes.
How will transit through UK or EU be handled? Will you need an ETA
You will need an ETA for transit.
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en
“Do I need an ETIAS travel authorisation if I am only transiting through a European airport?
No, you do not need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you only remain in the international transit area. However, you must have a valid travel authorisation if you leave this area and enter the territory of any of the European countries requiring ETIAS”
https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/learn-about/
ETA-IL Exemptions:
Foreign nationals who transit through an Israeli airport without going through border control
Answer was for UK.
you mean the .0003% of travelers who do that in TLV?
“if you get a new passport” does that include renewal of an expired one, or can I apply now even though mine is currently expired?
You need a valid passport.
Says on page I need to pay 25 shekel. Will this be waived upon submission?
Yes
is it required for student visa holders?
Please read the post.
Thank you! Just applied for all 6 of my family members. Totally free and got the approval within seconds on each… It’s good for 2 years or until the expiration date of your passport, whichever comes first. FYI make sure to put all dates in the Israeli format (DD/MM/YY) and not the opposite…
Is a new ETA required for each trip, or can we make unlimited trips within its two-year validity period?
Unlimited.
just applied. Instant approval.
for some reason they keep telling my wife shes not eligable .her passprt is not expiring anytime soon and shes a us citizen any ideas?
Does the ETA need to last the entirety of the trip or just be valid on day of arrival?
Day of arrival.
From what age do you need this thing?
Do I need to make one for my baby as well?
Please read the post 🙂
you write “You can apply even if you don’t have travel booked to Israel.” Question: When i try to apply, it asks for dates of travel. what do i do if i am not traveling now. Do i make up a date?
Yes
What do you put as arrival date if you don’t have travel booked to Israel?
Dan, if we will be leaving the US on our American passports, but entering Israel with our Israeli passports – think any (American) agents might be confused by this and still require us to have an ETA-IL? Thanks.
Why not use your Israeli passports to depart?
@Dan What about an Israeli traveling to Israel on US passport ( Currently not required to use IL passport if expired.)?
You need the ETA
I always show both passports at check in. It was extremely helpful during the COVID vaccine insanity.
It’s ALL about the money!!!! Nothing more, nothing less!! Another way to dip into our bank accounts!! The heck with all of them!!
If it was, they would just add a 25 shekel fee to the landing charges you pay anyway as part of your ticket.
Its obviously about the data
I don’t agree! No reason to charge more. They are earning enough as it is!
That doesn’t make it about the money.
If it was about the money… They could add whatever fee they want to the airline and you WOULD NEVER NOTICE!!!
Next time you book a ticket check the breakdown for exactly what you are paying for… Facility fees, security fees, entery and exit taxes… it can be 40% of your ticket!
I beg to differ. These types of increases are ALL taxes. If it’s money…then it IS about the money!!
If it was about the money, they would just add a fee in a place where it would not engender hard feelings – and you would never notice it. Why bother collecting the data if its all about the money?
Illogical! Why not just collect the data and fold the fee into the cost of travel. This visible extra fee DOES engender hard feelings. We see that El Al’s profits are already through the roof!! They could cover the fee and still be making their millions!
do i enter fake travel dates?
yes
Will travelers be required to provide their application number at customs? Or will they look it up from their end
No, if you are allowed to check in / board it means the airline already checked it. Obviously you should have a copy of it just in case any issues arrive.
A bit confused about our situation. My wife and I are Israeli citizens with valid Israeli passports. We moved from Israel to the US over a decade ago. Our kids are also therefore Israeli citizens, although they were all born here in the US after we moved here, so they don’t hold Israeli passports or a Teudat Zehut/national ID card. Do we now need to get our kids the ETA- even though they are Israeli citizens- since they don’t have Israeli passports?
If your kids where born in the US, what’s make them Israeli citizens?
Because we their parents were Israeli citizens at the time of their birth, which under Israeli law makes them citizens.
Since they don’t have Israeli passports, will be travelling with US passports, they should apply for ETAIL.
(במאמר מוסגר, סביר להניח שביד בכניסתם לארץ יסומנו, ויש לברר לגבי יציאה מן הארץ)
בהצלחה!
The whole reason behind the ETA is only for this, the Israelis are constantly on the lookout for more citizens and this system will force tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of such children born in Chul to become Israeli against their will. And of course cause army issues for them down the line.
anyone who lives abroed and only comes for a short visit dosent have “army issues” only if they plan to come for long stay(student etc.) then there are “army issues”
Is this needed if I will be arriving in Israel on 12/31 but staying for a few weeks?
What’s the downside to just getting it now? It’s free and then it’s valid for 2 years.
It is asking for $$
looks like they are charging already
Just did 6, no charge at all
The link didn’t work for me – it just opened a page that says “it works”
Anyone didn’t get approved right away? I applied 2 hours ago and still no approval
Email verification takes very long to come
Do I need a ETA-IL if I live in Israel and go to visit the US?
If you dont have an israeli passport and plan on returning to israel after your visit to the us then yes.
I do have an Israeli and American passport
Misrad hapnim now gives many student visas by email. If you do this they email you a visa but you do not get it as a sticker in your passport which you get if you go to misrad hapnim.
Some airline agents only recognize it as a visa when it is a sticker in your passport.
Signed up with a made-up travel date. As I understand it, that’s irrelevant and won’t matter, whether I end up going to Israel before or after that date, I just show them that approval email?
i cant seem to get onto this site from the highlighted area in your blog. Other sites that came up from google all want between $79 to $99. can you please send me a link or a website name. Please advise
Thanks. Moshe Munzeles
munmor@gmail.com
If have Israeli passport is it needed to enter Israel?
No
Trying to complete application however, when I get to the screen where I need to confirm “personal details” the city and country fields have been reversed! I tried to edit that info only to find that on the “entering/editing” screen, the field names and my responses are fine, but on the confirmation screen, they’re flipped! What to do? Has anyone else experienced this?
Just hit submit. You’re fine.
Thank you so much! Freilichen Chanukah!
Hi, I applied for my wife and son and they both got approve. When I apply for myself it’s giving me a page that says “sorry, something went wrong. Please try again later.” Any idea why this is and how to get around this?
which credit card will start covering the fees for this?
Just applied and got approved in 60 seconds-thanks!!
Error page when using your link
Cannot get the site to connect.
DD effect.
https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/ is crashing: Error establishing a database connection
Dan crashed another website 🙂
Side note – doesn’t Canada requires one to apply a ETA with fee even for transit thru’ their airports?
I keep getting error pages when I try to go on to apply
Murphys law I’m in the middle of a passport renewal application so I can’t apply now
The Israel ETA-IL website definitely is not working at present….
I’m getting “Sorry, based on your answers, you cannot apply for an ETA-IL. You may need a visa to travel to Israel”
USA citizen, USA passport etc
Had the same issue. It is resolved now.
If I said no to biometric passport but I see now all passports after 2007 are biometric . Do you think i need to fill out another application?
+1
You wrote that you picked a random travel date in June what is if you don’t go in June can you just show up in Israel 8 months later with this same Approval?
Yes, valid through expiration.
Should a Student currently in Israel apply as well if they want to go back after pesach?
Visa holders don’t need an ETA.
Some say they should do it if doesn’t cost because airlines here will be confused and might make a problem if you don’t have it
I addressed that in the post.
Confused about question regarding previous application for VISA. If we applied for student VISAS in the 1980s do we say YES to that question?
Yes
When answering ” What did you apply for? Please tell us about your request.” What about that small blue slip of paper that you get in the TLV airport and have to keep with you while visiting? What is that called?
Nothing.
So should we reply NO to the previous question ” Have you ever applied for a VISA, ETA-IL, or permit to visit….” if the person was only there as an occasional TOURIST?
Correct
but if you were previously a student visa for gap year – assume we would need to note that since they could look up?
Yes
Unfortunately I’m not able to get to the personal details page
I’m getting this alert – Sorry, based on your answers, you cannot apply for an ETA-IL. You may need a visa to travel to Israel. Any ideas?
Update. Tried again and worked second time. Hope that helps someone
I tried this and it says that USA citizens require a visa- could that be the case?
Thank you for the reminder
I have an Israeli and an USA passport so I guess I don’t need the ETA—Correct? But I also travel to England from Israel and from the USA to visit family. Do I need the ETA for traveling to Europe
I am trying to apply for the ETA and I am getting the following error:
403 ERROR
The request could not be satisfied.
Request blocked. We can’t connect to the server for this app or website at this time. There might be too much traffic or a configuration error. Try again later, or contact the app or website owner.
If you provide content to customers through CloudFront, you can find steps to troubleshoot and help prevent this error by reviewing the CloudFront documentation.
Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront)
Request ID: NNcDGWKWpWexJO8Ohe9_dXMJrNxD2Hk2Lc0PgIXjBf1O0MV1KJllxA==
mistakenly entered Not Biometric passport. Will this be a problem later on? Already got approval email
Does it need to be a. Biometric passport?
I applied yesterday evening and I still have not received an approval email. Any idea what to do?
You are WRONG you said likely to be extended.
It already was extended.
Done! Thanks, once you get the hang of it it takes three minutes each lol 🙂
Beware of scam websites such as this one that a family member of mine was trying to use for the ETA: https://etaisrael.com/
The “fee” was $79! I have no idea if they would actually complete it for you or not but either way people should be aware…
My kids have passports from 2020 and 2022 non biometric. Had to double check after I saw u post that all after 2007 are. They are not alas.
Incorrect.
All US passports since August 2007 are biometric.
Aside from emergency passports issued in embassies…
But those are only valid for a year anyway
Thank you!
what if i mistakenly checked that I do not have a biometric passpoprt? will they not let me on the plane?
I hope not. How are we supposed to know these answers. I would imagine if the opposite was true it would be an issue.
@dan please advise regarding if selected non biometric
TY dad, applied and was approved for 5 family members. Website was having issues
Thanks, Family of 9 applied and approved.
I mistakenly put in the travel period to be 30 days. Does that mean if I plan on traveling for more than 30 days in the future I’ll have to get an ETA?
No, you’ll be fine.
4 hours left to apply, I filled out the application at 5 oclock us time and was denied the free visa, however dans deals said 4 more hours to apply for free. I’m confused.
Read the post update and post timestamp?
I by mistake wrote I do not have a biometric passport, is that a problem?
I applied and got my ETA # right away. I applied for my wife and she got a temporary ETA but she is still awaiting a regular ETA…. several days later. What seems to be the problem?
I have applied for an ETA back in July and got approved
but since I wanted to have it avail for a longer period
I have re-applied in Dec. but never got a final approval
can anyone advise?
thanks
https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-january-2025/
That link doesn’t say that it is temporarily exempt…
Meaning it doesn’t have the updated information referenced in your article…
Traveling through the UK to Israel in a few days
Will VIRGIN ATLANTIC ask me for it in jfk or will it need to be presented to security in LHR?
” Are ETAs needed by those transiting through the UK? If so, why?
Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control, from needing an ETA. The exemption will be kept under review.”
I clicked on your link and I did not see this.
Can you please send me the exact link?
Also, will it be asked of me in JFK or LHR?
(The uninformed agent u referred to)
No , I really don’t want to buy it:)
And what if you paid for your eta last week because you are travelling next week, and now they are suspending it, will they be kind enought to refund the money?
How does the process of proving that you have an ETA work?
The airline look this up in a database or it’s the piece of paper you bring along to the airport
Has anyone mistakenly chosen non biometric passport when they have a biometric one? any Issues?
This whole new set of rules seems quite excessive. My wife booked a trip next month with United miles between TLV and NYC using partner airlines. Layovers in ATH, VIE, and ZRH. Is this to mean that in the future it would be expected that such an itinerary may require 3 separate ETAs?
no the whole eu is 1 eta
also i think usa started it by requiring 1
is there a way to aplly if you dont have any access to the app?
Yes
Dan, is it a problem that i by mistake wrote non-biometric passport instead of biometric? will they not let me on the plane?
I doubt it will matter.
I applied for ETA-IL back in June for myself and (I think) for my wife. I found the email with approval for me but I can’t find it for my wife. How can I ascertain that she has it? When you travel to Israel, do you have to show proof that you have ETA-IL?