The Israel ETA application form is a short online document on the official PIBA portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) where visa-exempt travelers enter their passport details, travel plans, and security answers to receive electronic travel authorization. The form takes about 10 minutes to complete, requires no account registration, and costs 25 NIS. This guide explains every section of the form so you can fill it out correctly on your first attempt.
What Is the Israel ETA Application Form?
The Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application form is the official online form administered by Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). Since January 1, 2025, all travelers from visa-exempt countries must complete this form before entering Israel.
The form is entirely digital – there is no paper version. You access it through the official portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, fill in your details, pay the fee, and submit. Most applicants receive approval within minutes.
The form replaced the old system where visa-exempt travelers could simply show up at the border with a passport. Now, pre-approval through the ETA form is mandatory.
For a full overview of the authorization itself, see our Israel ETA guide.
Where to Find the Official Form
The only legitimate Israel ETA application form is on the official PIBA website: israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
Be cautious of third-party websites that mimic the official form and charge inflated fees. The official fee is 25 NIS (approximately $7 USD) – nothing more. Third-party sites may charge $50-$150 for the same service.
Signs you are on the official site:
- The URL ends in gov.il (Israeli government domain)
- The fee shown is 25 NIS
- No account registration is required
- The site is available in English, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and other languages
If you need help with the full application process from start to finish, follow our step-by-step application guide.
Form Sections Explained
The application form is divided into several sections. Here is what each one asks for.
Section 1: Personal Details
This section collects your identity information. Every field must match your passport exactly.
| Field | What to Enter | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | First, middle (if any), last name – exactly as on passport | Using a nickname or shortened name |
| Date of birth | DD/MM/YYYY format | Swapping day and month |
| Gender | Male or Female | – |
| Nationality | Country that issued your passport | Entering country of residence instead |
| Passport number | All characters including letters | Transposing digits |
| Passport expiry date | As printed on passport | Confusing with issue date |
The most critical field is your passport number. A single wrong digit means your ETA is linked to a nonexistent passport, and you will be denied entry at the border.
Section 2: Travel Information
This section asks about your trip to Israel.
- Purpose of visit – Select from tourism, business, transit, or other
- Expected arrival date – Approximate is fine; exact dates are not required
- Accommodation address – Hotel name and city, or your host’s address
- Contact phone number – Include your country code
- Email address – Your approval notification is sent here
Your email address is the most important field in this section. If there is a typo, you will not receive your approval. Use a personal email rather than a work email, since corporate filters sometimes block government messages.
Section 3: Security Questions
The form includes a short set of security-related questions. These typically cover:
- Previous visa refusals or deportations from any country
- Criminal history
- Previous overstay in Israel or elsewhere
- Connections to prohibited organizations
Answer every question truthfully. False information can result in a permanent entry ban. Minor issues in your past are far less damaging than dishonesty.
Section 4: Review and Payment
After completing all sections, the form shows a summary screen. Review every detail before submitting:
- Name spelling matches your passport
- Passport number has no swapped digits
- Email address is correct
- Travel dates look reasonable
You can go back and edit any section at this point. Once you submit, the 25 NIS payment is processed through a secure card gateway. Most Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted. Your bank may apply a small foreign currency conversion fee since the charge is in Israeli New Shekels.
For a breakdown of all costs, see our Israel ETA fee guide.
Documents You Need to Fill Out the Form
Gather these before opening the form to avoid timeouts:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration
- A working email address you check regularly
- A credit or debit card for the 25 NIS payment
- Your approximate travel dates
- Your accommodation details in Israel (hotel name or host address)
Your passport must be an ordinary passport. Emergency travel documents and temporary passports may not be accepted by the system. For full document requirements, see our ETA requirements guide.
Common Form Mistakes
These errors cause the most problems for applicants:
Name does not match passport. If your passport shows “JOHN WILLIAM SMITH,” do not enter “John Smith” or “John W. Smith.” The form name must match your passport exactly.
Wrong passport number. Transposing two digits means your ETA links to a nonexistent passport. Double-check the number character by character.
Using an expired passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Check the expiry date before you start.
Incorrect email typo. A single wrong letter means you never receive your approval notification. Type it carefully and verify it on the review screen.
Applying with the wrong passport. Dual citizens should use the passport they plan to enter Israel with. If you hold both US and UK passports and plan to enter on your US passport, fill the form with your US passport details.
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
After submission and payment confirmation, your application enters the processing queue. Most approvals arrive within minutes – the system runs an automated background check, and if everything is clear, your authorization is issued almost immediately.
Some applications require manual review, which can take up to 72 hours. This happens when names match security watchlist entries, when there is previous travel to flagged countries, or during peak travel seasons when volumes are high.
Your approval email contains your ETA-IL authorization number, validity period, and confirmed passport details. Save the authorization number as backup, even though the ETA is digitally linked to your passport.
You can check your application status at any time through the official portal. For detailed instructions, see our status check guide.
Tips for Filling Out the Form
- Use a desktop or laptop. The form works on mobile, but a larger screen makes it easier to verify details against your passport.
- Keep your passport open to the photo page. You will reference specific numbers and dates from it.
- Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. While most approvals are instant, buffer time handles unexpected delays.
- Do not submit multiple applications. Duplicate submissions create confusion and may delay processing.
- Use a personal email address. Corporate email filters sometimes block government communications.
What If Your Form Is Rejected?
A small percentage of applications are rejected after submission. Common reasons include:
- Name matches a security watchlist entry
- Previous overstay or immigration violation in Israel
- Incomplete form or missing information
- Passport validity less than 6 months
If rejected, you have two options:
- Reapply with corrected information if the rejection was due to a typo. You pay the 25 NIS fee again.
- Apply for a traditional visa through the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate if the rejection is based on eligibility.
For more on this topic, see our guide on Israel visa types to understand which visa category fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Israel ETA application form free?
No. The form requires a payment of 25 NIS (approximately $7 USD) by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
How long does it take to fill out the form?
Most applicants complete the form in 10 minutes or less if they have their passport and travel details ready.
Can I save the form and finish it later?
No. The form must be completed in one session. If it times out, you start over. This is why gathering your documents before opening the form is important.
Do I need to print the form or approval?
No. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport. Border officers verify it electronically. However, saving a copy of your approval email with the authorization number is recommended as backup.
Can someone else fill out the form for me?
Yes. A family member, travel agent, or friend can complete the form on your behalf, but they must enter your passport details – not theirs. Every field must match the traveler’s passport.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
You can edit any section on the review screen before submitting. After submission, errors cannot be corrected – you would need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Is there a paper version of the form?
No. The Israel ETA application form is only available online through the official PIBA portal. There is no paper or in-person version.
What languages is the form available in?
The official form is available in English, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, French, Spanish, and several other languages. You can switch languages at any point while filling it out.
Next Steps
Once your form is submitted and approved, prepare for your trip:
- Review Israel entry guidelines for what to expect at the border
- Check visa requirements for any additional entry conditions
- Understand the difference between ETA and a visa if you are unsure which applies to your nationality
