How Much Does the Israel ETA Cost?
The Israel Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) costs NIS 25 (approximately USD 7 / EUR 6.50) per applicant. This is a mandatory fee collected by the Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) at the time of application submission.
The fee applies to all travelers from visa-exempt countries who are required to obtain an ETA-IL before entering Israel. There are no additional processing fees, service charges, or hidden costs when you apply through the official government portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
ETA-IL Fee Breakdown
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government fee (NIS) | NIS 25 |
| Approximate USD | ~$7 USD |
| Approximate EUR | ~€6.50 EUR |
| Approximate GBP | ~£5.50 GBP |
| Processing fee | None (official portal) |
| Biometric surcharge | None |
Important: The fee is charged in Israeli New Shekels (NIS). Your bank or credit card provider may apply a small foreign currency conversion fee, typically 1-3% of the transaction amount.
Who Needs to Pay the ETA Fee?
The ETA-IL fee is mandatory for all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including:
- Tourists visiting Israel for leisure or sightseeing
- Business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or trade events
- Transit passengers passing through Israel en route to another destination
- Short-term visitors staying up to 90 days
Exemptions from the ETA Fee
The following categories of travelers do not need to pay the ETA-IL fee:
- Israeli citizens and permanent residents
- Holders of valid Israeli visas (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2)
- Diplomatic passport holders traveling on official business
- Palestinian Authority ID holders (separate entry procedures apply)
Payment Methods Accepted
The official ETA-IL portal accepts the following payment methods:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Debit cards: Any card with international online payment capability
- Prepaid travel cards: Cards enabled for international e-commerce transactions
Payment is processed securely through the Israeli government’s official payment gateway. The transaction appears on your statement as a charge from the Israel Population and Immigration Authority.
Payment Tips
- Ensure your card is enabled for international online transactions before applying
- Use a card that does not charge excessive foreign currency fees
- Keep your payment receipt and confirmation email as proof of payment
- If a payment fails, wait 15 minutes before retrying to avoid duplicate charges
Is the ETA-IL Fee Refundable?
The ETA-IL fee is non-refundable once the application has been submitted, regardless of the outcome. This means:
- If your application is approved, the fee is not refundable
- If your application is rejected, the fee is not refundable
- If you cancel your application after submission, the fee is not refundable
- If your travel plans change and you no longer need the ETA, the fee is not refundable
This policy is standard for electronic travel authorizations worldwide and applies to similar programs such as the US ESTA, Canada eTA, and European ETIAS.
How the ETA-IL Fee Compares to Other Countries
| Country | Electronic Travel Authorization | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Israel (ETA-IL) | ETA-IL | NIS 25 (~$7 USD) |
| United States (ESTA) | ESTA | $21 USD |
| Canada (eTA) | eTA | CAD 7 (~$5 USD) |
| Australia (ETA) | ETA | AUD 20 (~$13 USD) |
| South Korea (K-ETA) | K-ETA | KRW 10,000 (~$7.50 USD) |
| Sri Lanka (ETA) | ETA | $50 USD |
| New Zealand (NZeTA) | NZeTA | NZD 17-23 (~$10-14 USD) |
The Israel ETA-IL is one of the most affordable electronic travel authorizations globally, reflecting Israel’s goal of encouraging tourism while maintaining border security.
When Do You Pay the Fee?
The ETA-IL fee must be paid at the time of application submission. The process follows these steps:
- Fill out the online form on the official PIBA portal
- Upload required documents (passport scan, passport-style photo)
- Review your application for accuracy
- Submit payment via credit or debit card
- Receive confirmation with your application reference number
Your application is not considered submitted until payment is successfully processed. Incomplete payments will result in the application being held in a pending status.
How Long Is the ETA Valid After Payment?
Once approved and paid for, the ETA-IL is valid for:
- Up to 2 years from the date of approval, or
- Until your passport expires, whichever comes first
You do not need to pay again if your ETA-IL is still valid and you wish to re-enter Israel within the validity period. The single fee covers multiple entries during the validity window.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETA-IL Fee
Do children need to pay the ETA fee?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own individual ETA-IL, and the NIS 25 fee applies per person regardless of age.
Can someone else pay the ETA fee on my behalf?
Yes. A third party (travel agent, family member, or employer) can pay the fee using their own credit or debit card. The cardholder name does not need to match the applicant’s name.
Will I receive a receipt for the ETA fee?
Yes. A payment receipt is automatically generated and sent to the email address provided in your application. You can also download a PDF receipt from the application status page.
What happens if my payment is declined?
If your payment is declined, your application will not be submitted. Check that your card is enabled for international transactions and has sufficient funds, then try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or try a different card.
Is there a group discount for the ETA fee?
No. The NIS 25 fee is a flat rate per applicant. There are no group discounts, family rates, or bulk pricing options available for the ETA-IL.
Does the fee cover airport transit?
Yes. The ETA-IL covers all types of entry into Israel, including direct visits and transit through Israeli airports. There is no separate or reduced fee for transit passengers.
