A new digital entry procedure for visitors to Israel from visa-exempt countries will take effect on Jan. 1, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) requirement, which was originally due to go into effect on Aug. 1 and has been undergoing a pilot test for the last year, will be fully implemented starting on Wednesday—even as the war has caused most tourists to stay away—according to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority.
The new process entails visitors, unless they already have an Israeli visa, filling out an online form for entry approval before departure for Israel, at least 72 hours before their arrival.
The ETA-IL authorization is valid for two years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first). It is valid for up to 90 days during one visit. For a longer stay, an application must be submitted to the Population and Immigration Authority.
The application, which will cost $7 or 25 shekels, is intended to simplify the entry process so that visitors can just swipe their passports at Ben-Gurion International Airport upon arrival, as holders of Israeli biometric passports already do.
“The procedure will enable the authorities to review in advance the passenger data before boarding the plane,” the Population and Immigration Authority said. “If an obstacle is found for any reason, the passenger will be referred to the Israeli embassy in his country for further review.”
The digitized method of entry is intended to improve security and passenger service at airport immigration, the government body said.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia all have similar digitalized systems in place, and the European Union is expected to launch one soon.
The timing of the previously announced rollout of the procedure had raised eyebrows among tourism officials.
The war against Hamas in Gaza has led to a staggering 80% drop in tourism to Israel. Many foreign airlines that suspended flights to Tel Aviv after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, are currently limiting their operations in Israel, while others, including all U.S. carriers, have yet to resume service.