The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem released a “security alert” earlier this month noting what has been reported for more than a month—that Israel is delaying a digital entry procedure for visitors from visa-exempt countries until next year.
The Electronic Travel Authorization program will be open, on a voluntary basis, until Dec. 31, per the U.S. embassy. “During the pilot phase, submitting an application will be voluntary and free,” it stated. “Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all travelers to Israel from visa-exempt countries must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before traveling to Israel, and it will cost 25 shekels to submit the application.”
It added that authorizations are good for two years. JNS sought comment from the embassy about whether it recommends that travelers apply during the pilot phase.
Daniel Eleff, founder and CEO of the Cleveland-based discount website DansDeals, told JNS that there is no need for travelers to apply for the digital entry until the very end of the year at earliest.
“Israel’s ETA requirements were announced before the horrific Oct. 7 pogrom took place. Due to the current war, Israel’s tourist numbers are down more than 80% from their peak,” Eleff said. “It’s no surprise to see that something that causes any additional friction, like an ETA form, be postponed.”
Eleff won’t be surprised to see the program postponed further.
“The ETA-IL is more about political reciprocity than security, so implementing it is hardly an urgent concern,” he told JNS. “Visitors to Israel should just ignore it for now and see what happens in late December.”
“If implementation is not further postponed, you can apply for one for free at the end of December, and it would be valid for two years from the application date,” he said.
