4.5 million foreigners visit Israel annually. Most of them do not need a visa to enter. The innovation involves filling out an electronic visa or electronic travel permit (ETA-IL). The Israel Migration Service advises to submit an application at least 3 days before departure, and warns applicants about additional questions.
Permits must be obtained by people who enter Israel for a period of up to 90 days at the invitation of relatives or friends, for business purposes as tourists. People traveling to Israel for medical treatment do not need an ETA-IL permit.
The system has already been in effect for citizens of Germany and the USA since June 1. From July 1, the regime will operate in test mode for other countries. And from August 1, the ETA-IL permit will be mandatory for tourists from all countries with which Israel operates a visa-free regime.
To obtain an ETA-IL, you need to fill out an application on the website of the migration service and pay a duty of about 7 dollars. The application process will be free of charge from June 1 to July 1.
ETA is valid for up to 2 years or until the expiration of the foreign passport. At the same time, the maximum length of stay is 90 days every six months. Changing personal data or losing a foreign passport means the automatic cancellation of the previously issued ETA.