Since January 1, 2025, all EU citizens traveling to Israel must obtain an ETA-IL before departure. This applies to all 27 European Union member states. Whether you are flying from Paris, Warsaw, or Athens, your Israeli Electronic Travel Authorization is now a mandatory pre-travel requirement for 2026.
EU Citizens and Israel ETA: The Basics
The ETA-IL is Israel’s pre-travel electronic screening system, operated by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). It is not a visa – it is an electronic authorization linked to your EU passport. The application takes minutes online, costs NIS 25 (~€6.50), and is valid for 2 years.
For a complete explanation of the system: what is Israel ETA.
All 27 EU Member States Are Eligible
Every EU member state passport holder qualifies for ETA-IL:
- Western Europe: Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria
- Nordic: Finland, Sweden, Denmark
- Southern: Greece, Cyprus, Malta
- Eastern: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Non-EU EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland are also eligible. See the full eligible countries list.
How to Apply: EU Citizens
The application process is identical for all nationalities:
- Visit israel-entry.piba.gov.il
- Select your EU country as nationality
- Enter passport details (must match your travel document exactly)
- Complete security declaration
- Pay NIS 25 (~€6.50) by card
- Receive email approval – usually within hours, max 72 hours
Detailed guide: how to apply for Israel ETA.
Important: Passport Required, Not ID Card
EU citizens are accustomed to traveling within the Schengen Area with national identity cards. Israel does not accept EU national ID cards for entry – you must present a valid passport, and your ETA must be linked to that passport number.
Cost and Validity for EU Travelers
- Fee: NIS 25 (~€6.50 per person)
- Validity: 2 years from issue date
- Per-visit limit: 90 days
- Entries: Multiple entries allowed
Fee details: Israel ETA fee guide. Validity rules: Israel ETA validity.
EU Citizens at Ben Gurion Airport
The primary entry point for European travelers is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). ETA is verified electronically at airline check-in and at Israeli passport control. You do not need to print your authorization. See Israel ETA airports for full border entry information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EU citizens need Israel ETA?
Yes. All EU citizens from visa-exempt EU member states must obtain an ETA-IL before traveling to Israel. This applies to all 27 EU member states.
Which EU countries are eligible for Israel ETA?
All 27 EU member states are eligible, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, and all others.
How much does Israel ETA cost for Europeans?
NIS 25 – approximately €6.50 EUR at current exchange rates. Apply at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
Can EU citizens use their national ID card instead of passport for Israel ETA?
No. The ETA-IL must be linked to a valid passport. National ID cards are not accepted for entry to Israel.
Do Schengen visa holders need Israel ETA?
The ETA requirement is based on passport nationality, not visa type. If your passport is from an eligible country, you need an ETA regardless of other visas you hold.
Does the ETA cover all purposes of travel for EU citizens?
Yes – tourism, transit, short business visits, and family visits are all covered. Working or studying requires separate authorization.
