Israel’s ETA-IL covers multiple types of short-term travel – from leisure tourism and family visits to business trips and airport transit. While the application process and cost are the same for all purposes, understanding which type applies to your visit ensures your authorization is correctly issued.
Overview of Israel ETA Types
All Israel ETA-IL authorizations are issued through the same portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) at the same NIS 25 fee. The “type” is determined by the purpose of visit you declare in the application. PIBA currently recognizes three primary travel purposes:
- Tourism / Leisure
- Business
- Transit
For background on the ETA system itself, see what is Israel ETA.
Tourism ETA
The most common type. Covers:
- Vacations and sightseeing
- Visiting historical, religious, or cultural sites (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, etc.)
- Family and friend visits
- Volunteer activities of a non-commercial nature
- Medical tourism (short-term medical treatment)
Maximum stay: 90 days per visit. ETA valid for 2 years. Check ETA validity rules.
Business ETA
For travelers attending business-related activities in Israel without being employed by an Israeli company:
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences
- Market research and site inspections
- Client visits
Important: The business ETA does not permit you to take up employment, provide services for payment from Israeli sources, or work for an Israeli employer. Working in Israel requires a separate work visa.
Transit ETA
For travelers passing through Israel en route to another destination:
- Short layovers at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) where you exit the secure transit zone
- Land transit through Israel
- Cruise ship stopovers
If you remain in the international transit zone at Ben Gurion Airport for a short connection without going through passport control, an ETA may not be required – but this depends on your nationality and airline. When in doubt, apply for the ETA. See our airports guide for more information.
What ETA Does NOT Cover
Regardless of type, the ETA-IL does not authorize:
- Employment or paid work in Israel
- Long-term study programs
- Stays exceeding 90 days
- Permanent or temporary residency
- Journalistic, diplomatic, or official government activities (these require specific credentials)
Choosing the Right ETA Type
Select the purpose that most accurately reflects your primary reason for travel. If your trip combines tourism and a business meeting, choose whichever is the primary purpose. Declaring a false purpose can result in ETA cancellation or denial of entry at the border.
Ready to apply? See how to apply for Israel ETA and check the ETA requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Israel ETA are available?
The ETA-IL covers three main travel purposes: tourism/leisure, business, and transit. All are applied for through the same portal at the same NIS 25 fee.
Is there a different ETA for transit through Israel?
Transit is covered under the standard ETA-IL. If you are connecting through Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) without leaving the secure transit area for short layovers, different rules may apply – check with your airline.
Can I use a tourism ETA for business meetings in Israel?
Yes. The tourism ETA covers short business activities such as meetings, conferences, and trade shows, provided you are not being paid by an Israeli employer.
Is there an Israel ETA for study or work?
No. The ETA-IL is for short-term visits only. Study and work require separate visas and permits from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Can I change my ETA purpose after approval?
No. The purpose declared at application is fixed. If your travel purpose changes significantly, PIBA recommends applying for a new authorization with the correct purpose.
Do different ETA types cost different amounts?
No. All ETA-IL types (tourism, business, transit) cost the same: NIS 25 per application.
