Visa requirements for Israel for US citizens

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US Citizens – Israel eTA & Visa Requirements

US citizens can travel to Israel without a traditional visa for up to 90 days. However, they must apply for the Israel eTA, an electronic travel authorization required before departure. Here are the key entry requirements and how to get your Israel eVisa online.

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Israel visa requirements for US citizens

Do US citizens need a visa for Israel?

US citizens traveling to Israel for tourism, business, or short stays don’t need a traditional visa. However, they must apply for the new Israel eTA — an electronic travel authorization required before departure. Learn how to apply and meet all entry requirements for a smooth trip.

Israel Tourist Visa for US Citizens – Key Facts

  • No traditional visa required for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Israel eTA is mandatory before departure (electronic travel authorization).
  • Application must be submitted online prior to your trip.
  • The Israel eTA allows multiple entries during its validity period.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry into Israel.

→ Israel eTA for US citizens ←

Do US citizens need a visa to travel to Israel?

US citizens planning to travel to Israel must apply for an electronic travel authorization called the Israel eTA before departure. This eVisa is mandatory even though no traditional visa is required for short stays of up to 90 days. It must be approved before boarding your flight to Israel.

Eligibility Requirements for the Israel eTA (US Citizens)

To enter Israel without difficulty, US citizens must meet certain conditions:

  • Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months after the planned date of entry into Israel.
  • Stay of less than 90 days: The IL eTA is only valid for short stays. For a longer stay, a standard visa is required.
  • Obtaining the IL eTA before departure: All travelers must apply for their electronic authorization online.
  • Return or onward ticket: The Israeli authorities may request proof of exit from the territory before the end of the authorized 90 days.
  • No history of problematic immigration: Travelers who have overstayed their authorized length of stay on a previous trip or have a criminal record in Israel may be refused entry.

The Israel eTA simplifies access to Israel for US citizens, but it is imperative to respect these conditions to avoid any complications upon arrival.

→ Israel eTA for US citizens ←

How do I apply for a tourist visa for Israel from the USA?

US citizens must obtain the Israel eTA — an electronic travel authorization — before traveling to Israel. This mandatory requirement applies to short stays of up to 90 days and replaces the need for a traditional visa. Follow these simple steps to complete your Israel eTA application online.

Access the official website or a service provider

  • The Israel eTA application can be completed either on the official government portal or through a trusted service provider that offers assistance and verification.
  • Private service providers can facilitate the procedure by verifying the information and providing follow-up.
  • It is important to choose a reliable website to avoid errors or unnecessary delays.

Fill in the Israel eTA application form

  • Enter your personal information, passport details and travel information.
  • Check that all the data is correct to avoid refusal.
  • Any error in the form may result in rejection or processing delays.

Pay the application fee

  • A credit card payment is required to submit the application.
  • The fee may vary depending on whether the application is made on the official website or by a service provider.
  • It is advisable to keep proof of payment in case it is needed.

Receive the Israel eTA by email

  • Once approved, the authorization is sent by email.
  • It is recommended that you print a copy and present it to the Israeli authorities upon arrival.
  • Be sure to check your inbox and spam folder if you do not receive the email promptly.

→ Israel eTA for US citizens ←

Documents required by Americans applying for an Israeli visa?

To apply for the Israel eTA, American citizens must provide a few key documents to ensure their application is processed smoothly and without delay. Below is the list of required documents.

  • Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Israel.
  • Israel eTA application form: to be completed online on the official website or via a service provider.
  • Active email address: the approval of the Israel eTA is sent by email, so it is necessary to have a valid address.
  • Method of payment: a bank card is required to pay the processing fee.
  • Travel information: You may be asked to specify the date of entry into and departure from the territory.

It is advisable to check all the information carefully before submitting the application to avoid any delay or refusal.

 

What is the price of the Israeli visa for US citizens?

The cost of the Israel eTA depends on how you submit your application — either via the official government website or through a private service provider.

  • Official Israel eTA fee: around 25 ILS (≈ 6 euros), payable by credit card online.
  • Service provider fees: some platforms may charge additional processing fees, depending on the level of service provided — such as multilingual assistance, document verification, or expedited processing.

Payment must be made online at the time of application. Be sure to verify the exact amount on the official portal or the provider’s website before submitting your request.

→ Israel eTA for US citizens ←

Israel eTA Processing Time for US Citizens

The processing time for the Israel eTA is usually quick, but it can vary depending on the season and the volume of applications. Below are the typical timelines to expect:

  • Standard processing time: Most Israel eTA applications are approved within 24 to 72 hours.
  • Express processing: Some providers offer an expedited service that allows you to obtain the Israel eTA within a few hours for an additional fee.
  • Delay in case of error or additional verification: If incorrect information is provided or if further verification is required, the delay may be extended to several days or even weeks.

Tips to avoid delays

  • Double-check all information before submitting your Israel eTA application.
  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
  • Apply at least one week in advance of your departure date.
  • Monitor your email inbox (and spam folder) for updates or approval notifications.

 

Duration and validity of the Israeli visa for American citizens

The duration and validity of the Israel eTA authorization are important things for American citizens to know before departure

 

Number of entries into Israel from the USA

The Israel eTA allows multiple entries into Israel during its period of validity. This means that an American traveler can enter and leave Israel several times without having to reapply for authorization for each trip.

  • Multiple entries: The Israel eTA is generally valid for multiple entries during its period of validity.
  • Expiration of the Israel eTA: Once expired, a new application must be made before the next trip.
  • Passport changes: If your passport expires or is renewed, you’ll need to submit a new Israel eTA application using the updated passport details.

This flexibility is particularly advantageous for frequent travelers, business people and tourists making multiple trips to Israel within a few months.

→ Israel eTA for US citizens ←

How long can I stay in Israel as a US citizen?

The maximum authorized duration with an Israel eTA for a US citizen is 90 days per stay. However, this duration may be reduced depending on the decision of the authorities upon arrival.

  • Standard tourist stay: Up to 90 days from entry into the territory.
  • Possible extension: As a general rule, an extension of stay is not automatic and must be requested from the Israeli Ministry of the Interior.
  • Verification on arrival: An immigration officer may grant a shorter period of stay if certain conditions are not met (e.g. no return ticket, lack of sufficient funds, previous immigration history in Israel, etc.).

Travelers must therefore ensure that they have all the necessary documents to justify the planned duration of their stay.

 

Refusal of Israel visas for American citizens

Although American citizens generally benefit from facilitated entry into Israel with the Israel eTA, refusals can nevertheless occur. A refusal of the Israel eTA can be related to errors in the application, an unfavorable immigration history or security reasons. The Israeli authorities examine each case and reserve the right to refuse access to a traveler if they consider that they represent a security risk or that they have previously violated the conditions of stay. In the event of refusal, it is recommended to contact the Israeli embassy in the United States to try to obtain explanations and, if possible, submit a new request with corrected information.

Do you have any doubts?

Find out if your question has been answered in the list below

No, US citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival when traveling to Israel. Instead, they must obtain the Israel eTA, an electronic travel authorization, before departure. This mandatory eVisa must be applied for online and approved prior to boarding. Once granted, the Israel eTA allows US travelers to stay in the country for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits. Failing to secure the eTA in advance may result in denied boarding by the airline, which is why it’s essential to apply at least a few days before departure to avoid any last-minute issues.

In addition to the Israel eTA, American travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Israel. While no specific vaccinations are currently required to enter the country, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before departure, especially to ensure that all routine immunizations are up to date. Purchasing travel insurance is also strongly advised, as medical care in Israel can be expensive. Furthermore, if the trip involves a layover in a third country, travelers should verify any additional entry or transit formalities that may apply to avoid complications.

Yes, American children are also required to obtain the Israel eTA, just like adult travelers. Each minor must hold their own approved electronic travel authorization, even when traveling with a parent or legal guardian. In certain cases, Israeli authorities may request written consent if the child is traveling alone or with only one parent. It is therefore important to check these entry requirements in advance and prepare the necessary documentation accordingly. The same conditions of stay — including the 90-day limit and passport validity rules — apply equally to minors.