Visa requirements for Israel for US citizens
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.
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.
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:
The Israel eTA simplifies access to Israel for US citizens, but it is imperative to respect these conditions to avoid any complications upon arrival.
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
Fill in the Israel eTA application form
Pay the application fee
Receive the Israel eTA by email
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.
It is advisable to check all the information carefully before submitting the application to avoid any delay or refusal.
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.
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.
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:
The duration and validity of the Israel eTA authorization are important things for American citizens to know before departure
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.
This flexibility is particularly advantageous for frequent travelers, business people and tourists making multiple trips to Israel within a few months.
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.
Travelers must therefore ensure that they have all the necessary documents to justify the planned duration of their stay.
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.
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.