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By: JNS Staff
A new digital entry procedure for visitors to Israel from visa-exempt countries will take effect on Jan. 1, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) requirement, which was originally due to go into effect on Aug. 1 and has been undergoing a pilot test for the last year, will be fully implemented starting on Wednesday—even as the war has caused most tourists to stay away—according to Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority.
The new process entails visitors, unless they already have an Israeli visa, filling out an online form for entry approval before departure for Israel, at least 72 hours before their arrival.
The ETA-IL authorization is valid for two years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first). It is valid for up to 90 days during one visit. For a longer stay, an application must be submitted to the Population and Immigration Authority.
The application, which will cost $7 or 25 shekels, is intended to simplify the entry process so that visitors can just swipe their passports at Ben-Gurion International Airport upon arrival, as holders of Israeli biometric passports already do.
“The procedure will enable the authorities to review in advance the passenger data before boarding the plane,” the Population and Immigration Authority said. “If an obstacle is found for any reason, the passenger will be referred to the Israeli embassy in his country for further review.”
The digitized method of entry is intended to improve security and passenger service at airport immigration, the government body said.
The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia all have similar digitalized systems in place, and the European Union is expected to launch one soon.
The timing of the previously announced rollout of the procedure had raised eyebrows among tourism officials.
The war against Hamas in Gaza has led to a staggering 80% drop in tourism to Israel. Many foreign airlines that suspended flights to Tel Aviv after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, are currently limiting their operations in Israel, while others, including all U.S. carriers, have yet to resume service.
In other news, Israel HaYom has reported that Birthright Israel is commemorating its quarter-century milestone, with approximately 6,500 young participants scheduled to arrive this winter to support the recovery of Israel’s tourism sector.
More than 300 international groups will engage in volunteer programs and diverse internships across Israel. Since November 2023, all tours have incorporated war-related elements, including visits to “Hostage Square,” tours of Gaza border communities, volunteering initiatives, and encounters with Oct. 7 survivors.
In addition to the standard visits showcasing Israel’s vibrant character to young diaspora Jews, the organization is preparing to welcome about 10,000 volunteers throughout 2025. These volunteers, predominantly Birthright alumni, will support the rehabilitation of Gaza border kibbutzim and northern communities as residents return to rebuild.
This expansion builds on volunteer programs established in November 2023, which brought approximately 8,500 volunteers to Israel over the past year. Responding to strong interest, Birthright has now extended the age eligibility for these programs to 50.
The project’s cumulative economic impact on the Israeli economy since its inception amounts to approximately 8.5 billion shekels, covering expenses for flights, accommodations, attractions, dining, transportation, tour guides, and more. The organization generates a fourfold return on every government dollar invested, directly benefiting the Israeli economy.
(JNS.org)
