New Israel Entry Requirement: What Travelers Need to Know About ETA-IL and Travel Insurance
Beginning January 1, 2025, travelers from the United States must obtain pre-approval through Israel’s new Electronic Travel Authorization system, known as ETA-IL, before entering the country. This requirement applies to all short-term travel and brings Israel in line with other nations using electronic pre-screening systems such as the U.S. ESTA and the EU’s ETIAS.
Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or a mission trip, it’s essential to understand this new requirement and how it may impact your travel insurance coverage.
What is ETA-IL?
ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) is a mandatory digital pre-clearance system, similar to the U.S. ESTA or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS. It applies to short-term visits and is electronically linked to your passport.
Who Needs It?
Travelers from countries that previously did not require a visa to enter Israel—such as the United States, Canada, and most of the European Union—will now need to apply for ETA-IL in advance of their trip.
How to Apply for ETA-IL
The process is simple and done entirely online. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their trip to avoid last-minute complications.
Steps to apply:
Visit the official ETA-IL website: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il
Complete the online application form with personal and passport details
Pay the required application fee
Receive confirmation, typically within 72 hours
Recommended Timing: Apply at least one to two weeks before departure to allow time for any potential processing delays or follow-up requests.
Cost and Validity
Application Fee: ₪25–₪30 (approximately $7–$8 USD)
Validity: Two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
Multiple Entries: Yes – you may enter Israel multiple times during the authorization period
Travel Insurance Considerations: What’s Covered and What’s Not
It’s important to understand how travel insurance interacts with the ETA-IL requirement and the broader situation in Israel.
Not Covered by Most Policies:
Forgetting to apply for ETA-IL
Being denied due to incomplete or incorrect application details
Visa or passport fees (these are not considered insurable expenses)
Any issues arising from a known conflict or war-related event
What May Be Covered:
According to one insurance carrier, while visa and passport fees themselves are not insurable, certain policies may cover trip cancellation if you applied in time and your passport or visa is not returned before your departure date, provided the delay was outside your control and met the policy conditions.
For example, the LX Plan includes a benefit for trip cancellation if your passport or visa cannot be issued for a reason beyond your control, assuming you applied within the required timeframe (typically at least 8 weeks in advance). This does not apply if your application was previously denied or submitted late.
Always check the details of your plan to determine if this benefit is included and under what conditions it applies.
Important Note on War Exclusions and CFAR Availability
Due to the ongoing conflict in Israel, travelers should be aware of additional policy limitations.
War Exclusion:
All travel insurance plans exclude war and civil unrest as a reason for cancellation, interruption, or claims. This includes declared or undeclared war, acts of war, and civil conflict. Because the situation in Israel is considered a known event, any losses directly related to the conflict will not be covered.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage:
CFAR coverage, which normally offers broader cancellation flexibility, is currently unavailable for trips to Israel due to the ongoing conflict. Insurers have suspended CFAR benefits for this destination until further notice.
To learn more, you may refer to our official Travel News update regarding the war exclusion and travel to Israel.
What Should Travelers Do?
To protect your travel plans and avoid preventable issues:
Apply for ETA-IL as early as possible
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
Confirm ETA-IL approval before making non-refundable bookings
Review your insurance policy for passport/visa-related benefits and exclusions
Consult with a licensed travel advisor to select the right coverage for your trip
Need Help? We’re Here to Guide You.
At Insurance Consultants International, we’re committed to helping travelers prepare for changing entry requirements and unexpected travel disruptions. Whether you’re planning a mission trip, group tour, or personal vacation to Israel, we’ll help you understand your options and choose the right protection.
Reach out today to speak with a member of our team.
