Even with the war in Gaza and the fact that many international airlines are not currently running flights to Israel, numbers from Statista show that nearly 800,000 international visitors traveled to the country between January and September 2024.
When the number of visitors for the entire year is calculated, that number is expected to top one million. At the moment, national carrier El Al (ELALF) is seeing a major boost from U.S.-based travelers, particularly as local carriers such as Delta (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) are holding off on restarting routes canceled amid the Israeli government’s response to the Hamas attack in October 2023.
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These are the new visa rules for Israel travel
With the war’s death toll nearing 46,000 people, Israel is facing widespread international criticism and ruptured diplomatic relations with countries such as Ireland and Turkey. There is currently no cease-fire in place, and there are still Israeli hostages being held.
Amid this atmosphere, the Population and Immigration Authority branch of the Israeli government introduced a requirement that all foreign arrivals to the country must apply for an e-visa before travel—similarly to other electronic travel authorizations required by countries like the U.S. and soon coming for travel to the nations making up the European Union. The ETA-IL permit will need to be applied for online at a cost of 25 NIS ($7 USD).
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Starting on January 1, 2025, all foreigners coming into Israel will need to have the permit; dual citizens arriving on a foreign passport will be able to travel without a visa until December 31, 2025. The rule applies specifically to previously visa-exempt countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Visitors whose passport requires applying for a tourist visa at an embassy or consulate will still need to do so.
A view of Mount of the Olives shows Jerusalem’s old city walls.
AHMAD GHARABLI/Getty Images
‘Need to be as open as we can for those who are interested in visiting’
While the government justified the decision based on national security (electronic authorization screens arrivals before they get to customs) and the fact that many other countries are taking similar measures, local travel industry insiders have criticized its sudden implementation. The last-minute deadline could sow confusion and discourage visitors, whose numbers have already dwindled significantly amid the war.
Even with the nearly one million visitors who did come to Israel in 2024, the number of international arrivals has dropped by more than 80% since October 2023.
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“We don’t think it’s wise to introduce any bureaucratic burden in our war situation when coming to Israel is not something that people are considering easily,” Israel Inbound Tour Operators Association Director General Yossi Fatael said to local outlets. “Right now, we need to be as open as we can for those who are interested in visiting Israel.”
As approval can take up to 72 hours to be granted, interested visitors must apply for the new ETA-IL permit at least several days before one’s flights and ideally before booking any tickets or hotel stays. The permit will be valid for tourism or leisure stays lasting fewer than 90 days and will be valid for multiple visits within a two-year period.
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