In a surprising move, Israel has begun charging an entry fee for all visitors, including those from visa-exempt countries
In a surprising move, Israel has begun charging an entry fee for all visitors, including those from visa-exempt countries. While it’s true that similar measures have been adopted by several Western nations, tourism to Israel has plummeted by more than 80 percent since the war’s outbreak. Critics argue that introducing an additional bureaucratic hurdle might deter the very visitors the country is desperate to attract.
The government clarified that the implementation of the system, called ETA-IL, had been decided well before the war began. Still, they opted not to delay its rollout. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Israel’s Electronic Travel Authorization. Travelers must complete an application before their trip, receive electronic approval, and present their ETA-IL upon arrival.
All visitors, even those from visa-exempt countries, are required to obtain an ETA-IL to enter Israel. Every individual, regardless of age, must obtain an ETA-IL. Minors cannot apply independently; an adult must submit the application on their behalf.
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