New Israel ETA rule for UAE travelers: Avoid rejection (2025 guide)

Traveling from the UAE to Israel? Don’t let the new Israel ETA rule ruin your trip!

Starting January 1, 2025, all United Arab Emirates passport holders need an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering Israel.

Here’s how to get yours without rejections or delays and enjoy your journey stress-free.

Do UAE citizens need an Israel visa or ETA?

UAE citizens used to travel to Israel without needing a visa for short trips. From January 2025, you’ll need an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you go.

Key facts about the Israel ETA-IL

➡️ It’s super easy to get online (no need to visit an embassy)

➡️ It lets you visit multiple times over the next two years

➡️ Each stay can be up to 90 days

➡️ You can use it for tourism, business, and transit purposes

How to get your Israel ETA-IL as a UAE citizen

Here's how to get your ETA in three easy steps online:

1️⃣ Prepare your documents and information:

• Valid passport (at least three months validity from arrival date)
• Email address for confirmation
• Payment method for the fee

Use the government portal, our platform, or the mobile app and fill out the required details accurately.

2️⃣ Pay the government fee and service charge on our secure payment platform.

3️⃣ Upload your documents with ease and wait for your confirmation and approval.

💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, recommends:

"Considering the newness of this document and the current political climate, we recommend applying at least a week before your trip."

Why choose us for your Israel ETA-IL application?

Here’s why applying through us makes your travel plans easier and stress-free:

Ready to get started? Let us handle the details while you plan your trip.

"I always traveled to Israel without a visa, I had no idea the rules had changed. Thanks to iVisa, I got my ETA-IL in time for my trip! It saved me a lot of stress and money." - Khalid Z., Sharjah

Avoid these common mistakes when applying for the ETA-IL

When applying for your ETA-IL, make sure to avoid these common mistakes made by recent UAE travelers:

❌ Entering incorrect info: Make sure all info you fill out is correct and matches your passport details exactly, as even small mistakes can lead to rejection.

❌ Applying with an expired/invalid passport: It needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended arrival date and have no damages.

💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, adds:

"Any stamps in your passport from Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Kuwait, and Sudan will lead to instant refusal at the border, so make sure to replace any passport with these before applying."

❌ Not using an active email address: To receive your confirmation, use your active email address.

❌ Not using an international payment card: Notify your bank for international charges, or use our platform to use PayPal or another secure method.

Beyond the ETA-IL, check out all entry rules for 2025 and avoid being denied boarding.

Is it safe to go to Israel for UAE citizens?

Even in the current political climate, diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel are stable, according to official statements. However, it’s important to stay informed about the current situation.

Things to keep in mind:

• Stay updated: Check travel advisories before your trip for any political or security updates.

💡Multiple recent travelers advise the following (via Reddit):

"Give yourself at least 3 hours at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) before departure. Security checks are thorough, even when leaving."

• Respect local customs: While relations are positive, cultural and religious differences remain, so it’s wise to be respectful and aware of local customs.

• Security checks: Israel has strict security protocols at airports and border crossings. Be prepared for detailed questioning, which is standard for all visitors, but especially when coming from the middle-east.

💡Michael Angelo from The Project Kosmos shared his experience:

"I was questioned for almost 4 hours upon arrival in Israel since I’m a filmmaker traveling the world. It was intense, but once done, the rest of the process was smooth."

By staying informed and respecting local guidelines, UAE citizens can enjoy a safe trip to Israel for business or tourism.

More info about traveling to Israel

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about Israel or the ETA-IL application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.