Israel ETA for France citizens: Don't make these mistakes

Planning a trip to Israel as a French citizen? You might be at risk of being denied entry if you're not aware of the new Israel ETA-IL requirements.

Starting in 2025, all French travelers must obtain an ETA before boarding a flight to Israel. Don't let this new rule ruin your trip.

Here’s everything you need to know to avoid travel headaches.

Do French citizens require an Israel ETA? (Quick answer: Yes!)

As of 2025, French citizens must have an Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA-IL) before entering the country.

While the ETA is not the same as a visa, it's still a mandatory document to have when visiting Israel.

This new rule is mandatory and applies to all travelers from France, regardless of the purpose of their visit. It replaces the previous visa-free travel regulations.

Failing to get an ETA before traveling could result in:

❌ Denied boarding at your departure airport

❌ Refusal of entry upon arrival in Israel

❌ Potential travel delays and additional expenses

Key facts about the Israel ETA

• Validity: It's valid for multiple entries of 90 days each within a 2-year period.
• Processing time: Approval is typically granted within 72 hours but may take longer during peak travel times or follow-up screening.
• Requirements: You'll only need your passport (must be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date).

How to get the Israel ETA in 3 simple steps

Getting an Israel ETA is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1️⃣ Head to the government portal or our platform or app and enter your personal, passport, and travel details.

2️⃣ Pay the government fee and our service fee using your preferred payment method.

3️⃣ Upload your passport scan, submit your application, and keep an eye on your inbox.

💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, recommends:

"The ETA process is usually quick, but for your peace of mind, we recommend applying at least a week before your trip."

Remember: Print your ETA confirmation and also keep a digital version handy to show at immigration upon arrival.

Common Israel ETA mistakes French travelers make

Many travelers get caught off guard by simple errors that lead to ETA rejections or travel delays. Here’s a quick guide to avoid these common pitfalls:

💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, adds:

”A review step is especially crucial given the newness of this document and the current political climate.”

Other Israel entry rules French travelers should be aware of

Beyond the ETA-IL, check out all entry rules for 2025 that French travelers should be aware of.

💡Tina B., a recent traveler, advises:

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

Make sure to have the following on hand:

✅ Return ticket: Proof of onward or return travel is mandatory.

✅ Sufficient funds: Demonstrate enough financial means to cover your stay.

✅ Extra security checks: One of the most important things to keep in mind is that Israel has strict border control, and all travelers may undergo questioning upon arrival.

💡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."

Traveling to Palestine from France

Since all international access points to Palestine are controlled by Israel, an Israel ETA is mandatory for entry.

When traveling to the West Bank, the most commonly used entry point is through the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge from Jordan. This crossing is heavily monitored and often involves thorough security checks.

For those planning to visit Gaza, entry is generally limited to humanitarian workers, journalists, and individuals with special permits.

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.