Do American citizens need a visa for Israel?
The official link goes to israel-entry.piba.gov.il. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Israel entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | Travel authorisation before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | ETA-IL |
| Fee | ILS 25 |
| Stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first; multiple entries |
| When to apply | Apply at least 72 hours before departure (Israeli embassies: answer within 72 hours); only on the gov.il portal |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Israel entry requirements.
The details for an American passport.
Visa-exempt for tourism/business; must hold an approved ETA-IL (mandatory since 1 Jan 2025) before boarding. ETA-IL: ILS 25, valid 2 years or until passport expiry, each visit up to 90 days. Ben Gurion issues a separate entry card instead of a passport stamp; keep it until departure. US-Israeli dual citizens must enter and leave on the Israeli passport and do not need an ETA-IL. US citizens on the Palestinian Population Registry may face different rules.
How long it must be valid.
FCDO: passport expiry date at least 90 days after the date you arrive. US State Dept: valid for 90 days at the time of entry. (Older guidance and some airlines use 6 months - check with your airline.) Netherlands: at least 3 months on arrival.
Recent changes in Israel.
- 2025-01-01 — ETA-IL became mandatory for all visa-exempt travellers (ILS 25, valid 2 years).
- 2025-12-31 — End of temporary permission for Israeli citizens to enter/exit on non-Israeli passports.
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for Israel?
No visa, but yes to a form: American citizens need the ETA-IL approved before they fly for stays of up to 90 days per visit.
How much does it cost for American citizens?
ILS 25. Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can American citizens stay in Israel?
Up to 90 days per visit. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should American citizens apply?
Apply at least 72 hours before departure (Israeli embassies: answer within 72 hours); only on the gov.il portal.
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, israel-entry.piba.gov.il. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Israel visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.