PASSPORT VALIDITY
Make sure you know where your passport is and ensure it is not expired or nearly expired. If you are traveling on an ETA-IL (non-Israeli passport) and your passport is set to expire within 90 days of your last day in Israel, it must be renewed in advance of the trip. You may be denied boarding on the group flight if your passport expires within that 90-day period.
To determine if your passport will still be valid during your travel, use the handy calculator below!
Enter Your Passport Expiration Date:
We estimate your passport will be valid for travel to Israel until . If you depart from the USA after this date, make sure to renew your passport immediately!
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT!If you are traveling on an ETA-IL (non-Israeli passport) and your passport is set to expire within 90 days of your last day in Israel, it must be renewed in advance of the trip. Do not delay—renew it NOW. Learn more about the requirements and timelines for renewing your passport at www.travel.state.gov.
VISA RULES
If you are traveling to Israel on a USA, Canadian, or European Union member country passport, a visa is not needed to enter Israel on a tourist visit of up to three months. If you are traveling on a passport from another country, you may need a visa to enter Israel. Details are available here. Our office is able to provide you with a letter of support if needed.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
As of January 1, 2025, all travelers to Israel must obtain a valid electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) before entering the country. The online application only takes a few minutes, and you will want to select "Taglit Birththright Israel / Masa Israel" as the main purpose of your visit. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and costs 25 NIS (~$7.00 USD). Apply for the ETA-IL at least 72 hours before your departure and upload your document. and we advise you to carry a printed copy during your travels. To obtain your electronic travel authorization, go to https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
NOTE: The ETA-IL does not pertain to travelers entering Israel with an Israeli passport.
GATE PASS
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will be issued a small slip of paper called an "Electronic Gate Pass" which serves as your official entry permit. Israel asks all visitors to keep the card on hand as proof of their status. We suggest taking a picture of your passport (the page with your picture) and the Gate Pass as a back-up record.
PASSPORT COPIES
You are required to submit a copy of the inside cover page of your passport to our office (i.e. the page with your picture and passport number). If you haven’t done so already, upload your passport copy to the last section —Travel, of your Birthright Israel Application. If you have difficulty uploading, you may email it to [email protected] or fax it to (202) 315-3269.
RULES FOR ISRAELI CITIZENS OR CHILDREN OF ISRAELI CITIZENS
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.
Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.
If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israel consulate offices if you have any questions.
PROTECT YOUR PASSPORTYour passport is an incredibly important document. We recommend making two (2) photocopies of your passport and leaving one with a friend or relative at home. That way you’ll be covered in case of emergency or if your documents are lost or stolen.