Travelers holding Macau passports have traditionally been able to visit Israel without applying for a traditional consular visa. This visa-exempt arrangement has made travel easier for Macanese visitors interested in Israel’s historical landmarks, cultural destinations, and business opportunities. Israel’s ETA-IL system introduces a digital pre-travel authorization designed to strengthen border screening while keeping entry procedures simple for eligible travelers from Macau.

Do Macanese citizens need an ETA-IL visa to visit Israel?

Macanese citizens do not need a traditional embassy visa for short visits to Israel. However, travelers must obtain an approved ETA-IL visa before departure in order to enter the country.

Macau participates in Israel’s electronic travel authorization system, which applies to tourism, family visits, short-term business travel, and transit. Without this authorization connected to their passport, travelers may not be permitted to board transportation to Israel.

ETA-IL is not a physical document placed inside the passport. It is an electronic authorization linked to the traveler’s passport and requested online before the journey begins.

ETA-IL eligibility requirements for Macanese travelers

To qualify for Israel’s ETA-IL authorization, Macanese travelers must meet several basic conditions.

Applicants must:

  • Hold a valid Macau passport
    ◦ Temporary or special travel documents may not always be accepted for this authorization.
  • Plan a short visit that does not exceed the 90-day limit
    ◦ The authorization is intended for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit.
  • Meet Israel’s security and entry screening requirements
    ◦ Applications may be reviewed if travelers have previous immigration issues or serious criminal records.

I am a Macanese traveler – how do I apply for the Israeli ETA-IL?

The ETA-IL request is submitted through a secure application form before traveling to Israel. The process is designed to be straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes to complete.

During the application, travelers must provide several pieces of information so authorities can verify eligibility before arrival.

The form typically asks for:

  • Personal information, including full name and date of birth
  • Passport details, such as passport number and expiration date
  • Travel details, including the planned arrival date and length of stay
  • Contact information, such as email address and telephone number
  • Purpose of travel, selected from available options such as tourism, business, family visits, or transit

Applicants should review the form carefully before submitting it. Even small typing errors in passport numbers or travel dates can delay the approval process.

How long does the ETA-IL authorization remain valid

Once approved, ETA-IL remains valid for 2-year validity as long as the passport used in the application remains valid.

During this period, Macanese travelers may visit Israel more than once without submitting another application. The authorization allows multiple entries, which makes repeat travel simpler.

If the passport expires or is replaced, a new ETA-IL request must be submitted.

How long can Macanese travelers stay in Israel

Visitors entering Israel with ETA-IL are normally allowed to remain in the country for up to the 90-day limit per visit.

This authorization is designed for temporary travel and cannot be used for employment or long-term residence.

The final permitted stay is determined by Israeli border officials when the traveler arrives.

Processing time for Macanese ETA-IL applications

Most applications submitted by Macanese travelers are processed within 24–72 hours.

Processing times may vary if additional verification is required. For this reason, travelers are encouraged to submit their application several days before departure.

After approval, confirmation is sent to the email address used during the application.

Countries participating in the ETA-IL authorization program

ETA-IL applies to travelers from several visa-exempt regions around the world, including Macau.

Macanese travelers must obtain this authorization before visiting Israel for short stays under the visa-exemption arrangement.

A full list of participating nationalities can be found on the page showing countries eligible for ETA-IL.