Mexican-Israeli relations have been steadily flourishing since the early fifties, and part of the diplomatic agreement between the two countries is visa-free entry to Israel for all Mexican passport holders. But visa-exemption doesn’t mean there are no travel documentation requirements at all – from 2024 onwards, Mexican citizens will need to apply for the ETA for Israel before departing.

How is the ETA different from a visa?

The ETA is a mandatory electronic document you must apply for and be approved for before you enter Israel.

You may be confused as to why, as a visa-exempt national, you are still required to obtain documentation before entering Israel. This is because the ETA, while still a travel authorization, is legally distinct from a traditional visa.

The ETA is also distinct from a visa in terms of the application process. As part of the visa-exemption agreement, it is far easier to apply for, has a quicker wait time, and a higher approval rate. It is typically also less expensive to process, and is done online instead of through the embassy.

Do Mexican nationals need an ETA to enter Israel?

Yes. As members of visa-exempt countries, citizens of Mexico are eligible to apply for the ETA instead of the visa for short-term visits, enabling them to skip the long wait times and heavy cost associated with travel visas.

However, like a visa or a passport, the ETA is a mandatory requirement for travel to Israel. If you do not have it when you arrive in Israel, you risk being refused entry into the country.

Remember that the ETA is only relevant for short term visits. This may include:

  • Vacations
  • Sightseeing
  • Pilgrimages
  • Business trips

If you intend to work in Israel (including as a clergyman), or to study, or to accompany a family member who is, you will need to apply for a visa instead.

For how long is the ETA for Israel valid?

Once your ETA has been issued, you can use it to enter Israel for visits of up to three months (90 days), for a period of 2 years – as long as the passport the ETA is linked to remains valid.

Do not attempt to use the ETA for a longer time period than 3 months. Also remember that it is intended for visitors – not to work, study or apply for long-term residency. Violating these terms could lead to penalties and difficulties entering the country in future,

How can I obtain the ETA for Israel as a Mexican national?

You can get the ETA through the application form, which is entirely online. Our form is designed to maximize user experience, breaking down each part of the application into manageable steps.

The process is simple – fill in the details as requested by the form, taking care to be as careful as possible and double-checking your answers to avoid delays.

In order

What does the application process look like for the Israeli ETA?

  1. Online application - Fill in your details as fully and accurately as possible. This should only take 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Receive confirmation immediately by email - If your confirmation has not arrived, you may have made a typing error in the application form.
  3. Await approval - This can take from a few days to a week, depending on the volume of applications.
  4. Save your ETA - Make sure you have a way of accessing your ETA to show border guards and airport staff. You can print, save, or flag the email – whichever is most comfortable for you.

What questions will I be asked on the ETA for Israel Application Form?

You will be expected to answer some questions. Most of these will be about yourself – your name, date of birth, nationality, and occupation.

You will also be required to fill in your passport details. This will include passport number and expiration date – make sure your passport is in date so that your application is not rejected.

You should also be prepared to answer some questions about your trip, such as your arrival and departure dates from Israel. This is to make sure you are planning on abiding by the terms of your ETA.

A summary of travel requirements for Mexican citizens to Israel

As a Mexican national, you are on the visa-exempt list. This means that instead of wading through the extensive bureaucracy of a visa, your requirements for travel are a valid passport and an approved Israeli ETA – a simple and approachable process that you can complete in as little as a week.