Thousands of Spaniards come to Israel each year – and with the ETA visa waiver program, they can expect a smooth and simple procedure for obtaining entry approval. Because the ETA is a new travel requirement for Spanish citizens, we recommend taking extra time to make sure you are confident in how it works for an easy application and a pleasant trip.

Do Spanish citizens need a visa to enter Israel?

No. As part of the EU, Spain is part of the visa waiver agreement with Israel. However, being allowed to enter visa-free doesn’t mean there are no travel requirements at all – Spanish citizens must make sure they have a pre-approved ETA document before they depart for Israel.

What is the ETA for Israel for Spanish passport holders?

The Israeli ETA, also known as the e-visa, is a visa waiver scheme. It stands for electronic travel authorization. Through the ETA, citizens of approved countries can bypass the need to apply for a tourist visa. Instead, after just a short online application process and a few days’ approval time, they can receive permission to travel.

You may be familiar with similar visa waiver programs from several countries around the world, from the U.S.A to Australia. In fact, as part of the EU, Spain has its own equivalent scheme known as the ETIAS.

The purpose of the ETA is to maintain control of the influx of tourists entering and leaving the country, improving security for visitors and residents alike.

Israel visa waiver requirements for Spanish citizens

All Spanish citizens must have an approved ETA to present at the airport by the time they depart. The ETA is a key entry requirement for all citizens of Spain who are coming to visit Israel for short-term stays.

Spanish citizens are obliged to have the ETA as they belong under the category of EU countries, all of which are visa-exempt and therefore required to seek appropriate documentation approving this before they enter.

As a Spanish citizen, you will need a valid passport to apply for the ETA.

How can Spanish citizens obtain the ETA for Israel?

The ETA for Israel is obtained online.

First, load the online form. Our form is designed to be as straightforward and easy to fill out as possible. You will need to have your details on hand, so we advise having your passport and travel information (such as flight information or the address of where you’re staying) on hand as you complete the process.

Once you’re done, you should immediately receive confirmation by email. It is now just a matter of waiting – usually you can expect to receive your approval within a few days to a week. However, always allow a little longer in case of unexpected delays or problems.

To apply for the ETA, you will need:

  • Your passport, which will be the same one that you plan on taking with you – i.e, an in-date Spanish passport
  • A credit or debit card with which you can pay the small processing fee, as is the case for all evisas
  • An email address which you have access to – this is how you’ll receive your ETA
  • Any personal details or details about your trip that you don’t know by heart

A guide to Israeli ETA validity and expiry for Spanish nationals

Your ETA will remain valid for two years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. However, this two year period represents when you can use your ETA, not for how long you are permitted to stay in Israel.

The ETA only allows you to stay for short periods of up to three months. In that time, you may not work (including clergymen performing religious duties) or study. However, you are very welcome to sightsee, travel, go on pilgrimages, volunteer, and attend business conferences.

Please respect the terms of the ETA during your stay in Israel – not doing so could make it difficult or impossible to obtain an Israeli e-visa (or indeed, a regular visa) in future.

A summary of travel requirements for Spanish citizens

The ETA is a key travel requirement for Spanish travelers to Israel. It is essential that you have a pre-approved ETA, printed or saved on your smartphone, alongside your valid passport when you depart for Israel.