Is ETA-IL mandatory for Ukrainian citizens even for short trips?

Yes. Ukrainian citizens must obtain the authorization before traveling, even for brief visits.

Can Ukrainian travelers apply close to their departure date?

Late applications are possible, but applying earlier reduces the risk of delays.

Does holding previous Israeli visas affect ETA-IL eligibility?

Previous visas do not automatically affect eligibility, but past overstays or violations may trigger review.

Can Ukrainian minors apply under the same process?

Yes. Each traveler, including minors, must have their own authorization.

Is ETA-IL required for transit through Israel?

Yes. Transit travelers are also required to hold an approved authorization.

What if a Ukrainian traveler changes passports after approval?

A new authorization is required if the passport details change.

Israel ETA-IL Visa Requirements for Ukrainian Citizens

Trips from Ukraine to Israel are usually arranged around fixed dates and clearly defined purposes, such as family visits or short personal travel. Flights, accommodation, and onward travel are often booked well in advance, leaving little room for last-minute changes. Securing the required authorization early helps ensure travel plans remain aligned with entry requirements.

What visa framework applies to Ukrainian citizens entering Israel?

For short visits, Ukrainian citizens are not issued a traditional consular visa. Instead, Israel requires travelers from Ukraine to hold a pre-approved electronic travel authorization before departure. This system allows basic eligibility to be reviewed before travel begins rather than after arrival.

The authorization must be approved prior to departure. Without it, travelers may encounter boarding issues due to carrier compliance requirements, even if their passport and onward travel documents are valid. Final entry approval is always made by border authorities on arrival.

Activities permitted under the authorization

The authorization is strictly limited to temporary travel and may be used only for:

Tourism and personal travel
Visiting family members or close contacts
Short, unpaid professional activities such as meetings
Transit through Israel

Paid work, academic enrollment, or long-term residence are not permitted under this authorization and require a different visa route.

Duration and reuse of the authorization

Once approved, the authorization remains valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips during that period. Ukrainian travelers do not need to submit a new request for each visit as long as the authorization remains valid and linked to the passport used for travel.

Any change to the travel document associated with the authorization requires submitting a new request before departure.

Stay limits after entry approval

Each approved entry allows a stay of up to 90 days. The authorization does not allow extensions, repeated stays beyond this limit, or conversion to another status. Staying longer than permitted can negatively affect future travel eligibility.

How do Ukrainian travelers submit their request?

The request is completed entirely online and does not require visiting an embassy under normal circumstances.

Applicants are expected to:

Enter personal and passport details exactly as shown in the passport
Review all information carefully before submission
Pay the required processing fee using an accepted payment method
Submit the request in advance using the pre-travel ETA-IL submission system

Accuracy is essential, as errors can delay approval or create issues before departure.

Documentation required at the application stage

When submitting the ETA-IL request, Ukrainian applicants should have the following ready:

A valid Ukrainian passport that remains valid for the entire intended travel period and matches the details entered in the application
A reachable email address, used for application updates, follow-up requests, and delivery of the authorization
A payment method accepted for online processing to complete the submission

Applicants should double-check their passport’s expiration date before starting the application and ensure continued access to their email after submission.

Eligibility assessment and review factors

Ukrainian citizens may request the authorization when traveling for clearly temporary reasons and without the intention to remain in Israel beyond the permitted stay. Applications may receive additional scrutiny if there is a history of prior refusals, overstays, or unresolved entry issues.

Eligibility is assessed individually and in advance. Travelers should ensure their travel purpose and intended length of stay are consistent if reviewed.

Ukraine appears among the authorized nationalities for ETA-IL, allowing Ukrainian citizens to submit their request in advance without a consular appointment.

Processing expectations before departure

Many applications are reviewed within 24 to 72 hours, although processing times vary based on individual circumstances. Applying well ahead of departure allows time for follow-up checks if needed. Submitting an application close to travel increases the risk of delays.

Border procedures upon arrival in Israel

Holding an approved authorization allows Ukrainian citizens to travel to Israel but does not guarantee entry. Border officers may ask about travel plans, accommodation, or return arrangements. Once entry is approved, the permitted stay under this authorization is always up to 90 days.

Traveling with Ukrainian and Israeli citizenship

Travelers who hold both Ukrainian citizenship and Israeli citizenship are not required to apply for an ETA-IL. Entry is based on Israeli citizenship status, and documentation confirming that status may be requested during pre-departure checks.