UK ETA for Israel

Are you unsure about the new UK ETA (electronic travel authorisation) rules? And are you planning a journey from Israel to the UK? Everything Israeli tourists should know before visiting the UK is included in this guide, including eligibility requirements, UK ETA Application procedures, processing periods, and important travel advice. We will assist you in comprehending the UK ETA system and guarantee a seamless entry procedure, regardless of whether you are travelling for work, pleasure, or transit. By the end of this article, you'll be ready for your trip to the UK. Let's begin!

Are all Israeli passport holders required to have the UK ETA?

No, not every Israeli traveler needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from the UK. If any of the following describes you, you are exempt from applying for a UK ETA:

➽ You currently have a valid UK visa, such as a student, work, or tourist visa.

➽ You have residency rights, such as the right of abode, indefinite leave to remain, and settled/pre-settled status.

➽ You are passing through a UK airport without going through border control.

➽ If you are a diplomat or other government official, you are exempt from UK immigration control.

➽ You are eligible for an exemption (for example, some international train employees, airline workers, or mariners).

Now the question arises?

Who Requires an ETA for the UK?

Israeli nationals travelling to the UK for business, pleasure, transit, or short-term study (up to six months) must get a UK ETA before their trip if none of the aforementioned exclusions apply.

Always verify your requirements before booking flights, as entry rules may change. Need help? Contact Israel ETA Customer Support.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Israeli Nationals

To apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to the United Kingdom, Israeli nationals need to ensure they fulfil the following requirements. Non-compliance could lead to denial of entry or potential delays.

Passport Requirements

✔ Must be an ordinary Israeli passport (diplomatic/official passport holders may have different rules).

✔ Valid for the entire duration of your UK stay (check expiry date before applying).

✔ Machine-readable (e-passport preferred)—ensuring smooth processing.

✖ Damaged or altered passports are not accepted – apply for a new one if needed.

Nationality & Residency Rules

✔ Israeli citizens (including dual nationals) must apply for a UK ETA if entering without a visa.

✔ Non-Israeli residents (e.g., tourists in Israel) must apply based on their primary passport nationality.

✖ UK/Irish citizens or legal residents do not need an ETA (use your residency permit instead).

Permitted Travel Purposes

The UK ETA allows stays of up to 6 months for:

✔ Tourism & leisure visits (sightseeing, visiting family/friends).

✔ Business activities (meetings, conferences, short-term training).

✔ Short-term studies (courses under 6 months, excluding degree programs).

✔ Medical treatment (private healthcare visits).

✔ Transit through the UK (if entering border control).

Restricted Activities (ETA Not Valid For)

❌ Paid work or long-term employment (requires a work visa).

❌ Marriage or civil partnerships (requires a Marriage Visitor Visa).

❌ Full-time degree studies (requires a student visa).

❌ Stays beyond 6 months (requires a different visa).

Additional Eligibility Conditions

✔ No UK immigration violations (past overstays or bans may affect approval).

✔ Sufficient funds to cover your stay (may be checked at the border).

✔ Clear travel intentions (no misleading information in the application).

Documents Required for UK ETA Application

Remember: All documents must be in English. Refer to the UK ETA Requirements website for details on thedocuments required.

Passport Specifications

Validity

• Your Israeli passport must cover your entire stay in the UK.
• Ideally valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates.

Blank Pages

• Minimum two blank pages for stamps.

Condition

• No damage, tears, or unreadable areas.
• Machine-readable zone (bottom strip) must be intact.

Photo Requirements

Basic Criteria

✔ Taken within last 6 months

✔ Full face visible: No hats, sunglasses, or hair obscuring facial features

✔ Plain background: White or light cream

Precision Dimensions

UK ETA Application Fees & Payment Methods for Israelis

Processing Options & Estimated Timeline

Note:

Fees increase with speed: Rush/Super-Rush options cost extra but guarantee faster review.

How to Check UK ETA Application Status

With the following information, you can quickly trace the status of your UK ETA application after it has been submitted:

Required Information for Status Check

• Order ID/Reference Number (Provided after submission & payment).
• Passport Number (Must match the one used in your application).

Tracking Methods

Method 1: Online Tracking Tool

1. Visit the UK ETA status portal.
2. Enter your Order ID and Passport Number.
3. View real-time updates (e.g., "Processing," "Approved," "Pending Review").

Method 2: Email Notifications

1. Automatic alerts sent to your registered email.
2. Check spam/junk folders if no updates appear.

Method 3: Immediate Status Check (For Urgent Cases)

1. Contact the UK ETA Customer Support Team
2. Provide your Order ID + Passport Details for verification.

What to Expect?

✅ Approved? – ETA linked electronically to your passport

🔄 Pending? – Wait 24–48 hours before rechecking

❌ Rejected? – Review reasons & reapply if eligible

Validity Period of the UK ETA for Israeli Travelers

Duration

ᐳ 2 years (or until passport expires, if earlier)

ᐳ Multiple entries permitted during validity

Per Stay Limit

ᐳ Maximum 6 months per visit (for tourism, business, or short study etc)

Key Rule

ᐳ If renewing your passport, you must reapply for a new ETA.

Can You Extend a UK ETA? Rules for Israelis

Extensions Are Not Permitted

• Under no circumstances may the UK ETA be extended.

Other options

• Apply for a suitable UK visa (such as a work, student, or family visa) for extended visits.
• Reapply for a fresh ETA once it expires for short follow-up visits.

UK ETA for Israeli Children & Family Applications

Requirements for Minors

• All passengers, including minors, must have an authorised ETA.
• Children's applications must be filled out by their parents or guardians.

Required Documents

• The child's passport must be valid for the duration of the stay.
• Passport-Size Photograph.
• Letter of parental approval (if travelling with one parent or alone).

Travel Insurance for Israel-UK Trips: Is It Mandatory?

Strongly advised but not required:

1. Travellers to the UK with an ETA are advised to have insurance for safety.
2. Coverage for theft, travel cancellation, and medical situations is advised.

Overstaying a Previous UK Visa: Will It Affect My ETA?

Yes, It May Impact Approval:

UK immigration records flag overstayers, leading to:

ETA rejections.

Additional scrutiny in future applications.

Solution: Address past violations before reapplying.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for the UK ETA from Israel

The steps to apply for a UK ETA are as follows:

1️⃣ Apply

⤭ Fill out the online UK ETA application form with personal, passport, and travel details.

⤭ Answer all security questions accurately.

⤭ Upload all the required documents.

2️⃣ Pay the ETA Fee

⤭ Submit your completed application.

⤭ Make payment via credit/debit card or any available payment methods.

3️⃣ Get Your ETA

⤭ Approved ETA will be electronically linked to your passport.

⤭ No physical document is required – your passport is your proof.

Pro Tip: Keep your order ID safe for tracking purposes. Most applications are processed within 1-6 working days.

Final Checklist & Important Reminders for Israeli Travelers Applying for a UK ETA

Israeli passport holders who are travelling to the UK for short-term visits, business, or pleasure must obtain a UK ETA. The procedure is simple and entirely online, and it calls for:

✔ A valid passport and a UK-compliant passport-sized photo.

✔ To avoid common errors, apply precisely.

✔ Approval within 24 Hours (super rush processing increases speed).

✔ Ensure all documents are in English.

✔ Apply at least one week before your travel to avoid delays.

✔ When entering the UK, bring the same passport that was used to submit the ETA application.

✔ Israeli visitors can enter the UK without any problems if they adhere to the rules. Always visit the UK ETA website for the most recent information.

Common Questions on UK ETA for Israelis