Published May 26, 2025 3:06 PM IST
The Knesset Interior Committee convened on May 26 to address growing concerns surrounding the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a newly instituted entry requirement for travelers to Israel. Committee Chairman MK Yaakov Asher led the hearing, pressing Interior Ministry officials on a wave of difficulties that have been reported since the ETA system’s implementation.
Interior Ministry representatives were present at the hearing and responded to the issues raised. They offered explanations for many of the complications and expressed a willingness to assist travelers facing difficulties. The officials shared that their ETA Help Center is available at eta@piba.gov.il for cases of complications.
Among the prominent voices at the hearing were representatives from Chaim V’Chessed, the organization which has become a central address for assisting travelers with the ETA process. CEO Paysach Freedman highlighted numerous cases of complications, including Israeli citizens – who are officially exempt from ETA – being mistakenly subjected to the requirement, and foreign tourists who had obtained valid ETA approvals but were nonetheless barred from boarding flights to Israel.
Freedman emphasized the need for responsive and accessible customer service. “If the authorities are charging travelers for this service, they must also ensure that proper support is provided when problems arise,” he stated.
Chairman Asher responded positively to the concerns raised, expressing strong support for improving the system and ensuring travelers receive appropriate assistance. He affirmed the committee’s commitment to working with the Interior Ministry to streamline the process and raise the standard of service for all passengers entering Israel. In addition, the committee pledged to follow up on the matter, particularly to ensure that airlines are properly informed of current entry requirements.
In the meantime, Chaim V’Chessed urges all travelers to obtain their ETA well in advance of travel and to use only the official application link. The public is warned that unofficial websites exist which charge exorbitant fees for the same service. Furthermore, although holders of valid Israeli visas are currently slated to be exempt from the ETA requirement until existing issues are resolved, Chaim V’Chessed continues to advise that even visa holders apply for an ETA as a precautionary measure.
