Do Filipinos Need a Visa for Israel?

Last reviewed: September 2026. We keep this guide current as Israel's entry rules change. Always confirm details on the official government portal before you fly.

The short answer

No, Filipinos do not need a traditional visa to visit Israel for tourism or pilgrimage. Philippine passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. You will not line up at an embassy, submit documents weeks in advance, or pay for a visa sticker in your passport.

There is just one online step that has been required since 2025: before you fly, you must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel). It is not a visa. It is a quick online pre-clearance you complete before your trip, and once approved you are cleared to board and enter Israel visa-free. This guide walks you through exactly how it works, so there are no surprises at the airport.

What is the ETA-IL and why it exists

The ETA-IL is an electronic entry authorization introduced by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority. Since 1 January 2025, citizens of visa-exempt countries, which includes the Philippines, must hold an approved ETA-IL before boarding a flight to Israel. It screens travelers electronically before departure, which makes arrival smoother and more secure.

The wording matters: you are still entering Israel visa-free. The ETA-IL is simply the online pre-clearance that visa-free travelers now complete first. It is done entirely online and, for the vast majority of leisure and pilgrimage travelers, approved without any difficulty.

How to apply for the ETA-IL, step by step

The application takes most people around ten to fifteen minutes on a phone or computer. Here is the process:

1. Open the official government portal. The only official site is operated by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Avoid copycat sites, which charge USD 30 to 80 for the same thing.
2. Enter your passport details exactly as printed: full name, date of birth, passport number and nationality.
3. Add your travel information, such as your expected arrival date and where you will stay.
4. Answer a short set of standard questions about the purpose and length of your trip.
5. Pay the fee online by credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
6. Submit and wait for the email approval, then save and print a copy.

ETA-IL fee, processing time and validity at a glance

• Fee: 25 Israeli shekels, roughly USD 7 to 8, paid by card. It is non-refundable, even if an application is declined.
• Processing time: usually 24 to 72 hours, and in some cases up to about 5 business days. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
• Validity: up to 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Entries: multiple visits allowed while valid, each stay up to 90 days.

Because government fees and timelines can change, confirm the current figures on the official portal when you apply. If you renew your passport, or your name, gender or nationality changes, you must apply for a new ETA-IL, as it is tied to the passport you used.

Travelling with us? We point every client to the correct official portal and remind you when to apply, so you never overpay a third party or leave it too late.

How long can you stay?

With an approved ETA-IL, Filipino travelers can stay for tourism for up to 90 days per visit. For a pilgrimage or holiday that is far more than enough: our Holy Land itineraries typically run one to two weeks. If you ever plan to stay longer, or to work or study, different rules and permits apply and must be arranged separately.

What to prepare: your document checklist

Preparation is the secret to a stress-free arrival. Before you travel, have these ready:

• A Philippine passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
• Your approved ETA-IL, saved on your phone and printed as a backup.
• Proof of onward or return travel, such as your return flight booking.
• Evidence of where you will stay, for example hotel bookings or your tour itinerary.
• Proof you can support yourself, such as a credit card or reasonable funds.
• Travel insurance, which we always recommend even though it is not strictly an entry requirement.

On one of our organized tours, most of this is handled for you: your detailed itinerary and accommodation confirmations come with the package, which makes any questions at the border quick to answer.

At the border: what to expect on arrival

Israel is known for careful border procedures, and this is nothing to be nervous about. Officers may ask routine questions about the purpose of your visit, where you are staying and how long you will remain. Answer honestly and calmly. Saying you are on a religious pilgrimage or a guided tour, and being able to show your itinerary, makes everything easier.

A detail that surprises many first-time visitors: Israel generally does not stamp tourist passports. Instead you receive a small entry slip, often a paper card. Keep it safe, because you may be asked to show it at hotels or when leaving. It is your proof of legal entry, and the absence of a stamp is completely normal.

Common reasons an ETA-IL is delayed or declined, and how to avoid them

Most applications sail through. The small number that are delayed or declined usually come down to avoidable mistakes:

• Typos in passport details. A name or passport number that does not match your passport is the most common cause of trouble. Check every field twice.
• Applying too late. Leaving it to the night before removes any margin if a review takes the full processing window. Apply as soon as your trip is confirmed.
• A passport with under six months validity. Renew first, then apply with the new passport.
• Using an unofficial website. Third-party sites can overcharge or mishandle your data. Use only israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
• An old ETA-IL after a passport renewal. A new passport needs a new ETA-IL.

If an application is declined, it does not necessarily mean you cannot travel, but you may need to apply for a visa through an Israeli mission. If that happens, tell us early and we will help you understand the next step.

Adding Jordan or Egypt to your trip

Many Filipino pilgrims extend their Holy Land journey to Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan, or to Egypt. These are separate countries with their own entry rules. Jordan offers visa options on arrival or online, and certain packages that enter through specific crossings can waive the Jordan visa fee. Egypt has its own visa requirements. When you travel with us, we advise you on exactly what each border on your itinerary requires, so nothing catches you out. See our Israel and Jordan tours for how the combined trip works.

Frequently asked questions

Is Israel visa-free for Filipinos?

Yes. Philippine passport holders can enter Israel visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. You only need to obtain an approved ETA-IL online before you fly.

How much does the ETA-IL cost?

The government fee is 25 Israeli shekels, roughly USD 7 to 8, paid by credit card on the official portal. Confirm the current amount when you apply.

How long does ETA-IL approval take?

Usually 24 to 72 hours, and in some cases up to about 5 business days. Apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.

How long is the ETA-IL valid?

Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple visits, each up to 90 days.

Does Israel stamp Philippine passports?

Generally no. You receive a separate entry slip instead of a passport stamp. Keep the slip with you during your stay.

Do I still need the ETA-IL if I book a tour package?

Yes, every visa-exempt traveler needs their own approved ETA-IL. On our tours we guide you to the official portal and remind you when to apply.

This guide is general information, not immigration advice, and entry rules can change. Always confirm the current requirements on the official Israeli government portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) or with an Israeli mission before you travel.