Argentina to Israel visa requirements

Argentine ordinary passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Israel (up to 90 days), but since 1 January 2025 they must obtain an approved ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before departure. It costs ₪25, is valid for 2 years, and must be approved before boarding. Argentina holds a long-standing visa-waiver arrangement with Israel: holders of ordinary Argentine passports may enter for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a traditional visa. However, as of 1 January 2025 the visa-free channel is gated by Israel's new ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) system, comparable to the U.S. ESTA. Every visa-exempt traveler, including Argentines, must register and receive an approved ETA-IL before boarding their flight or arriving at the border. The authorization is applied for online at the official government portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il), costs ₪25 (about USD 7), and is electronically linked to the passport. It is valid for up to two years (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) and permits multiple visits, each up to 90 days. Most applicants receive an immediate or near-immediate emailed decision, though the authorities advise applying at least 72 hours before travel since some cases need additional review. Because the ETA-IL is now mandatory and is checked by airlines before boarding, the correct classification for a current Argentine tourist is "ETA" rather than purely visa-free. Travelers should apply only through the official gov.il portal to avoid third-party fee-charging copycat sites.