Israel to United Kingdom visa requirements

Israeli ordinary passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist visits to the UK, but since 8 January 2025 they must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA is an online pre-travel clearance, not a visa. Israel is a visa-exempt nationality for the United Kingdom for short stays (tourism, business, visiting family) of up to 6 months. However, the UK rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to non-European nationalities in early 2024 and extended it to remaining eligible visa-exempt nationals, with the requirement becoming mandatory for Israeli citizens from 8 January 2025. An Israeli traveller must apply online (via the UK ETA app or GOV.UK) before departure, typically receiving a decision within minutes but allowing up to 3 working days. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport, is valid for 2 years (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first), and permits multiple entries with each stay up to 6 months. As of 8 April 2026 the fee is GBP 20 (raised from GBP 16). The UK is NOT part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and EU ETIAS do not apply to UK entry. An ETA does not guarantee entry; a Border Force officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.