Chaim V’Chessed: Foreign Passport Rule Extended and Branch Closures This Week

Foreign Passport Travel Rule Extended Again

Good news for Israelis who hold dual citizenship: the Population and Immigration Authority has extended the temporary arrangement allowing Israeli citizens to enter and leave Israel using a valid foreign passport through December 31, 2026.

For decades, Israeli citizens – including those who hold an additional citizenship – were generally required to use an Israeli passport when entering and leaving Israel.

The temporary exception was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when passport offices in Israel and Israeli missions abroad were operating with limited capacity or were closed altogether. Many Israelis found themselves unable to obtain or renew Israeli passports, creating significant difficulties for international travel.

The temporary arrangement has since been extended repeatedly. It had most recently been extended through September 30, 2026, and the Population and Immigration Authority has now extended it again, this time through the end of 2026.

This means that Israeli citizens who have a valid foreign passport may continue using that passport to exit and enter Israel through December 31, 2026, subject to the applicable requirements.

Important Reminder Regarding ETA-IL

Foreign visitors from visa-exempt countries traveling to Israel are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Israel. Since January 1, 2025, visa-exempt travelers are required to have an approved ETA-IL before boarding their flight.

Israeli citizens are technically exempt from the ETA-IL requirement. However, Chaim V’Chessed strongly recommends that Israeli citizens who are traveling to Israel using their foreign passport obtain an ETA-IL before their trip, unless they will be traveling with their Israeli passport.

This can help avoid confusion or difficulties at airline check-in when traveling on a foreign passport.

Important: There are numerous imposter sites which charge inflated prices for this inexpensive travel document. Apply only through the official Israeli government website, available here. The ETA-IL costs NIS 25, and applicants should allow up to 72 hours for a response.

Widespread Interior Ministry Branch Closures This Week

At the same time, anyone who needs to visit an Interior Ministry/Population Authority branch should be aware of significant closures taking place this week.

Most Population Authority branches throughout the country will be closed through Thursday, August 27. Some branches may provide limited service by appointment only.

This means that individuals who were hoping to visit a branch this week for passports, identity cards, visas, status matters, or other Population Authority services should not assume that their local branch is operating normally.

In addition, many Population Authority branches will also be closed on Tuesday, September 1.

We strongly recommend checking the status of your specific branch before traveling there, particularly if you have an urgent need or an upcoming appointment. See here for information on specific branches.