ETA system
 

Appreciating the pilot is USA and Germany, that it will be voluntary for other countries from July 1st and mandatory from 1st August, does anyone know if the electronic system means that you no longer need to get the blue slip from the kiosk upon arrival?

The article I read said the immigration agent will still determine whether or not you are granted entry.

Thanks, I have looked on the website but no real detail as to what happens on the ground upon landing. I intend to get the ETA for a trip beginning of July during the voluntary phase for UK citizens so I have an idea what to do when I return at the end of July with my wife. It seems straightforward enough and at least if I do it voluntarily they waive the NIS 25 fee.

Well ETA approved in an instant, but still no idea if I need to get the actual blue slip. I'll ask at LY security as I am sure the hotel will need for the VAT exemption. If anyone has gone through since the pilot started please post.

From the official website,
“

You can apply for an ETA-IL if:

• 1You are a citizen of a country that is exempt from visa to Israel
• 2Your passport is valid at least until the end of your visit to Israel
• 3You plan to visit Israel for up to 90 days

Even if you get an ETA-IL, it doesn’t guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Israel.

An Electronic Travel Authorization only allows you to reach the border crossing into Israel, but does not grant you permission to enter or reside in Israel. When you arrive at the border crossing, you will be checked by a border control officer, who may determine that you are not authorized to enter Israel.”

Yes, I have read that, but what will the Officer check? The ETA or the blue slip, Using the biometric machine, you get the blue slip. But on many occasions no one has even checked that. The blue slip visa is based on your passport and photo, I have had to put much more detail into the form for the ETA ( Mum and dad's name, occupation, last visit to Israel etc). I am merely asking if anyone has gone through the new procedure at the border to assess if I need to get a blue slip on top of the ETA. If the website provided detailed information and not just the mantra "a border officer will decide" I would not be asking.
I think, reading between the lines the ETA allows travel to, and the blue slip is still necessary. But am not sure.

The ETA is travel authorization, The blue slip is a VISA. You need a Visa to actually enter the country!You also need a Visa to prove your status once in the country’

Thank you, I thought that was the case, seems an extra layer of unneeded paperwork to me.

It’s probably an extra level of security.

The start date has been changed to January 2025.