Book the flight once your seminary confirms its arrival date, and read this first. Rules for entering Israel change, so check the official pages linked below before you fly.
ETA-IL: the travel authorization
- The UK government says that since January 1, 2025, visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before they arrive, and that it's valid for two years, covers a visit of up to 90 days and costs 25 shekels. If you travel on another passport, check the rules for your country on Israel Entry.
- You apply on the Population and Immigration Authority's own site, Israel Entry (israel-entry.piba.gov.il).
- Masa says its participants enter Israel on the ETA-IL and then change to a student visa inside Israel. How that works is in visas and health insurance. Ask your seminary which way its students do it.
Passport dates
The UK government says a visitor's passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the day you arrive. A student staying the year needs more than that: the student visa rules ask for a passport valid for the whole stay. Renew it before the year if it runs out before you're home.
Group flights
Some schools fly their students out together at the start of the year. Midreshet Tehillah, Midreshet Torah v'Avodah and Midreshet Lev each list a group flight in their 2026-27 calendars. Ask your school whether it runs one, which city it leaves from, and whether you can meet the group at the airport in Israel if you're flying from somewhere else.
Luggage
- Baggage allowances depend on the airline, the route and the fare you buy. Check the airline's own baggage page before you book, not just before you pack.
- Ask the school how much a dorm room really holds. Our packing list has the rest.
- Hair dryers and straighteners need to be dual voltage to work in Israel. See everyday life in Israel.
- Keep medicine, prescriptions and a change of clothes in your carry-on. How much medicine you can bring is in medication, doctors and support.
Landing at Ben Gurion
- Visitors arriving at Ben Gurion get an entry card instead of a passport stamp. The UK government says to keep it with your passport until you leave, because it's your proof that you entered legally.
- Allow extra time. The UK government warns of long security checks, especially around Israeli holidays and in the summer, and says some travelers are questioned at length or have their bags searched.
- Most trains and buses stop for Shabbat, from Friday afternoon to Saturday night. Avoid landing late on a Friday unless the school is collecting you.
- Load a Rav-Kav card or a payment app for buses and trains (see everyday life in Israel).
Trips home during the year
Check your school's rules before you book a flight home in the middle of the year. Sha'alvim for Women says students may not travel abroad during the year, other than the Pesach break, without the Menahel's permission. Midreshet AMIT says it doesn't support trips abroad during term. Vacation dates are in Shabbat, holidays and vacations.
Questions and answers
Do seminary students need an ETA-IL?
The UK government says visitors have needed one since January 1, 2025, and Masa says its participants enter Israel on the ETA-IL and then switch to a student visa inside Israel. Check Israel Entry for your own passport, and ask your seminary which route its students use.
How much does the ETA-IL cost, and how long is it valid?
The UK government says it costs 25 shekels, is valid for two years and covers a visit of up to 90 days. Apply only on the Population and Immigration Authority's site.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
For a visit, at least 90 days after you arrive, according to the UK government. For a student visa covering the year, it should be valid for the whole stay.
Does my seminary have a group flight?
Some do. Midreshet Tehillah, Midreshet Torah v'Avodah and Midreshet Lev list one for 2026-27. Ask your school.
Sources
Read on 30 October 2026. Open them to check a figure or see whether it has changed.
- UK Foreign Office: Israel, entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Israel Population and Immigration Authority: Israel Entry (ETA-IL) (opens in a new tab)
- Midreshet Tehillah (opens in a new tab)
- Midreshet Torah v'Avodah (opens in a new tab)
- Midreshet Lev (opens in a new tab)
- Sha'alvim for Women (opens in a new tab)
- Midreshet AMIT (opens in a new tab)
