Notification of the New Conditions of Entry into Israel, Valid from 1 January 2025

Travelers to Tel Aviv are advised that the new conditions of entry into Israel announced by the local authorities several months ago will take effect on January 1, 2025. The national carrier issued a news release in late July announcing the changes related to the electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) requirement for visa-exempt countries as Bulgaria, which is due to take effect on January 1, 2025, following a pilot period that began on July 1, 2024.

We would like to remind our passengers that as of 26 December, Bulgaria Air is to resume its regular flights operated on the direct Sofia-Tel Aviv route and vice versa, following the calming of the situation in the region. The airline's team is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East region, the recommendations of the government authorities, and after a risk assessment will continue to keep all passengers informed about changes to travel options to/from Israel.

More information on all requirements, conditions and procedures for entry into the State of Israel can be found in the Middle East state section of the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. The application for the electronic travel permit to Israel can be done here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/eligibilitynational/.

The validity period of the ETA-IL is 2 years from the date of issuance of the document, and the validity period lasts until the expiration of the ETA-IL or until the change of the traveler's passport. The maximum period of stay per entry into the country is 90 days for tourism visits. Tel Aviv authorities state that visitors must have a passport valid for a minimum of 90 days from the date of arrival. The fee for issuing an ETA-IL is NIS 25, which is approximately USD 12.5.

It is also important to specify that all persons departing from Bulgaria must have a return ticket issued. Visitors can get more information about their trip at the official website of the Israeli government agency PIBA: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page.

Bulgaria Air is not responsible for passengers who do not have valid documents to enter Israel. Passengers are advised that in this case any costs incurred as a result of missing or invalid entry documents (hotel stay, transportation, meals) will be at their own expense.

For news, announcements and current promotions on flights to destinations that are part of the airline's network, keep an eye on the website and mobile app, as well as the national carrier's social media accounts.