Ukraine won't have to pay for permit to enter Israel until end of 2024 - embassy

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - A new ETA-IL system of pre-approved entry to Israel will be free for Ukrainian citizens until the end of 2024, and starting January 1, 2025, it will cost them 25 new Israeli shekels ($6.7), Ukrainian media reported citing the Ukrainian embassy to Israel's statement on its social account.

"Starting July 1, citizens from countries with visa-free access to Israel, including Ukraine, will have to apply for an ETA-IL permit (electronic visa) to enter Israel for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes," the embassy said.

"An ETA-IL permit obtained by a citizen will be valid for multiple entries within two years from the day of authorization or until the expiration of the passport's validity, whichever occurs first," it said.

Ukrainian citizens will have to pay the administrative fee starting 2025, and this service will remain free for Ukrainians until the end of 2024, it said.

Israel recommended filing an entry application at least three days prior to a planned trip, the booking of plane tickets and hotel accommodation, and other such expenses associated with a planned trip to Israel. "Israel's authorized body is supposed to process an application within 24 to 72 hours," it said.

Starting July 1, the system will operate in pilot mode for citizens of all other visa-free access countries, and it will be mandatory for all citizens of visa-free access countries, including Ukraine, starting August 1.

As reported, citizens from countries with visa-free access to Israel, including Ukraine, must apply for an ETA-IL permit for stays up to 90 days starting July 1.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgeny Korniychuk said that Ukraine would respond by introducing similar pre-approval requirements for Israeli citizens, which would apply, in particular, to thousands of Israeli pilgrims annually visiting Ukraine. At the same time, Korniychuk said Ukraine remained open to a dialogue on the matter with Israel.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the Japanese embassy in Kiev that Japan has eased visa requirements for Ukrainian applicants since June 24.

"This is yet another step promoting the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Japan, including for facilitating cultural exchanges and business ties between the countries and supporting efforts toward Ukraine's reconstruction," the embassy said on its social account.