Preparing your journey
Preparing your journey
Passport validity and visa preparation guidance.
Obtaining the proper travel documents is an important part of preparing for your pilgrimage. Passport, visa, and electronic travel authorization requirements vary by destination and by your country of citizenship. We encourage all travelers to review these requirements well in advance of departure.
If you need to apply for a new passport, renew an existing passport, or replace a lost or stolen passport, visit the official U.S. Department of State website. There you will find the latest information on passport applications, processing times, fees, expedited services, and frequently asked questions.
Some countries require a traditional visa, while others require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) or e-Visa. Requirements vary depending on your nationality and destination.
Pax Via Tours & Travel will gladly provide guidance regarding the travel requirements for your pilgrimage. However, each traveler is ultimately responsible for obtaining the appropriate travel documents before departure.
Beginning in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Israel. The application is completed online and should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure, although applying earlier is strongly recommended. Once approved, an ETA-IL is generally valid for multiple entries for up to two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has not yet begun operations. According to the European Union, ETIAS is expected to launch during the last quarter of 2026. Once implemented, travelers from visa-exempt countries—including U.S. citizens—will need an approved ETIAS authorization before visiting most European countries in the Schengen Area. The European Union will announce the official start date several months before the system becomes mandatory.
For the most current travel requirements, we recommend using official government websites:
U.S. Department of State – Passport Services
U.S. Department of State – International Travel Information
Official U.S. Embassy Directory
Official ETA-IL Portal (Israel)
Official ETIAS Website (European Union)
Because entry requirements can change without notice, we recommend verifying all passport, visa, and travel authorization requirements approximately 60–90 days before your departure and again shortly before travel. Pax Via Tours & Travel will also notify pilgrims of any major travel document updates that may affect their pilgrimage.
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