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May Highlights

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ETA becomes mandatory to enter the UK

EES: The European Union’s New Entry/Exit System The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational last month on April 10th across the 29 countries of the Schengen area. The new automated system is designed to streamline management of the EU’s external borders and strengthen security. Airlines and travel experts are warning travelers about the eventuality of significant queues during the initial implementation phase. The EES represents the most significant change to European border management in decades. It effectively eliminates traditional ink and paper passport stamps for non-EU citizens, replacing them with a central digital register. The system applies to all “third country” travelers, including travelers from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia visiting the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days.

6 Israeli hotels make it onto the prestigious Forbes list

Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA) have become mandatory to travel to the United Kingdom. Without it you risk being denied boarding or entry into the country. British authorities have recently announced the full enforcement of the ETA mechanism, and citizens from the 85 countries that are exempt from the UK visa requirement, including Israeli citizens, can no longer enter the UK without said ETA. Airlines, ferry operators and train companies are required to refuse to board passengers who do not present the appropriate authorization. ETA requests cost €16 and can be made online via etaukcenter.com, with each ETA being valid for two years. A new hotel opens in Eilat The Herbert Samuel hotel chain which is part of the Jordache Group, continues to expand, launching its third location in Eilat, the Herbert Eilat. The new hotel offers 173 elegantly designed rooms, a spa, a gym, a central pool, a toddlers’ pool, a dining room and a poolside bar. The Herbert Samuel chain has stated that the hotel’s main emphasis is on comfort and accessibility to families with children, couples, and all vacationers in general. The hotel has undergone an extensive renovation process to bring it in line with the chain’s hospitality standards at an investment of millions of shekels, so as to offer the optimal luxury guest experience.

Following two years of absence on the Forbes Travel Guide hotel list due to the war, Israel has once again made it onto the prestigious luxury lifestyle magazine’s list of hotel favorites, placing Israel’s tourism industry back on the map. Indeed, six Israeli hotels have been added to the list, including the Ritz-Carlton in Herzliya, the Norman and Setai in Tel Aviv, the David Citadel Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, and Mamilla in Jerusalem. The Forbes’ ranking is based on field tests that include more than 900 criteria of service, facilities and hospitality experience. After receiving the title of “Recommended Hotel”, the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya’s CEO Roy Avidor reacted by saying: “the overall experience we offer is one of a unique quality of service and guest experience, and we are committed to keep reaching new heights”.

Photo: Snir Lavie

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ATMOSPHERE MAY 2026