Israel Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) in English or Hebrew, including contact information and authorization for the child to travel. This is particularly important if the child has a different surname from the accompanying adult. For divorced or separated parents, carry custody documentation. Israeli immigration is particularly vigilant about child welfare and may ask detailed questions about traveling minors. If traveling with children who are not your own, carry authorization letters from parents and possibly birth certificates.

Pets entering Israel must have an import permit obtained in advance from the Veterinary Services and Animal Health division of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture. Requirements include: microchip identification, rabies vaccination at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival, veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and blood test results showing adequate rabies antibodies (for dogs and cats from certain countries). Some breeds of dogs are restricted or prohibited. Pets must enter through Ben Gurion Airport and undergo inspection upon arrival. Quarantine may be required if documentation is incomplete. The process can take several weeks to arrange, so start early. Service animals have different requirements but still need advance approval.

Tourist visas typically allow stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To extend your stay, apply at a Population and Immigration Authority office before your current visa expires - do not overstay. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials and typically require proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, health insurance, and valid reasons for extension. Extensions are usually granted in 90-day increments up to a maximum of one year for tourists. For longer stays, you may need to apply for a different visa type (student, work, volunteer, etc.) which requires specific documentation and approval. Working on a tourist visa is illegal. Overstaying your visa can result in detention, fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

If you have Israeli citizenship or are eligible for Israeli citizenship (such as through Jewish heritage under the Law of Return), you may be required to enter on an Israeli passport even if you hold another nationality. Former Israeli citizens may face questions about military service obligations. Dual nationals should consult with an Israeli embassy before travel. Entry and exit requirements may differ from regular tourists.

Journalists, photographers, and media professionals working in Israel require a press visa (A/2 or A/3 visa) obtained in advance from an Israeli embassy or consulate. This requires accreditation from a recognized media organization, a letter from your employer describing your assignment, and approval from the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO). Tourist visas do not permit journalistic activities. Working as a journalist on a tourist visa can result in deportation and equipment confiscation. Processing can take several weeks.

If you plan to visit the West Bank or Gaza Strip, be aware of specific entry procedures and restrictions. Access to Gaza is extremely limited and requires special permits that are rarely granted to tourists. The West Bank can be accessed through Israeli checkpoints, but you should inform Israeli immigration of your plans. Keep your Israeli entry card safe as you'll need it to return to Israel. Some travelers prefer to enter the West Bank through Jordan to avoid complications. Be aware that visiting Palestinian territories may result in additional questioning by Israeli security. Check current travel advisories as the situation can change rapidly.

Business visitors can usually enter on visa-free status or tourist visas if conducting meetings, attending conferences, or negotiating contracts, but cannot engage in paid work or employment. For business activities, carry an invitation letter from the Israeli company, details of your business meetings, and company registration documents. If you will be working in Israel or receiving payment, you need a B/1 work visa obtained in advance, which requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Business equipment may require temporary import documentation.

Students attending Israeli educational institutions need an A/2 student visa obtained through the institution and Israeli embassy. Requirements include acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and health insurance. Volunteers working with recognized organizations need an A/4 volunteer visa with sponsorship from the organization. Tourist visas do not permit studying or volunteering. These visas must be arranged before arrival and can take several months to process.

Religious pilgrims can generally enter on tourist visas. Clergy members or those conducting religious work may need an A/3 religious worker visa depending on the nature and duration of their activities. This requires sponsorship from a recognized religious institution in Israel. Those participating in short-term religious tours or pilgrimages typically don't need special visas beyond standard tourist entry requirements.

Travelers with Arab or Muslim names, heritage, or passport stamps from certain Middle Eastern countries may face additional security screening and questioning. This is standard security protocol and not necessarily indicative of denial of entry. Be patient, answer questions honestly, and have all documentation readily available. Processing may take longer. Some travelers report being asked about religious practices, family connections, and political views. Having clear travel plans and documentation helps facilitate the process.