Israel Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Israel welcomes millions of tourists annually, with a generally straightforward immigration process. Entry is granted based on nationality, with many visitors from Western countries eligible for visa-free entry for tourism. Upon arrival, all travelers must pass through immigration control, where passports are checked and an entry slip (a small paper card) is issued. This slip should be kept for the duration of the stay, as it is proof of legal entry and is often required for hotel check-ins and other services. It is important to be prepared for security questioning, which can be more detailed than in other countries, focusing on the purpose of your visit, itinerary, and connections. This is a standard security procedure. Travelers should be aware that Israeli immigration stamps are no longer placed in passports upon request, to help travel to countries that do not recognize Israel. Instead, the entry/exit record is on the paper slip. While Israel has open borders with the Palestinian territories of the West Bank, travelers should be aware that movement between Israel and these areas involves crossing through Israeli military checkpoints, which can be time-consuming and subject to closure. Always check current travel advisories and the political situation before planning visits to border areas.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Israel's visa policy allows citizens of many countries to enter for tourism without a visa for short stays. For others, an advance visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 90 days within a 180-day period.

Nationalities permitted to enter Israel as tourists without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia European Union member states Japan South Korea New Zealand Singapore Switzerland Norway Iceland

The 90-day period is for tourism only. Work or study is prohibited. Entry is always at the discretion of the border officer. Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Up to 90 days.

A pilot program for citizens of certain countries who previously required a visa. It is an online pre-authorization.

Includes

United Arab Emirates Bahrain Saudi Arabia Jordan Morocco Colombia Bulgaria Romania Fiji Mauritius Mexico

How to Apply: Apply online through the Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) website. Processing is typically within a few days.
Cost: Approximately 25 NIS (subject to change).

This is a relatively new and evolving program. The list of eligible countries may expand. Always check the official PIBA website for the most current list and application details.

Visa Required

As determined by the visa issued.

Citizens of countries not listed in the visa-free or ETA categories must obtain a visa from an Israeli embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person at an Israeli diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) in your country of residence. Requires an application form, passport, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and sometimes an interview.

Processing times vary. Applicants may need to show proof of accommodation, return/onward ticket, and travel insurance. Nationals of certain countries may face additional scrutiny.

Arrival Process

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the main international gateway. The process is security-focused but efficient for prepared travelers.

Initial Security Screening

Before check-in or upon entering the airport terminal, you may be asked brief questions about your trip, luggage, and activities by security personnel.

Passport Control

Present your passport to the immigration officer. You will be asked about the purpose of your visit, length of stay, and possibly about your itinerary and accommodations. Your passport will be scanned but not stamped.

Receiving Entry Slip

After approval, you will be given a small blue-and-white paper entry slip. This is your legal proof of entry. Do not lose it.

Baggage Claim & Customs

Proceed to collect your luggage and then walk through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Israel. Required for all travelers.

Entry Slip (Received at Border)

The small paper card issued at passport control. Keep it safe, as you will need to present it when leaving the country and potentially at hotels.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

Immigration may ask to see a confirmed airline ticket departing Israel.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

You may be asked to show evidence you can financially support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards).

Hotel/Accommodation Details

Have the address and confirmation of your first night's accommodation available.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Answer all questions calmly, clearly, and honestly. The questioning is routine security.

Keep your entry slip in a safe place, separate from your passport. Consider taking a photo of it as a backup.

If asked for a passport stamp, politely request that the officer use the entry slip instead. They are accustomed to this.

Allow extra time for the security and immigration process, during peak travel periods.

Have all your travel documents (itinerary, hotel confirmations) easily accessible, either printed or on your phone.

Customs & Duty-Free

Israel has standard customs regulations. Declare all items over the duty-free allowance or any restricted/prohibited goods.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) AND 2 liters of wine (up to 22% alcohol).

Traveler must be 17 years or older.

Tobacco

250 grams of tobacco products (e.g., 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars).

Traveler must be 17 years or older.

Currency

No limit on import/export.

Amounts exceeding 50,000 NIS (or equivalent in foreign currency, approx. $13,500) or financial instruments must be declared upon entry and exit.

Gifts/Goods

Other goods up to a value of $200 (for air/sea travelers) or $75 (for land border travelers).

Value is per person aged 2 years or older. Includes perfume (up to 250ml) and other non-alcohol/tobacco items.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Fresh meat and most meat products
Plants, seeds, and soil without a phytosanitary certificate
Pornographic material
Counterfeit goods and pirated copies
Firearms, ammunition, and weapons without a permit
Drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority

Restricted Items

Prescription medication - Should be in original packaging, accompanied by a doctor's prescription. Large quantities may require documentation.
Pets - Require import permit, veterinary health certificate, and microchip. Strict rabies vaccination and quarantine rules apply.
Antiquities - Export of antiquities requires a permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Health Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Israel for most travelers, but certain recommendations are in place.

Required Vaccinations

None for general tourism from most countries.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B (for longer stays or specific exposure)
Typhoid (for adventurous eaters)

Health Insurance

Not legally required for entry, but highly recommended. Medical care in Israel is excellent but expensive for foreigners without insurance. Complete travel insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation is advised.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry to Israel. This is subject to change based on public health developments. Check the Israeli Ministry of Health website for the latest updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Israel.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for U.S. citizens) for contact details and registration information.

Immigration Authority

Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA)

For official visa information, ETA applications, and residency inquiries: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/piba

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 100, Ambulance (MDA): 101, Fire: 102. For general non-emergency assistance from police, dial 110.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with only one parent may be asked to present a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). It's advisable to carry the child's birth certificate. These measures are to prevent child abduction.

Traveling with Pets

Strict import regulations apply. Requirements include: microchip, valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old but within validity), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture. Dogs from certain countries may face quarantine. Start the process well in advance.

Extended Stays

To stay beyond the 90-day visa-free period, you must apply for a visa extension at a PIBA office inside Israel before your initial stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed. For long-term stays (work, study, religious purposes), you must obtain the appropriate visa (B/1, A/2, A/3, etc.) from an Israeli embassy abroad before arrival.

Travel to Arab and Muslim Countries After Israel

Israel does not stamp passports. However, some countries (e.g., Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia*, Syria, Yemen) may deny entry if they find evidence of travel to Israel, including entry slips or Jordan/Egypt border stamps from crossings with Israel. *Saudi Arabia now allows travelers with evidence of prior travel to Israel for Hajj/Umrah pilgrims under new regulations, but general policy is complex.

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