Israel Entry Requirements
Apply for Israel ETAThis page is designed to equip you with the information you need to understand Israel entry requirements. We want to make sure you’re well-prepared before your journey begins and avoid problems and delays.
Here's what you'll find on this page:
- Documents required to travel to Israel
- Vaccine entry requirements
- Customs entry requirements
- Currency regulations
Each section provides detailed information to help you navigate the complexities of traveling to Israel, from visa applications to customs procedures.
Can I Travel to Israel Without a Visa?
Whether you can travel to Israel without a visa depends on your nationality.
Citizens of over 100 countries can visit Israel without a visa for short stays for tourism, business, or transit due to visa exemption agreements.
However, if you’re from a visa-exempt country, you must first apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before your trip.
Countries eligible for visa-free entry to Israel include:
- France
- Germany
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- United States
- United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- Canada
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Central African Republic
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Fiji
- Finland
- Georgia
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malawi
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
Be aware that securing an ETA is essential for legal entry into Israel if you’re a national of one of these countries.
Documents Required to Travel to Israel
All travelers entering Israel must present:
- A valid passport, with at least 6 months remaining until the expiration date
- A visa if required, or an ETA for visa-exempt nationals
- Entry card, issued at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (more information below).
If you’re visa-exempt, you can get your ETA online through our simplified application.
However, if you require a visa for Israel, you need to apply for the type of visa most suitable for your stay at an embassy or consulate.
Israel visa stamps and entry cards
When arriving via Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll typically receive an entry card. This serves as proof of legal entry, instead of a stamp in your passport.
You should keep your entry card with your passport until you leave Israel.
At other entry points such as Allenby Bridge or upon refusal at any entry point, you may be issued a stamp with specific notations or restrictions.
Please note that a stamp marked 'Palestinian Authority only' or 'Judea and Samaria only' restricts your entry to certain areas without specific Israeli authorization.
Documents for unaccompanied minors traveling to Israel
Children under 18 traveling to Israel alone or with only one parent should have a letter from their parents or guardians. This letter should confirm parental consent, provide details of where they will stay, and include contact information.
If leaving Israel alone, children should have a notarized letter from a local authority, as recommended by external advisory firms.
Health and Vaccination Entry Requirements for Israel
Vaccinations are not mandatory Israel entry requirements. However, the following vaccines are recommended to protect against health risks.
- Hepatitis A and DTP
- Rabies (if you plan to interact with animals)
You should check your specific health needs with a medical professional at least 8 weeks prior, especially if visiting rural or high-risk areas.
As dengue is present in Israel, we also advise you to protect yourself against mosquito bites during your stay.
Israel Border Control and Immigration Entry Requirements
Upon arrival in Israel, you may undergo security screenings, including questioning and baggage checks.
You might be subject to intensive checks if you have:
- A travel background that may be considered suspicious
- A history of public criticism of Israel
- Palestinian or Arab ancestry
Occasionally, travelers face extended checks at border control, leading to delays that could last several hours. While this isn't a common occurrence, be aware that it can happen.
You should always carry necessary documentation like your passport and visa/ETA.
Goods You Must Declare When Entering Israel
When entering Israel, you need to declare certain items to ensure adherence to customs regulations.
You do not need to declare the following items and can enter Israel through the green customs channel:
- Alcoholic beverages: Up to one liter of hard liquor and up to two liters of wine (passengers aged 17 and over only)
- Tobacco products: Up to 250 grams of tobacco (passengers aged 17 and over only)
- Gifts and other items: Commodities with a total value of up to 200 USD (excluding alcoholic beverages, alcoholic perfumes, tobacco, and television sets). This valuation is subject to the assessment of the customs officer at the entry terminal.
- Food: Up to 3 kilograms, provided that no single type of food exceeds one kilogram
- Personal items: Such as cameras, binoculars, personal jewelry, musical instruments, sporting and camping equipment, bicycles.
If you’re carrying more than these amounts, or if your goods are not listed under duty-free or taxable items, you’ll need to make a declaration. In this case, you’ll have to enter Israel through the red customs lane.
Items prohibited from entry to Israel
Importing certain items to Israel without a proper license is strictly forbidden, including:
- Plants
- Firearms
- Raw meat
- Raw materials
- Counterfeit currency
- Knives not intended for personal use
Vehicles for personal use may be imported.
Currency declaration for Israel
Travelers entering or leaving Israel must declare certain amounts of money to ensure compliance with financial regulations. The key thresholds for currency declaration are as follows:
- General rule: If you’re carrying 50,000 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) or more, you must report the amount upon entering or leaving Israel.
- Specific border crossings: The declaration threshold is lower, at 12,000 NIS or more, when passing through Nizana, Erez, Jordan River, Yitzhak Rabin, or Taba Border crossings.
- Allenby crossing: The amount requiring declaration is 2,000 Jordanian Dinars or more at this crossing point.
Additionally, you must declare even if you’re traveling with family or other companions, under the following rules:
- Individual ownership: If one traveler holds funds above the reporting threshold, they must declare regardless of their travel companions.
- Joint ownership: If multiple travelers jointly own funds where each individual's share does not meet the threshold but the total does exceed it, a declaration is still required.
If you have any uncertainty about whether to declare funds, we advise you to consult with customs officials at the border crossing.