Israel Tourist Visa: Entry Requirements and Application
Plan your entry into Israel with the right visa status and documents. Covers visa-free eligibility, ETA-IL requirements, airport security expectations, border crossing tips, and the electronic entry stamp system.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
Citizens of 100+ countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan enter Israel visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance application is needed. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Check the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the complete list of visa-exempt nationalities.
Apply for the ETA-IL if required for your nationality
Israel introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) for certain nationalities. The ETA-IL is applied for online at eta-il.gov.il, costs approximately 25 ILS (7 USD), and is processed within 48 hours. It is linked to your passport electronically. Not all nationalities need the ETA-IL, so check the Population and Immigration Authority website.
Apply at the Israeli embassy if your nationality requires a formal visa
Citizens of countries without visa-free or ETA-IL arrangements must apply at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate. The application requires a completed form, 2 passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and proof of funds. Processing takes 5-15 business days. Schedule an appointment as walk-ins are rarely accepted.
Documents and Preparation
Prepare proof of accommodation for your entire stay
Hotel bookings, hostel reservations, or an invitation letter from a host in Israel satisfy this requirement. Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask where you are staying. Have the booking confirmation accessible on your phone. Travelers without confirmed accommodation are questioned more extensively.
Carry proof of a return or onward flight
A confirmed round-trip ticket or an onward flight booking is strongly recommended though not always formally required. One-way ticket holders are asked additional questions about their travel plans and may need to demonstrate sufficient funds for a return flight. A printout of your flight itinerary speeds up the questioning process.
Buy travel insurance covering your stay
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for all visitors but is strongly recommended. Medical treatment in Israel is excellent but expensive for uninsured tourists. An emergency room visit costs 1,000-5,000 ILS (275-1,375 USD) without insurance. Some nationalities are required to show proof of insurance at entry.
Be aware that an Israeli stamp may affect travel to certain countries
Israel issues an electronic entry card (Form B2) instead of a passport stamp. The paper card is placed inside your passport at immigration. This replaced the traditional passport stamp in 2013. The electronic card does not leave a permanent mark in your passport. However, stamps from land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt may indicate Israel travel.
Airport Security and Immigration
Allow 3 hours before your departure flight for security screening
Ben Gurion Airport has extensive security procedures. All passengers are questioned by security officers before check-in. Questions cover the purpose of your visit, who you met, where you stayed, and who packed your bags. Answer honestly and directly. The screening process takes 5-30 minutes depending on your travel profile.
Answer immigration questions directly and honestly
Israeli immigration officers ask detailed questions to determine your entry purpose and assess security risk. Common questions include: Why are you visiting? Where will you stay? Do you know anyone in Israel? Have you visited before? Do you have any Arabic stamps in your passport? Evasive or inconsistent answers trigger additional screening.
Receive your electronic entry card (Form B2) at immigration
Instead of a passport stamp, Israel issues a blue paper entry card (Form B2) that serves as your proof of legal entry. Keep this card with your passport throughout your stay. You need it to check into hotels, rent cars, and exit the country. If you lose it, visit the Population and Immigration Authority office for a replacement before departing.
Border Crossings
Enter from Jordan at the Allenby Bridge, Yitzhak Rabin, or Jordan River crossings
Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) is near Jerusalem and Amman. Yitzhak Rabin (Wadi Araba) crossing is near Eilat and Aqaba. Jordan River crossing is in the north near Beit She'an. Each crossing has different hours and procedures. Allenby Bridge is the only one where Palestinian Authority ID holders can cross. Bring cash for departure taxes.
Enter from Egypt at the Taba crossing near Eilat
The Taba border crossing connects Eilat, Israel with Taba, Egypt. The crossing is open Sunday through Thursday 6:30 AM to 8 PM and Friday-Saturday until 3 PM. Israel charges an exit fee of 107 ILS (29 USD) when leaving through Taba. Processing takes 1-2 hours depending on queues.
Note that entry through one crossing and exit through another is permitted
You can enter Israel at Ben Gurion Airport and exit through a land border to Jordan, or vice versa. There is no requirement to exit through the same crossing you entered. Plan your route to use this flexibility. Flying into Tel Aviv and exiting to Amman via Allenby Bridge is a popular combination.
Practical Tips
Download the Israel entry form app for faster processing
The Population and Immigration Authority offers a digital entry form that can be completed before arrival. This reduces time at the immigration counter. The form is available on the authority's website and mobile app. Fill it out within 48 hours of arrival.
Exchange money at ATMs rather than currency exchange offices
ATMs at Ben Gurion Airport and throughout Israel offer competitive exchange rates. As of 2026, 1 USD equals approximately 3.6 ILS. Airport currency exchange offices charge 3-5% commissions. Most businesses accept credit cards including public transport and street vendors. Contactless payment is widely accepted.
Plan around Shabbat and Jewish holidays
Shabbat runs from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Public transport stops, most businesses close, and services are limited. Shabbat taxis and ride-hailing apps operate at 25-50% surcharges. Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar and vary yearly. The Western Wall and religious sites are accessible but have special protocols during holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Israel?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Entry is visa-free with a valid passport that has at least 6 months remaining validity. You receive an electronic entry card (Form B2) instead of a passport stamp. No advance application is required. Keep the entry card with your passport for the duration of your stay.
Will an Israel entry affect my travel to Arab countries?
Israel no longer stamps passports. Since 2013, all visitors receive an electronic entry card (Form B2) that is a separate paper document, not a mark in your passport. However, stamps from Jordan border crossings (like Allenby Bridge) and the Taba crossing with Egypt may indicate Israel travel. Some countries inspect passports for these secondary indicators.
How strict is Israeli airport security?
Israeli airport security is among the most thorough in the world. All departing passengers are interviewed by trained security officers who assess risk based on travel patterns, answers, and behavior. First-time visitors, solo travelers, and those with stamps from certain countries receive more extensive questioning. Allow 3 hours before departure. Answer all questions honestly and calmly.
Can I visit the West Bank on an Israeli tourist visa?
Israeli tourist visas and visa-free entries allow travel to Area C of the West Bank. Cities like Bethlehem, Jericho, and Ramallah in Areas A and B are accessible through checkpoints. Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering Area A, but foreign tourists with Israeli entry permits can cross. Carry your passport and entry card at checkpoints. The situation changes frequently so check current advisories.