Important Notice for Tourists Visiting Israel (Effective January 1, 2025)
New Entry Regulations: ETA and Passport Validity
Beginning January 1, 2025, all tourists traveling to Israel must be informed of the revised Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement and the new passport validity rules. These modifications aim to streamline the entry process, but they also necessitate that travelers comply with both passport validity standards and apply for the ETA beforehand.
Key Updates:
Make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of your stay in Israel.
Confirm that your return ticket aligns with the expiration date of your passport.
To ensure a hassle-free entry, stay updated on these changes. Adhering to the guidelines will help you avoid delays or denial of entry.
All information provided here is based on the official regulations from the Population and Immigration Authority.
Entry Requirements and Immigration Procedures
ETA Mandatory Starting January 1, 2025
All visa-exempt travelers are required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their journey to Israel. Entry will be refused without an ETA.
For further information, please visit the official Israel entry website.
Passport Expiry Requirements
If you require an entry visa: Your passport must remain valid for a minimum of 6 months after your arrival date.
If you are exempt from a visa and need an ETA: Your passport must be valid for 3 months after your arrival date.
How to Determine if You Need an ETA or Visa?
To find out if you need an entry visa or just an ETA, please visit: Israel-entry | Page Eligibility Check.
If you are not eligible for an entry visa online, reach out to the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy for help: Israel's Diplomatic Missions | Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What You Should Do Next:
Verify Your Passport Expiry Date: Make sure your passport fulfills the necessary validity for your entry type.
Renew Your Passport if it is nearing expiration, prior to applying for the ETA or visa.
Arrival in Israel: The Electronic Gate Pass
Upon your arrival, the Border Control Kiosk will generate an Electronic Gate Pass that includes essential details from your passport.
This card will display your arrival date and visa information, serving as a replacement for the traditional passport stamp.
The Electronic Gate Pass:
Enables travelers to leave the arrival terminal without additional delays.
Acts as an official form of identification while in Israel. Keep it accessible at all times as evidence of your visa status.
Permits you to proceed to the luggage collection area and exit the terminal.
Entry Procedure:
Go to passport control.
Retrieve your luggage.
Pass through customs:
Green Lane: No items to declare.
Red Lane: Items to declare.
Leave the airport.
Important Notes:
The Allenby Bridge (Israel/Jordan crossing) has specific restrictions, including a cash limit of 2000 Jordanian Dinars.
If you are traveling to Arab countries, request not to have an Israeli stamp in your passport to prevent any potential complications.
Approval for an ETA does not ensure entry into Israel; the border controller’s decision upon your arrival is the sole factor determining your entry.
For Assistance:
The Virtual Tourism Bureau | Ministry of Tourism
Email: [email protected]
Customs
You can download general information regarding the laws and policies of the Customs Authority here:
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/tourist-and-travelers-info/govil-landing-page
Please be aware that travel through the Allenby Bridge Crossing has specific limitations and guidelines. For instance, visitors crossing between Israel and Jordan are allowed to carry a maximum of 2000 Jordanian Dinars in cash.
Customs and V.A.T. for Tourists: https://taxes.go.il/English/Vat/Pages/VatLobby.aspx
In addition to the Allenby Bridge Crossing, the following tourist guide is applicable for visitors at all other gateways, including airports, as defined by the Customs and Tax Authority:
https://taxes.gov.il/English/Vat/pages/guides/vat-refund-for-tourists.aspx
https://taxes.gov.il/English/customs/PersonalImport/Pages/CustomsTuristGuide.aspx
Please note: Ben Gurion Airport and various Crossing Points feature a two-lane customs transit system, consisting of a green lane and a red lane. Visitors without goods to declare may use the green lane when exiting the passenger arrival hall.
*The information provided on this page is based on data and details supplied to the Ministry of Tourism by the Population and Immigration Authority.
We aim to maintain accuracy and reliability by depending on information from this trusted source.
Any updates or changes to the information are the responsibility of the Population and Immigration Authority.
