Jerusalem Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Jerusalem is administered by Israel, and entry requirements are those of the State of Israel. All travelers must clear Israeli immigration and customs upon arrival. Entry is granted at the discretion of the Border Police officer, who will stamp a small, separate entry card instead of your passport upon request (a common practice to avoid future travel complications to certain countries). The process can be detailed, for first-time visitors, and security questioning is standard. Travelers should be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of their visit, itinerary, and, in some cases, personal background. It is important to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Israel and that you have all necessary supporting documents for your visa status readily available.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Israel has a unilateral visa policy. Tourist visas are not required for citizens of many countries for short stays. The visa or visa waiver is valid for entry into Israel but does not grant automatic entry into Palestinian Authority-controlled areas, which have separate checkpoints.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically 90 days.

Nationalities granted a B/2 tourist visa upon arrival without prior application.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia European Union member states Japan South Korea Singapore Brazil Argentina

Entry is not a right and can be denied. The period of stay is determined by the immigration officer and is stamped on the entry card. Passport must be valid for at least six months from date of entry.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

Israel does not currently have an ETA or eVisa system for tourist visits. Some nationalities that require a visa must apply for one in advance at an Israeli embassy/consulate.

How to Apply: N/A
Cost: N/A

Always check the nearest Israeli diplomatic mission for the most current application procedures for your nationality.

Visa Required

Determined by the issuing embassy/consulate.

Citizens of countries not listed in the visa waiver agreement must obtain a visa prior to travel.

How to Apply: Must apply in person or by mail at an Israeli embassy or consulate abroad. Requires application form, passport, photos, proof of itinerary, and sometimes proof of financial means.

Processing times vary. Nationals of certain countries (e.g., Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan) face additional scrutiny and may find entry more challenging.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) or land border crossings, travelers proceed through passport control. The process is security-intensive.

Pre-Screening & Document Check

Before reaching the immigration counter, you may be asked preliminary questions about your trip by security personnel.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport and, if applicable, your entry card from a previous visit. You can politely request the officer stamp the separate entry card instead of your passport. Answer questions about your visit clearly and concisely.

Baggage Claim & Customs

After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed 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 planned date of departure from Israel.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of intent to leave Israel may be requested by immigration.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

May be requested to show you can support yourself during your stay.

Accommodation Details

Address of your hotel or host may be requested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Answer questions directly and honestly. Do not volunteer unsolicited information.

Politely request the officer to stamp the entry card, not your passport, by saying, 'Please stamp the card.'

Keep your entry card safe for the duration of your stay, as you may need to present it when checking into hotels or when leaving the country.

Allow extra time for the security and immigration process, which can be longer than in other countries.

Customs & Duty-Free

Israel has strict customs regulations. Declare all items over the allowance, valuable new items, and large amounts of currency.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine per person over 17.

Age restriction: 17+ for alcohol.

Tobacco

250 grams of tobacco products, or 250 cigarettes, or 250 cigarillos.

Age restriction: 18+ for tobacco.

Currency

Cash or equivalent (including checks, travelers checks) exceeding 50,000 ILS (or ~$13,500 USD) must be declared.

Declaration is mandatory upon entry and exit.

Gifts/Goods

Other goods up to a value of $200 USD (or $75 USD for sea/land arrivals).

Per person. Excludes alcohol and tobacco.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Fresh meat and most fresh fruits/vegetables (plant/animal disease control)
Pirated goods and counterfeit items
Offensive or obscene materials
Firearms, ammunition, and weapons without a permit

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - should be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
Pets - require import permit, vaccination records, and microchip.
Antiques or archaeological artifacts - require an export permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Health Requirements

No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Israel for most travelers. However, certain recommendations apply.

Required Vaccinations

None for general tourism from most countries.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
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.

Current Health Requirements: As of April 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry to Israel. This is subject to change; check the Israel Ministry of Health website for updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Israel.

Critical for lost passports or legal assistance. Check your government's travel advisory website for details.

Immigration Authority

Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA).

Official source for visa extensions and immigration regulations. Website: gov.il/en/departments/piba

Emergency

Emergency services number.

Police, ambulance, fire: Dial 100 for Police, 101 for Ambulance (MDA), 102 for Fire.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with one parent/guardian may need a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). Immigration may ask for birth certificates. This is not a formal Israeli law but is strongly advised to prevent delays.

Traveling with Pets

Strict regulations apply. Pets (dogs/cats) require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, an international health certificate, valid rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old, not more than 12 months), and a microchip. Pets may be quarantined upon arrival if requirements are not fully met.

Extended Stays

To extend a tourist stay beyond the 90-day period stamped on your entry card, you must apply at a Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) office inside Israel before your current permit expires. Extensions are not guaranteed.

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