Israel Visitor Visa

All About the Visa for Israel

Israel has announced that it’s creating an online Electronic Visa (eVisa) system to permit international travellers to visit. We’ll update this page when the full details of this eVisa system are announced, though in the meantime, please find below all you need to know about Israel’s current travel visa rules and requirements.

Israel’s fascinating history, religious heritage and unique culture draw millions of visitors every year. Fortunately, obtaining your travel permission to enter this exciting Middle Eastern destination is a breeze for visitors. This is because the citizens of many countries are visa-exempt, including the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In this case, you can enjoy everything that Israel’s got to offer for up to 3 months without obtaining prior authorisation.

Meanwhile, other nationalities are eligible to obtain what’s called a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which you apply for at the border when you get there. This includes citizens of China, India, Sri Lanka and the UAE. You’re also permitted to enjoy Israel’s sights and delights for up to 3 months. To acquire your VoA, you’ll need to prepare some documentation in advance, which we explain on this page.

Lastly, if you are Jewish, you will be welcomed here with no restrictions on the length of your stay.

Notably, whether you’re exempt or require a VoA, upon entering Israel you’re issued with a document called a Gate Pass, which you’ll need to keep safe. We provide all the information you need about this here, so read on to learn all about the travel documents for Israel!

What Is the Difference Between the Israel Visa Waiver and the Israel Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

As we explain above, the good news is that, whatever your nationality, you won’t need to visit an embassy before your trip. This is because the citizens of dozens of countries are visa-exempt for Israel, while nationals of many other countries are eligible for what’s called a Visa on Arrival (VoA) which you obtain at the border.

Nationalities that fall under the waiver program only need a passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining, and you wiil receive what’s called a Gate Pass upon arrival. That said, in case you are asked at the border, it’s always a good idea to have your flight and accommodation information with you.

On the other hand, if you are a passport holder of a country that needs a tourist permit, you will need to bring some required documents with you when you travel, which we list below in our ‘Application Form and Documents’ section. Once you have provided all the information and entry has been granted, you will also receive a Gate Pass and can enjoy up to 3 months visiting this spectacular land.

About Getting an Israeli Passport Stamp

It’s important to be aware of the fact that, if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport, these countries will then deny you entry:

• Afghanistan
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Kuwait
• Iran
• Iraq
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Saudi Arabia
• Sudan
• Yemen

So if you plan to visit any of these countries in future, then you will want to make sure your passport does not get stamped on your trip to Israel.
Since the restrictions were imposed, Israel’s border authorities have adapted to this issue by not stamping passports and providing visitors with a separate slip of paper with all their information, namely the Gate Pass.

Your Gate Pass contains your passport details, your photo, visa information and the date of when you entered the country. It also has a barcode, so authorities can easily scan it and get all the information they need. Make sure you keep this document safe and to hand throughout your trip.

Israel Visa Requirements and Eligibility for a Waiver

You may be asking yourself “Do I need a visa for Israel?” If you are a national of one of the countries listed below, then you can visit Israel without having to get prior approval. Not only that, you will be allowed to stay for up to 3 months. That’s plenty of time to visit all the cultural sites, scenic spots, and indulge in some delicious street food.

Although you don’t require any sort of permit, you will need to have a biometric passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date. You should also be prepared to answer questions about your trip, like where you will be staying, details about your itinerary and return flight, and you may even be asked to share your social media accounts.

Click the button below to check if you’re eligible to enter Israel without a permit: