This guide was written prior to the 2026 conflict between the US, Israel and Iran and related hostilities. Non-essential travel to Israel is not advisable due to the risks related to military action in the broader Middle East area. Please consult official government travel advisories and exercise extreme caution before considering travel to the region.
Visas for Israel can be straightforward or fiendishly complicated, depending on why you’re going. Many citizens of other countries enjoy visa-exempt status for short visits. Those planning to settle in Israel will need patience in spades – securing a residence or work permit is a famously bureaucratic affair, and processing times can stretch over several months.
Tourist and business visas tend to have a quicker turnaround, while residence and work visas demand more lead time. It’s always wise to start the application process well in advance.
Tourist and business visas for Israel
Israel draws visitors from every corner of the globe, and getting a tourist or business visa for Israel is relatively painless for most Western passport holders. Nationals of around 100 countries – including Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the USA – do not need a traditional visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Since January 2025, all travellers from visa-exempt countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before travelling to Israel. The ETA-IL is applied for online through the Israel Population and Immigration Authority’s official portal, costs ILS 25, and is valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure, and without an approved ETA-IL, airlines may refuse boarding.
Before travelling, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel and that you have space for documentation. Israel does not stamp passports. Instead, travellers receive a small blue entry card upon arrival that contains biometric data, the entry date, and the visa category. This card serves as proof of legal entry and should be kept safe throughout your stay – you’ll need it for hotel check-ins, car rentals, and other services.
A common concern is whether stamps from Arab or Muslim majority countries will cause problems at the Israeli border. While Western tourists rarely face issues, travellers of Arab or Palestinian descent often undergo significant additional screening and should be prepared for intensive questioning.
Extending a stay beyond 90 days is possible. To do so, apply at a branch of the Population and Immigration Authority before your permitted stay expires.
Useful links
- Israel Population and Immigration Authority: ETA-IL Application Portal
- Israeli Government: List of Visa-Exempt Countries
Student visas for Israel (A/2 visa)
Those wishing to study in Israel should apply for an A/2 student visa, which permits multiple entries and exits for up to one year before it must be renewed. The visa must be secured before entering the country and can be applied for at the Israeli embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Student visa holders in Israel are not generally permitted to work during their studies, although exceptions may apply for postgraduate research students. Applicants should provide proof of enrolment at a recognised institution, along with evidence of financial support for the duration of their studies.
Residence visas for Israel
Relocating to Israel can be a challenging and complex process, primarily due to the highly bureaucratic nature of the country. There are several situations in which foreigners may be eligible to gain residency in Israel:
- A/1 Temporary Resident Visa is for members of the Jewish diaspora who wish to experience life in Israel before committing to full citizenship.
- A/5 Temporary Residence Visa grants broader residency rights – including access to healthcare and social services – and is typically issued after the initial B/1 phase of a spousal process, or following the A/1 period.
- B/1 visas for those in a genuine relationship with an Israeli citizen or permanent resident, granted through a gradual process after proving their relationship status.
- B/1 visas are also for expats who have a job offer in Israel and whose employer is acting as a sponsor.
Once residency is granted, new residents usually receive a biometric residency card (Teudat Zehut). This card contains personal details, a photo, and fingerprints and serves as official identification during their stay in Israel.
When an individual receives a visa or residency, it’s essential to check provisions or processes for children or other family members, especially in mixed-nationality families. Some visa types have streamlined processes for immediate family members.
Those making use of the A/1 visa should be aware that Israel has compulsory military service requirements. Potential residents should note that military service is a central part of Israeli civic life and is directly involved in the administration of the occupied territories. Men who arrive before age 26 and unmarried women who arrive before age 21 may be subject to conscription, so it’s essential to understand how this could affect residency plans.
Work visas
Obtaining a work visa for Israel can be a long and complicated process, but expats who secure sponsorship from an employer through a firm job offer can gain residency in the country.
There are two types of Israeli work permits, both falling under the B/1 work visa category. The first is an open work permit, primarily granted to those of Jewish descent or expats in a genuine relationship with an Israeli citizen. The second is a restricted work permit, which ties a foreign worker to a particular employer who must act as their sponsor.
For more info, see our guide to Work Permits in Israel
Useful links
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.