Israel entry requirements by Air, Sea or Land
Israel Entry requirements by Air
The Israel entry requirements differ depending on whether you are arriving by air, land, or sea. When arriving by air, most travelers enter through Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Many nationalities can enjoy the new 2025 ETA-IL entry for up to 90 days, although some will need a visa before arrival. Starting January 2025 all nationalities from visa excempt countries need to have the new Israel ETA IL before you begin your journey to Israel. Check your eligibility for an ETA IL and apply for it in advance. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Israel is known for its strict security screening, particularly at airports, so you should be prepared for detailed questions about your visit.
Israel Entry requirements by Land
If entering by land, Israel has land borders with Jordan and Egypt. Popular crossing points from Jordan include the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba Crossing near Eilat, and the Sheikh Hussein Crossing in the north. From Egypt, the Taba Border Crossing near Eilat is most commonly used. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa before arrival, though some crossings offer visas on arrival for visa-exempt nationalities. Similar to air travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you should expect thorough security checks at land borders.
Israel Entry requirements by Sea
For those arriving by sea, Israel’s main ports are Haifa and Ashdod, which are often visited by cruise ships. The visa requirements are the same as for air and land travel, and your passport should meet the same validity criteria. Security checks at ports can be stringent, but cruise lines often coordinate group visa arrangements for passengers.
In all cases, Israel issues an entry card instead of stamping passports, which can help travelers avoid complications when visiting other countries afterward. However, some countries may still pose issues if there is evidence of a visit to Israel. Health protocols, particularly those related to COVID-19, are subject to change, so always check the latest advice from Israeli authorities or your travel provider before departure. When leaving Israel, be prepared for strict security checks, regardless of whether you are departing by air, land, or sea.
