Israel entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Israel visa-free for up to 90 days, a policy in place since the Abraham Accords in 2020. No visa application is needed — just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA-IL applicationETA-IL: Israel's Electronic Travel Authorisation, mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals since August 2024. Apply free at israel-entry.piba.gov.il — usually approved instantly. Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for your free ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before departure. Most applicants get instant approval — the system checks your passport and background in real time. You can apply up to 90 days before your trip.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Israel. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Israeli law, but some airlines may ask for 6 months — check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may also check your flight itinerary matches your stated plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details. Officers at the border sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient for your stay | Have access to around 1,500–2,000 ILS (about $400–$550 USD) for a short trip — either cash, credit card, or bank statement. Border officers rarely check this for UAE passport holders, but it's safer to have evidence ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry since 2020
UAE passport holders have enjoyed visa-free access to Israel since the Abraham Accords. No visa application is needed — just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Israel. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most UAE travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' after disembarking. The queue can be 20–45 minutes depending on the time of day.
2
Present your passport and return ticket
Hand over your UAE passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket — have it ready on your phone. They'll also ask the purpose of your visit (tourism/business) and where you're staying.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~100 ILS (approx. $27 USD)
Requires application at Israeli embassy. May allow extension for special circumstances.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable up to 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~200 ILS (approx. $54 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must apply at Israeli embassy.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~500 ILS (approx. $135 USD) plus employer fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~300 ILS (approx. $81 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~500 ILS (approx. $135 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
~300 ILS (approx. $81 USD)
For students enrolled in an Israeli educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,000 ILS (approx. $270 USD) plus investment requirements
For investors who invest at least 1 million ILS in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Includes family members.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (B-1 for freelancers)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (approx. $135 USD) plus proof of income
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $3,000 USD and health insurance. Allows stay but not local work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplies if stay exceeds 90 days. Pay at immigration office before departure. | ~100 ILS per day (approx. $27 USD), max 5,000 ILS (approx. $1,350 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to extend stay beyond 90 days. Apply at Israeli embassy. | ~100 ILS (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. Apply at Israeli embassy. | ~200 ILS (approx. $54 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Israel
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or visa-free entry is required.
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or other visas may have additional flexibility.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low for most travellers, but use repellent in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is safe in most areas, but travellers should avoid street food if sensitive.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tel Aviv
Population and Immigration Authority – Tel Aviv District Office
5 HaShalom Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem District Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for visitors in Jerusalem. Expect longer wait times.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalJerusalem
LanguageHebrew, Arabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 1 year.
Money
CurrencyIsraeli New Shekel (ILS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2.83 ILS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,HType H (Israeli) and C — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout Israel.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Israel
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Israel — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. UAE passport holders can enter Israel visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. This has been in effect since the Abraham Accords in 2020.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Israel before the 90 days are up and re-enter after a period outside the country. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You may be denied boarding or entry. Israeli immigration requires at least 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes. Even if staying with family, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave Israel within 90 days. Immigration may ask for proof.
Yes, UAE passports are accepted. However, if you have stamps from countries that Israel does not recognise (e.g., Iran, Syria, Lebanon), you may face additional questioning. It's best to have a clean passport or use a second passport if you have one.
The Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for small purchases. ATMs are available at the airport and throughout the country.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Israel can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.