Israel entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. It's a quick online application, not a traditional visa, and you'll get approval in minutes to a few hours. Plan to apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)You must obtain this electronic authorization before flying to Israel; it is not optional. Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply online via the official Israeli government portal at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before departure. Fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Approval is typically granted within minutes to a few hours. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. Minimum 6 months beyond arrival | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp or visa sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit plans to ensure you will not overstay. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Israel before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids delays at the border. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Israel. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for UAE passport holders entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa — but it's mandatory
The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a traditional visa. It's quick and cheap, but you must have it before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding, so don't skip it.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book your trip. Israeli border control is strict about this.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While approvals usually come in minutes, the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours ahead. This covers you for any technical glitches or weekend delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official Israeli government ETA portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fill in your passport details, personal info, and pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Save it as a PDF and also keep a screenshot on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from the UAE land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport and ETA approval ready. The officer will scan your passport and may ask about your trip purpose and accommodation.
4
Get your entry stamp
After the officer approves, you'll receive an entry stamp (or a paper slip, depending on the system). Keep this safe — you'll need it when you leave. Proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B/2 Visitor Visa (extension)
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValiditySingle entry
CostApprox. $100
Apply at Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) in Israel; requires valid passport and proof of funds.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityMultiple entry
CostApprox. $150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from PIBA.
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 |
|---|---|
| Airport departure taxNo separate exit fee for most airlines. | Included in airfare |
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
UAE nationals transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through border control.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an ETA is required.
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 = 3 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
Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours. The official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, but in practice it's usually much faster. If you apply on a Friday or Saturday (Israeli weekend), it might take longer.
The fee is 25 ILS, which is roughly $7 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Yes, the ETA is valid for 2 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter Israel multiple times during that period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed the allowed duration (typically 90 days).
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the permitted period, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your stay expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. The old one won't transfer.
If you're transiting through Ben Gurion Airport and not leaving the international transit area, you don't need an ETA. But if you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you must have the ETA.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Israeli border control won't issue an ETA on arrival. It's strictly required before you fly. Don't risk it — apply online in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.