Israel entry requirements for Austria 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
Austrian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, which is quick and easy to obtain online. The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Plan to apply at least 72 hours before your departure.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Austrian citizens must obtain an approved ETA before flying to Israel; it is not a visa but a mandatory travel authorization. Required for visa-exempt nationals | Apply online via the official Israeli government ETA 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 and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIsraeli immigration enforces a 6-month passport validity rule for Austrian passport holders. Must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. If it expires sooner, renew it before traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, blank page for the entry stamp; otherwise you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page for entry stamp | Ensure your passport has at least 1 blank page for the Israeli border control stamp. Pages with amendments or markings may not count. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIsraeli authorities often require evidence that you intend to leave the country. Proof of departure from Israel | Have a printed or digital copy of a return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always requested, having proof of funds can help avoid issues at border control. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash) to cover your stay in Israel. No fixed amount is published, but you should have access to at least ~$300–$500 for short visits. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the ETA. Not required for Austrian citizens | No separate arrival declaration is required for Austrian passport holders entering Israel. The ETA serves as your pre-travel authorization. | Not required |
ETA is mandatory for all Austrian citizens
Even though it's quick, don't skip it. Airlines check for the ETA before boarding. Without it, you won't be allowed on the flight.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the ETA — the ETA is tied to your passport number.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and a valid email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee online. Approval is usually quick, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at border control. Double-check that the details match your passport exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most Austrian travelers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport and ETA approval ready. The border officer may ask about your accommodation and travel plans — answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. The stamp is usually valid for up to 90 days, but your ETA's validity (2 years) governs how long you can stay per visit. Keep the stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B/1 Work Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for specific employer and period
Cost₪500 (approx. $140) application fee
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Not for independent work.
A/4 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of studies (up to 1 year, renewable)
ValidityIssued for academic year
Cost₪500 (approx. $140) application fee
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution and proof of funds.
B/2 Extended Tourist Visa
Max stayUp to 90 additional days (total 180 days)
ValiditySingle extension
Cost₪230 (approx. $65)
Must apply before initial 90-day stay expires; approval not guaranteed.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
₪ 500 (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires a valid job offer and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 1 year
₪ 300 (~$81 USD)
For students enrolled in an Israeli educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
₪ 2,000 (~$540 USD)
For investors making a significant financial contribution to the Israeli economy. Minimum investment requirements apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (B/2 tourist visa)Apply at Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) office in Israel before current permit expires. | ₪230 (approx. $65) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Levied at border for overstaying visa; amount depends on duration of overstay. | ₪100–₪500 (approx. $28–$140) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Austrian citizens transiting through Israeli airports (e.g., Ben Gurion) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, an ETA-IL is required for any entry into Israel, including for transit if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain an ETA-IL (free) before travel.
- Transit through Ramon Airport (Eilat) may have different rules; check with airline.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Risk is low but present in some areas; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe to drink, but food hygiene varies; choose reputable establishments.
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
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the capital region. Expect longer wait times.
Practical information for AT 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Israel — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online application. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. You can enter multiple times during the 2-year validity, but each stay must not exceed 90 days.
Processing usually takes minutes to a few hours. However, the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for any delays or additional checks.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you would need to leave Israel and re-enter, or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority for special circumstances — but overstaying is taken seriously.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline. Israeli border control requires the ETA to be approved before arrival. There is no on-arrival ETA facility at Ben Gurion Airport.
Yes, it's the new system that replaced the previous visa-free entry for Austrian citizens. It's an online authorization, not a visa, and it's mandatory for all eligible nationalities.
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 becomes invalid.
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.