Israel entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Australian passport holders can visit Israel without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Entry is usually straightforward, but expect thorough questioning at Ben Gurion Airport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
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 an ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before you fly. This is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals since August 2024. The application is free and usually approved instantly — do it at least 24 hours before departure.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Australian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Israel. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Israeli law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or train ticket to Jordan or Egypt also works if you're leaving overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. If staying with friends, a simple invitation with their contact details is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but having around 1,500 ILS (approx. 400 AUD) per week is a safe benchmark. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
No passport stamp – keep your entry card
Israel does not stamp passports. Instead you'll receive a small blue entry card. This is your legal permission to be in the country – keep it with your passport at all times. You'll need to present it when leaving Israel. If you lose it, you may be fined and delayed.
Expect thorough questioning and biometrics at border control
Israeli security officers routinely ask detailed questions: purpose of visit, places you'll stay, travel history, profession, even why you chose Israel. They also take fingerprints and a photo. Answer calmly and honestly. Nervousness or contradictions can lead to secondary inspection. This is normal and not targeted at Australians specifically.
Visa-free entry confirmed
Australian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance for tourist stays up to 90 days. Simply show up with a valid passport and you'll receive entry on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Approach the foreign passport queue
At Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), follow the 'Foreign Passports' signs. There are separate lanes – join the shortest non-Israeli line. For other land borders (e.g., Allenby Bridge from Jordan), the procedure is similar but can be slower.
2
Present passport, answer questions, and provide biometrics
Hand over your Australian passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel bookings). The officer will ask standard questions: purpose of visit, where you'll stay, how long, who you're meeting. You'll also have your fingerprints scanned and a photo taken. Answer calmly and directly – security questions can be probing (e.g., previous travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon).
3
Receive entry card (B/2 tourist visa)
If approved, the officer will give you a small blue entry card – keep this with your passport at all times. You will NOT get a passport stamp. The card shows your permitted stay (usually 90 days). Do not lose it – you need it to exit.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After the immigration desk, collect your luggage (if any) and walk through customs. There is usually a green channel for nothing to declare. Occasional random bag checks occur.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
Apply at Israeli embassy in Australia. Requires proof of funds, itinerary, and health insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable up to 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostILS 400 (~$108 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (B/1 or B/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostILS 1,000 (~$270 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor in Israel and approval from Population and Immigration Authority.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) plus employer fees
For Australians with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term residence and work.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD)
For Australians enrolled in an accredited Israeli educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment, funds, and health insurance. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 5,000 (~$1,350 USD) plus investment minimum
For Australians investing at least ILS 2.5 million in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economy. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border or during departure. Maximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Israeli embassy before travel. | ILS 200 (~$54 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; apply at Israeli embassy. | ILS 400 (~$108 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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, provided they stay airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or have a layover over 24 hours, you may need a visa or special permission.
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
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Rare but present in summer months; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene varies; avoid street food if sensitive.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration; drink plenty of water.
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
5 Ha'arba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handle visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem District Immigration Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
For visa-related issues in the capital. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for AU 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 = 2.91 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. Israel does not allow extensions for tourist visa-free entries. You must leave before 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines (about 100 ILS per day) and potential re-entry bans.
No. Since 2013, Israel issues a small entry card (B/2 tourist visa) instead of stamping passports. This helps Australians who later travel to countries that restrict entry to those with Israeli stamps (e.g., Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia). Keep the card safe – you need it to exit.
An old stamp is not a problem – you can use a second passport if you have one. Frequent visits (multiple times a year) may raise questions about your ties to Australia. Be prepared to explain your itinerary.
You can enter, but expect extra questioning and possibly a secondary interview. Israeli security will ask about those visits – be truthful. Having stamps from these countries does not automatically bar you, but it may delay processing.
No. Australians still get the same 90-day visa-free entry at land borders (Allenby Bridge, Arava crossing). The process is similar – passport check, questions, biometrics, entry card. Note: Allenby Bridge has limited hours and can be very crowded.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits. Any work or study over 90 days requires a proper visa from an Israeli embassy. Volunteer work (e.g., on a kibbutz) may also need a special permit.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Israeli border control. Renew your passport before traveling. Some airlines are stricter than others – don't risk it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.