Israel entry requirements for Australia 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
Australian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or business. It's a quick online application that costs about 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours. You can apply up to 72 hours before your trip, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA-IL (eVisa) applicationYou must get this online approval before you fly; it is not a visa but a mandatory entry authorization. Apply online before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before departure. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Cost is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before travel. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, you may be denied boarding. At least 6 months beyond stay | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Israel. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the ETA-IL. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may want to see that you have plans to leave the country. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your authorized stay ends. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means in case an officer asks. Sufficient for your stay | Although not always requested, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Israel. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the usual entry process. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Australian citizens entering Israel. You will complete standard immigration forms if applicable. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected costs while abroad. Recommended for all travelers | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events during your stay in Israel. | Recommended |
Apply early, even though it's fast
While the ETA is usually approved in minutes, the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Don't wait until the last minute — if there's a system hiccup or your application gets flagged for review, you could be stuck.
Passport validity is strict
Israeli immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry — no exceptions. Check your passport now, not the night before your flight.
Entry stamp or card — your choice
At Ben Gurion, you can ask for a separate entry card instead of a stamp if you prefer not to have Israel in your passport (useful if you plan to visit countries that don't recognize Israel). Just ask the officer politely.
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. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit card. Approval is usually instant, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive a confirmation email. Keep it handy (digital is fine) — though the ETA is linked to your passport, having the email can speed things up if there's a glitch.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from Australia land at Ben Gurion. After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The ETA is checked electronically, so you won't need to show a separate document unless asked.
4
Pass through immigration
Israeli border control may ask questions about your stay — where you're staying, purpose of visit, onward travel. Answer honestly and concisely. You'll get an entry stamp (or a card if you prefer not to have a stamp).
5
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. There's usually a green 'nothing to declare' channel if you have no restricted items.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityIssued for specific employer, renewable
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$100
Requires acceptance from recognized Israeli institution
Volunteer visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 3 months
ValiditySingle entry, non-renewable
Cost$50
For volunteering at recognized organizations
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (E-visa)Single entry, valid for 3 months from issue | $35 |
| Visa extensionFor stays beyond 3 months, apply at Population and Immigration Authority | $100 |
| Exit feeCharged at airport departure, included in ticket for some airlines | $30 |
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 citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if staying airside and not exiting the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa in advance.
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 = 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 often instant. If you apply too close to departure and there's a delay, you might miss your flight.
The fee is 25 ILS, which is roughly $7 USD. You pay online with a credit card when you submit the application.
The ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the allowed period, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed. Plan your trip within the ETA's validity.
No, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport. However, it's a good idea to have the confirmation email saved on your phone or printed, just in case there's a system issue at the border.
Israeli immigration may ask about your travel history, especially to countries like Iran, Syria, or Lebanon. Having a criminal record or certain travel history doesn't automatically disqualify you, but be prepared to answer questions. The ETA application may also ask for this info — answer truthfully.
Yes, the ETA is valid for multiple entries during its two-year validity. You can leave and re-enter Israel as long as the ETA is still valid and your passport hasn't expired.
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.