Israel entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or short visits. The application is quick and can be completed online before your trip. You'll need to show your approved ETA at the border, so make sure to have it ready.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)This is an online pre-travel authorization, not a visa. You must apply before you fly. Required for visa-exempt nationals | Belgian citizens must obtain an ETA before travel. Apply online at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is processed within minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip—Israel enforces a 6-month validity rule. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before booking travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a free page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. This is a standard requirement for all international arrivals. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show you have plans to leave Israel—this is a common entry requirement. Proof of departure from Israel | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket. Border officials may ask to see it to confirm you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). The amount is not fixed but should cover your accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to worry about this—just proceed through passport control as usual. Not required for Belgian citizens | No arrival declaration is required for Belgian citizens entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival beyond standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
ETA is mandatory – don't skip it
Even though it's called an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' and not a visa, you must have it before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in. Apply online at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta – it's cheap and fast, but don't leave it to the last minute.
Passport validity is strict
Israeli authorities require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be refused entry. Check your passport now – if it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the ETA.
Entry stamp and onward travel
You'll get an entry stamp on arrival. Have your return ticket and accommodation address ready – border officers often ask. Answer questions calmly and honestly; it's routine.
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 basic personal info. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit card. The system usually approves within minutes, but give yourself at least 72 hours before your flight.
2
Receive your ETA approval
You'll get an email confirmation once approved. Save it on your phone or print a copy – you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, but having the confirmation makes things smoother.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
When you land, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. Israeli border control is thorough – they may ask about your itinerary, accommodation, and purpose of visit. Answer clearly and calmly. You'll get an entry stamp (usually valid for up to 3 months, but the ETA itself is valid for 2 years).
4
Clear customs and exit
After passport control, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Then you're free to enter Israel.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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, renewable
ValidityIssued for the duration of employment contract
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityValid for the academic year
Cost$100
Requires acceptance letter from an Israeli educational institution.
Volunteer Visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 3 months
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$50
For volunteering at recognized organizations; must apply before arrival.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
ILS 300 (~$81 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ILS 5 million in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Investment Center. Includes family members.
retirement visa
A/5 Temporary Resident Visa (for retirees)
1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) application fee
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (approx. ILS 10,000/month) and health insurance. Requires proof of pension and ties to Israel. Not a path to citizenship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (B/2) – if requiredOnly if you do not qualify for visa exemption or ETA-IL; apply at an Israeli embassy. | $35 |
| Visa Extension (B/2)For stays beyond 90 days; apply at the Population and Immigration Authority in Israel. | $100 |
| Exit FeeApplicable when departing from TLV or Eilat airports; included in airline ticket for most carriers. | $50 |
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
Belgian citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a transit visa or a B/2 tourist visa.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest from June to November in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe in most areas.
Cutaneous leishmaniasisLow risk
Sandfly-borne; risk in rural areas of the Jordan Valley and Negev.
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 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem District Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for visitors in Jerusalem. Expect long queues.
Practical information for BE 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 approval. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before your flight. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA allows you to enter Israel multiple times during its 2-year validity, but each stay is typically limited to 90 days. The exact duration is determined by the border officer on arrival – they'll stamp your passport with the allowed stay.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Israeli immigration requires the ETA to be approved before you travel. There's no 'visa on arrival' for Belgian citizens – you must have the ETA in advance.
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. It's best to plan your trip within the 90-day limit.
No, it's an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's simpler and faster – you apply online, pay a small fee, and get approval quickly. A visa would require an embassy visit and more paperwork.
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 be valid with the new passport.
No, the ETA is valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years (or until your passport expires). You can use it for multiple trips within that period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed the allowed duration.
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.