Israel entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can visit Israel for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa in 2026. No prior application is needed, but your passport must meet entry rules.
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. Israel Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before you fly. The form takes 2 minutes and approval is instant for most applicants. Since August 2024, this is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals — you won't board without it.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Israel. No 6-month rule here — just cover your stay. Airlines sometimes check validity at check-in, so double-check before heading to the airport. | 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. If you're flying out to a Schengen country, they'll check this more carefully. | 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 at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Officers almost never ask for it for short visits, but it's one less thing to worry about if they do. | Recommended |
Overstaying is costly
If you stay beyond 90 days, you'll face fines of about 500 ILS per day (roughly $140 USD) and may be banned from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Entry may be denied without explanation
Israel has strict security protocols. Even with a valid passport, you can be denied entry if the officer has concerns. Be polite, answer questions honestly, and have your documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and ensure you have at least 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies of everything on your phone.
2
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) or other border
Most travellers fly into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. You'll go through passport control — join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your plans and accommodation.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving. If you overstay, you may face fines or future entry bans.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already covers this)
Visa-free entry is sufficient for most short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry allows multiple entries)
Multiple entries allowed under visa-free regime.
Long-stay visa (B/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For longer stays; requires sponsor or specific purpose.
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires approval from Ministry of Interior and proof of employment.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For students enrolled in Israeli educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
B/2 Long-Stay Visa (Retirement)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For retirees with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/1)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (e.g., $500,000 USD). Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day period. | Free (not applicable for visa-free) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at border; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay; may also result in deportation. | ~$1,500 USD (estimated) |
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
Bulgaria passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Risk is low 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; 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
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
5 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem District Immigration Office
1 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for the capital region.
Practical information for BG 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 = 2.84 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines of about 500 ILS per day (roughly $140 USD) and a ban from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa before your 90 days are up.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry at the border. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Israel. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Bulgarian passport holders. However, it's wise to have access to enough money for your stay (credit card, cash) in case an officer asks.
Yes, you can enter via the Allenby Bridge (from Jordan), the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing (Aqaba/Eilat), or the Taba border crossing (from Egypt). The same visa-free rules apply — 90 days. Expect longer queues and more thorough questioning at land borders.
Israel may deny entry if you have a criminal record or have visited countries considered hostile (e.g., Iran, Syria, Lebanon). Be honest with immigration officers. If you're unsure, contact the Israeli consulate before traveling.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Bulgarian passport holders. You simply go through passport control with your passport and return ticket.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism and business only (meetings, conferences). You cannot work for an Israeli employer or study at an Israeli institution. You need a specific work or student visa for those activities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.