Israel entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian citizens can travel to Israel without a traditional visa, but you'll need to apply for an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. It's a quick online process that costs about 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires. Plan to apply at least 72 hours before departure, though approval often comes through in minutes.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)You need this online authorization before you fly to Israel. Apply online before travel | Bulgarian citizens must obtain an approved ETA-IL before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Must be valid 6 months beyond entry | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page for border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see your departure plans. Proof of departure | Carry proof of a return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your ETA-IL or permitted stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but good to have if questioned. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Israel. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Bulgarian citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay beyond the ETA-IL validity. Not extendable | The ETA-IL is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply. | Not required |
ETA-IL is mandatory — not optional
Even though Bulgaria is visa-exempt, you must have an approved ETA-IL before you fly. Without it, you'll be denied boarding. The process is quick and cheap, so don't skip it.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Israel. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the ETA-IL — the ETA is tied to your passport number.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA-IL online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and an email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee with a credit card. Approval is usually instant or within a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA-IL status. Have your approval email (printed or on your phone) ready. Without an approved ETA, you won't be allowed to board.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Follow the signs to passport control. Bulgarian passport holders typically go through the electronic gates (if available) or the regular line. Have your passport and ETA approval ready. You'll likely get a stamp or a paper slip — keep it with you during your stay.
4
Exit Israel
At departure, you'll go through security and passport control again. Make sure you haven't overstayed your permitted period (usually 90 days). Your ETA remains valid for future trips within its 2-year validity.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria 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 employment; requires employer sponsorship
Cost$150
Must be arranged by employer before arrival.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityIssued for academic programs
Cost$150
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 |
|---|---|
| Electronic visa (B/2 tourist visa)Required for Bulgarian citizens; apply online before travel. | $35 |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days)Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel. | $150 |
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
Bulgarian citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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 = 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-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online approval. It's mandatory for all visa-exempt nationalities, including Bulgaria.
The ETA-IL costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD). It's valid for 2 years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple visits within that period.
The ETA-IL allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business. It's not extendable — if you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact the Population and Immigration Authority.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines are required to check ETA-IL status before boarding. If you somehow arrive without one, you'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight.
No. The ETA-IL must be approved before you travel. There's no on-arrival process for Bulgarian citizens. Apply online at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta before your trip.
Denials are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate instead. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own approved ETA-IL. You'll need to submit a separate application for each child using their own passport.
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.