Israel entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadians don't need a visa for tourist or business visits to Israel up to 90 days. Arrive with a valid passport, get an entry stamp at the airport. This policy applies in 2026.
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 ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before you fly. It's free and takes about 2 minutes — most applicants get instant approval. Since August 2024, all visa-exempt nationals including Canadians must have an approved ETA-IL to board their flight.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Israel — no 6-month rule. Airlines sometimes enforce their own 6-month policy, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry 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 counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a recent bank statement or credit card handy. Immigration doesn't usually demand proof of funds for Canadian passport holders, but they can ask if your stay is long or your itinerary looks thin. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Israel. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go — you'll be turned away at the border otherwise.
Keep your entry card
When you enter Israel, you'll get a small entry card. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave. If you lose it, you may face delays at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
You'll land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all non-Israeli citizens.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your Canadian passport. The officer will ask a few questions: purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long. Answer clearly and honestly. They may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking.
3
Get your entry stamp
If everything's fine, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. That stamp gives you 90 days. Keep the small entry card they give you — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then walk through customs (usually green channel for nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in ILS)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer. Apply at Israeli embassy abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in ILS)
Allows multiple visits. Useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (B/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in ILS)
For purposes like study, work, or family reunification. Requires sponsor in Israel.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with an Israeli employer sponsor. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
A/5 Temporary Resident Visa (for retirees)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs fines. Avoid by leaving on time or applying for an extension before expiry. | ~500 ILS (~$135 USD) per day, max 20,000 ILS (~$5,400 USD) |
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
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, as long as 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 may be required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should practice good hygiene.
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 Office
5 Ha'arba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for the capital region. Expect longer wait times.
Practical information for CA 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. Canadians get visa-free entry for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Just show your valid passport at the border.
Up to 90 days per visit. The 90-day count starts from the day you enter. You cannot extend this stay — if you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa before your 90 days are up.
You'll likely be denied entry. Israeli immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, you need proof of a return or onward ticket. Immigration officers may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. You cannot work for an Israeli employer or do any paid work without a proper work visa.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Israel. If you need to stay longer, leave before your 90 days are up or apply for an extension (though extensions are rarely granted).
No mandatory vaccinations for Canadian travellers. Routine vaccines (MMR, polio, etc.) are recommended but not required for entry.
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.