Israel entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or business. It's a quick online application, not a traditional visa, and you'll get approval in minutes to a few hours. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)This is an online pre-travel authorization, not a visa stamp. You must have it approved before you fly. Online travel authorization | Canadian citizens must obtain an ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before departure. Apply online at the official Israeli government portal: https://interior.gov.il/en/eta. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before travel. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | 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 page for entry/exit stamps. This is in addition to any pages used for the ETA-IL (which is electronic, so no page is needed for it). | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show at passport control. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. This is a standard entry requirement. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means in case an officer asks. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Israel. This is not always requested, but be prepared with bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can proceed directly to passport control after landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival. | Not required |
Apply early, even though it's fast
While ETA approval usually comes through in minutes, the official guidance is to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Don't risk a last-minute hiccup — do it as soon as you book your flight.
ETA is not extendable
You cannot extend your ETA once you're in Israel. If you overstay, you may face fines or future entry issues. Make sure your trip fits within the validity period.
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 way to pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. It's linked to your passport number, so you don't need to print anything, but it's smart to have a copy on your phone or paper just in case.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. Have your Canadian passport ready. The officer will scan it, check your ETA in their system, and stamp you in. Be prepared to answer basic questions about your trip (where you're staying, how long).
4
Exit Israel
At departure, go through security and passport control. Your passport will be stamped out. Make sure you leave before your ETA expires (it's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 specific employer; requires sponsorship
Cost$150
Must be arranged by employer before arrival.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to academic institution
Cost$100
Requires acceptance letter from recognized Israeli institution.
Volunteer visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$35
For unpaid volunteer work with approved organization.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (e-Visa)For stays up to 90 days; apply online before travel. | $35 |
| Visa extension (up to 90 additional days)Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel. | $100 |
| Exit feeCharged at airport/land border when departing; included in some airline tickets. | $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
Canadian citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through border control.
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, 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 = 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
No, not a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online approval. It's not a visa sticker — it's linked to your passport electronically.
The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter Israel multiple times during that period.
It costs 25 ILS, which is about $7 USD. You pay online when you apply.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The official advice is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, but most people get approval almost instantly.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
Your ETA is tied to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. The old one won't work.
No, it's linked to your passport in the system. But it's a good idea to have a digital copy on your phone or a printed copy just in case there's a system glitch.
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.