Israel entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. The application is quick, online, and costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
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 have it approved before you fly. Required for visa-exempt nationals | Swiss citizens must obtain an ETA before travel. Apply online at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes 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 be valid well beyond your trip dates to enter Israel. Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. This is the minimum required by Israeli border control. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see that you have a planned departure. Proof of departure from Israel | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your permitted stay expires. Have your travel itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a credit card or bank statement as evidence you can support yourself. Sufficient means of support | You should be able to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your stay in Israel. This is not always requested but can be checked at entry. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Israel. The ETA serves as your pre-travel authorization. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's quick and easy, but it's still a mandatory entry requirement. Don't skip it – you won't be allowed to board without it.
Apply early, even if it's fast
While approvals are usually instant, the official guidance is to apply 72 hours ahead. If there's a name mismatch or a background check, you'll need time to resolve it. Don't leave it to the last minute.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official Israeli government ETA portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee. The process takes about 10 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Most approvals come through within minutes to a few hours, but the official advice is to apply at least 72 hours before departure. You'll receive an email confirmation – keep it handy.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airport, show your passport and ETA approval when checking in. The airline will verify your ETA is valid before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Present your passport and ETA to the border officer. They may ask about your trip – answer honestly. You'll get an entry stamp and can proceed to baggage claim.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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 and job; must be arranged before arrival
Cost₪ 1,000 (approx. $265) for application
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityValid for duration of studies
Cost₪ 1,000 (approx. $265) for application
Must be enrolled in an accredited Israeli educational institution.
Business visa (B/2 with work permit)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
ValidityMultiple entries possible
Cost₪ 1,000 (approx. $265) for work permit
For paid work or business activities; requires employer sponsorship.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per year
For foreign workers with an Israeli employer sponsor. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Interior and proof of employment.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
ILS 300 (~$81 USD) per year
For full-time students at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires enrollment confirmation and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least ILS 2.5 million in an Israeli business. Requires detailed business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (B-2)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with sufficient income (at least ILS 10,000/month). Requires proof of pension and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of tourist visaApply at Population and Immigration Authority office before current visa expires. | ₪ 170 (approx. $45) |
| Exit feeIsrael's departure tax is typically included in the airfare; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Swiss citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
- Passengers with Israeli nationality or those subject to Israeli immigration restrictions should check with the nearest Israeli embassy.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is highest in summer and early fall.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid unpasteurized dairy and undercooked meat.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; 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 HaShalom Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for the capital region; appointments recommended.
Practical information for CH 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 simple online pre-approval. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The fee is 25 ILS (about $7 USD). You pay online during the application process.
Usually minutes to a few hours. However, the Israeli government recommends applying at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for any delays or additional checks.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your ETA expires.
If your ETA is denied, you'll need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate. The ETA portal will give you instructions on what to do next.
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.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. There's no way to get an ETA at the airport – you must have it approved before you fly.
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.