Israel customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Israel's customs enforcement is strict, with random checks and x-ray scanners. The biggest risk is the low cash declaration threshold in local currency (50,000 ILS) and the ban on cannabis-derived products, including CBD. Always declare agricultural items and controlled medications.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Value included in the 200 USD personal goods allowance.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$13,500
Any amount over 50,000 ILS (approx. 13,500 USD) must be declared on Form 84. This includes cash, traveler's cheques, and negotiable instruments.
Goods duty-free
$200
Personal goods up to 200 USD (approx. 740 ILS) duty-free. Above that, 17% VAT + customs duty (varies by item). Gifts up to 200 USD per person.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, CBD, and THC products)
  • Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and pepper spray
  • Pornographic material (including digital media)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Endangered species and products (CITES)
  • Non-kosher meat products (pork, shellfish) without special permit

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (requires permit from Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, soil, and agricultural products (requires permit from Ministry of Agriculture)
  • Drones and UAVs (requires registration and permit from the Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Satellite phones and encryption devices (requires permit from Ministry of Communications)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiquities (requires export permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, follow signs to the customs hall. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over 50,000 ILS, or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel. There is no arrival card; you may be asked to verbally declare.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Yes, 'VAT Refund for Tourists'. Minimum purchase of 400 ILS (approx. 108 USD) per invoice at a store displaying the 'Tax Free' logo. Claim at the airport's VAT refund desk before check-in, with goods, passport, and original receipts. Refund is 17% VAT minus a handling fee.

Bringing medication

Personal medications in original packaging with a doctor's prescription (in English or Hebrew) for controlled substances. Narcotics, psychotropics, and cannabis products (including CBD) are strictly prohibited without a special permit from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications (e.g., Adderall, codeine) are banned or require a permit.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil are generally prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Declare all food items. Banned: pork products, non-kosher meats, and raw milk.

Rules worth knowing

Kosher food restrictions

Importing non-kosher meat (pork, shellfish) is allowed for personal use but must be declared. Commercial quantities require a kosher certificate. Pork products are widely available in Israel, but customs may inspect.

Duty-free allowance is per person

The 200 USD personal goods allowance is per individual, not per family. Families cannot pool allowances. Children under 18 have no alcohol/tobacco allowance.

Cash declaration threshold in ILS

The declaration threshold is 50,000 ILS (approx. 13,500 USD), not 10,000 USD. If you carry 10,000 USD (approx. 37,000 ILS), you do NOT need to declare. This catches many travellers.

Strict penalties for undeclared goods

Failure to declare goods can result in seizure, fines up to 5x the value, and criminal charges. Customs officers use random checks and x-ray scanners.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you must register it with the Israel Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before arrival. Drones over 250g require a permit. Unregistered drones may be confiscated. Apply online at the CAA website.
No. CBD oil and any cannabis-derived products are considered narcotics and are prohibited without a special permit from the Ministry of Health. Possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
No, personal electronics for your own use are generally not declared. However, if you are carrying multiple high-value items (e.g., 3 laptops), customs may consider them commercial and require duty.
Yes, for personal use. Declare it at the red channel. You may need to show a kosher certificate. Non-kosher meat (pork) is also allowed for personal use but must be declared.
You pay 17% VAT on the total value of goods (not just the excess). For example, if you bring goods worth 300 USD, you pay 17% on 300 USD = 51 USD. Customs duty may also apply depending on the item.
No. Adderall (amphetamine) is a controlled substance in Israel and is banned for personal import without a special permit from the Ministry of Health. You may be denied entry or prosecuted. Alternatives: consult an Israeli doctor for a local prescription.
Yes, but different rules apply. Returning residents have a 200 USD allowance for personal goods, but alcohol/tobacco limits are the same. If you are a non-resident, the rules above apply.

Official source

Israel Customs Authority (Tax Authority)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Israel Customs Authority (Tax Authority) before travelling.