Israel entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can travel to Israel without a traditional visa, but you'll need to complete an online ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. It's a quick, cheap process — apply at least 72 hours ahead and you'll be set for up to two years or until your passport expires.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)This is the electronic entry authorization for German citizens; you must obtain it before flying. Apply online before travel | You must apply for an ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) via the official Israeli government portal before departure. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes from minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before travel. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your entry date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Israel. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for the ETA-IL. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page for the Israeli border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. This is a standard requirement for border control. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may require evidence that you plan to depart Israel. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your authorized stay ends. Have your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of financial means helps avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient means of support | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. This is not always requested but can be checked at the border. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to submit a separate arrival declaration form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for German citizens entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
Don't confuse the ETA with a visa. It's a quick online authorization — no embassy visit, no paperwork. But it's mandatory, so don't skip it.
Apply early, even though it's fast
Processing is usually quick, but the Israeli government recommends 72 hours lead time. If your application gets flagged for manual review, you'll need that buffer. Last-minute applications can cause missed flights.
Multiple entries for 2 years
Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. You can enter and exit Israel multiple times during that period — perfect if you're planning regional travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for 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 and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval typically comes in minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check your approval
You'll receive an email confirmation. Save it on your phone or print a copy — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport
Most travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Follow signs to passport control. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer honestly and keep it simple.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a visitor entry stamp. You're then free to collect your bags and exit. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes depending on queues.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B/2)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$35
For business activities; requires invitation from Israeli company.
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities.
work visa
Work Visa (B-1)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa (A-2)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For students enrolled in an accredited Israeli institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a significant amount in an Israeli business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (E-visa)Required for German citizens; valid for 3 months from issue, single entry, stay up to 90 days. | $35 |
| Visa extensionPossible for tourism; apply at Population and Immigration Authority office before current visa expires. | $100 |
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
German citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low for most tourists, but use repellent in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good; risk is low but caution with street food is advised.
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 TM.7 form.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and residency issues; expect long queues.
Practical information for DE 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, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which you apply for online before you travel. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business. It's valid for multiple entries over 2 years, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
Processing is usually minutes to a few hours. However, the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to account for any delays or additional checks.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type through an Israeli embassy or consulate before your trip.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Israeli immigration requires the ETA to be approved before arrival — there's no on-arrival process for German citizens. Make sure it's done before you fly.
Yes, it's the new system that replaced the previous visa exemption for eligible nationalities like Germany. It's an online authorization, not a visa stamp in your passport.
Yes, the ETA is required for all entry points, including land borders. Apply online before you travel, regardless of how you enter Israel.
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.