Israel entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can travel to Israel without a traditional visa, but you'll need to complete an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. It's a quick online application that takes minutes to process, and it's valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (eVisa)You must have an approved ETA before boarding your flight to Israel. Apply online before travel | Finnish citizens must obtain an approved ETA (electronic travel authorization) before departure. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before travel. Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing typically takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Finnish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show at immigration if asked. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your ETA or visa-free period expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a recent bank statement or credit card to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient means of support | Border officials may request evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Israel. This is not always required but be prepared to show bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Finnish citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA-IL is mandatory for all Finnish citizens
Even though you don't need a visa, you cannot board a flight to Israel without an approved ETA-IL. It's a quick online form, but don't skip it — airlines check it at check-in.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before booking your trip. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA-IL online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and a valid email. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA-IL approval before issuing your boarding pass. Have the approval email or a screenshot ready. Without it, you won't be allowed to board.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. Finnish passports are processed quickly. Have your passport and ETA-IL approval ready. You'll likely be asked a few questions about your trip — answer honestly and confidently.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
The officer will stamp your passport (or issue a card) and wave you through. Collect your luggage and exit. Welcome to Israel!
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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 the duration of employment contract
Cost₪ 500 (approx. $150) for application
Requires a sponsoring employer in Israel and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityIssued for the academic year
Cost₪ 500 (approx. $150) for application
Requires acceptance to a recognized Israeli educational institution.
Volunteer visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 3 months, extendable
ValidityIssued for the duration of volunteer program
Cost₪ 500 (approx. $150) for application
For organized volunteer programs; requires a letter from the host organization.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
For students enrolled in an Israeli educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (B/2) extensionFor stays exceeding 90 days; apply at the Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel. | ₪ 170 (approx. $50) |
| Exit feeIncluded in airline ticket for departures from Ben Gurion Airport; may be charged separately at land borders. | ₪ 106 (approx. $30) |
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
Finnish citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if they remain airside and depart within 24 hours. However, an ETA-IL is required for any entry into Israel, including for transit if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an ETA-IL before travel.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Risk is low but present in summer months; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but food hygiene varies; avoid street food if sensitive.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration; 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
Population and Immigration Authority - Tel Aviv Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residency issues.
Practical information for FI 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-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a mandatory online pre-clearance. It's quick and cheap — 25 ILS (~$7 USD) — and valid for two years or until your passport expires.
The ETA-IL allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. It's valid for multiple entries over a two-year period, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
Apply at least 72 hours before your flight, even though processing usually takes minutes. The system recommends this buffer to avoid any delays. You can apply up to 90 days before your trip.
If denied, you'll receive an email with instructions. You can reapply after correcting any issues, or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority. In rare cases, you may need to visit an Israeli embassy or consulate for a traditional visa.
No, the ETA-IL is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Israel and re-enter after a short period, or apply for a different visa type from within Israel — but that's rare and not straightforward. Best to plan your trip within the 90-day limit.
It's similar but not exactly a visa. It's an electronic travel authorization that grants you permission to enter Israel for tourism or business. It's not a visa, so you don't need to attend an embassy interview. Just apply online.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), your ETA-IL approval (digital or printed), and be ready to answer questions about your trip. They may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation, and funds. Keep those handy.
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.