Israel entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. It's a quick online application that costs about $7 USD and is usually approved within hours. You can apply up to 72 hours before your trip, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)French passport holders must obtain an approved ETA-IL before flying to Israel. Online entry permit | Apply online via the official Israeli government portal at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before departure. Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours. The permit is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder control needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but useful if questioned by border officials. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for French passport holders entering Israel. | Not required |
Apply early, even though it's fast
The ETA is usually approved in minutes to a few hours, but the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Don't wait until the last minute — if there's a system glitch or your application gets flagged for review, you could miss your flight.
Overstaying is serious
The ETA is not extendable. Overstaying your 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or a re-entry ban. Keep track of your entry date and leave before it expires.
Entry stamps and neighbouring countries
If you plan to visit Jordan or Egypt after Israel, you can ask border control at Ben Gurion to stamp a separate paper slip instead of your passport. This avoids Israeli stamps that could cause issues at some borders. The slip is valid for the same duration as your ETA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and a valid email address. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD), payable by credit card. Approval can take minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation email. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at border control. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport
When you land at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), follow signs to passport control. Have your passport and ETA approval ready. The officer may ask about your accommodation and travel plans — answer honestly. You'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip if you prefer not to have a stamp, which is common for travellers going to neighbouring countries).
4
Exit Israel
When you leave, go through security and passport control as usual. Your ETA is valid for multiple entries within its 2-year validity, so you can return without reapplying as long as it's still valid.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$100
Requires acceptance from an accredited Israeli educational institution.
Business visa
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity1 year, multiple entry
Cost$70
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations; not for employment.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows legal employment and residence.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~500 ILS (~$135 USD) per year
For students enrolled in an Israeli educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
B/5 Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
~2,000 ILS (~$540 USD) per year
For investors who invest a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residency.
retirement visa
A/5 Temporary Resident Visa (for retirees)
1 year, renewable
~1,500 ILS (~$405 USD) per year
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (pension or savings) and health insurance. Requires proof of financial means and no intention to work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (e-Visa)For stays up to 90 days; single entry. | $35 |
| Visa extensionPossible for up to 90 additional days; apply before current visa expires. | $100 |
| Exit feeCharged at land border crossings; not applicable for air departures. | $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
French citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and depart 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, 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 to drink, but food hygiene varies; avoid street food if sensitive.
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
Population and Immigration Authority – Tel Aviv District Office
5 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa-related issues; bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem District Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Practical information for FR 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 is a quick online pre-clearance. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within hours. Apply at interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before your flight.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. It's valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple entries.
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 90 days run out to discuss options — but overstaying is taken seriously and can lead to fines or a ban.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Ben Gurion Airport. There's no on-arrival ETA process for French passport holders. You must have the approval before you travel.
No. A visa is typically a sticker or stamp in your passport, often requiring an interview and weeks of processing. The ETA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport number — no physical document is issued, and it's processed in minutes to hours.
The ETA covers entry to Israel. If you plan to visit the West Bank or Gaza, entry rules are separate and can change. For the West Bank, you generally can cross via checkpoints with your passport, but always check current travel advisories. For Gaza, it's heavily restricted and not recommended.
Your ETA is tied to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA with the new passport details. The old ETA won't be valid for travel.
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.