Israel entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. You can apply online in minutes, and it's valid for two years or until your passport expires. The process is quick and straightforward, but you should apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa (ETA) applicationYou must have an approved electronic travel authorization before you board your flight. Apply before travel | UK passport holders must obtain an approved ETA (e-visa) before departure. Apply online via the Israeli Interior Ministry website at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before travel. Cost: 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 validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from Israel. At least 6 months | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Israel. Check your passport's expiry date well before applying for the ETA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport when you enter and leave. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show that you plan to leave Israel within the allowed period. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your ETA or passport expires. Immigration may ask to see it upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially while in Israel, in case an officer asks. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your accommodation and living expenses during your stay in Israel. No fixed minimum amount is published, but you should have enough for your planned itinerary. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the ETA. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for UK passport holders entering Israel. The ETA serves as your pre-travel authorization. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is an electronic travel authorisation, not a visa. It's quick and cheap, but it's still mandatory. Don't confuse it with the old visa-free entry — you must apply online before every trip (though it's valid for two years).
Passport validity is strict
Israeli border control enforces the 6-month passport validity rule without exception. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be refused entry, even if you have an approved ETA. Check your passport now.
Entry questions at Ben Gurion
Expect to be asked about your travel plans, accommodation, and purpose of visit. Answer honestly and confidently. Having your hotel booking and return ticket handy speeds things up.
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. Approval usually comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA approval before issuing your boarding pass. Have a copy (printed or on your phone) ready. Without an approved ETA, you won't be allowed to board.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. British passport holders typically use the automated e-gates if available, or the regular lanes. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. You'll likely be asked a few questions about your trip (where you're staying, purpose of visit). The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Receive your entry stamp
Once cleared, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. Your ETA is valid for multiple entries for up to two years, so you don't need to reapply for each visit.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-2 Visitor Visa (for longer stays or work)
Max stayUp to 90 days (extendable)
ValidityUsually 5 years, multiple entry
Cost$50 (application fee)
Required for work, study, or stays exceeding 90 days. Apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
B-1 Work Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$50 (application fee)
Requires a sponsor in Israel and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~300 ILS (~$81 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
B-5 Temporary Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD) + proof of pension/assets
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay but not work. Must show ties to Israel (e.g., family, property).
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-1/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~2,000 ILS (~$540 USD) + investment minimum
For investors who invest at least 1 million ILS (~$270,000 USD) in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economy. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (stay beyond 90 days)Apply at the Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel before your current stay expires. | ILS 500 (approx. $135) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)No separate payment at the airport for most departures. | Included in airline ticket |
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
UK citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an ETA or visa.
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
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in central and northern regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should practice good hygiene and avoid untreated water in remote areas.
Cutaneous leishmaniasisLow risk
Transmitted by sandflies in rural areas; use insect repellent and avoid outdoor activities at dusk.
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 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
For visa-related inquiries; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residency issues.
Practical information for GB 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 Authorisation), which is a quick online approval. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for two 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 two years, so you can come and go as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days.
Most applications are approved within 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.
If your ETA is denied, you'll need to apply for a visa through an Israeli embassy or consulate instead. This is rare for British citizens, but it can happen if you have a criminal record or have previously overstayed in Israel.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave Israel and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed to reset the clock. For long-term stays, you'd need to apply for a different visa type at an embassy.
It's not mandatory, but it's a good idea to have a copy on your phone or printed. The airline will check it at check-in, and border control may ask to see it, though they can usually look it up in their system.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. The airline is required to verify ETA approval before issuing a boarding pass. There's no way to apply at the airport, so you must have it before you 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.