Israel entry requirements for Hungary 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
Hungarian 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 form that costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours. Plan to apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)You must have an approved ETA-IL before you fly; it is not a visa but a mandatory entry authorization. Apply online before travel | Hungarian passport holders must obtain an approved ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Processing typically takes minutes to a few hours. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid well beyond your trip to avoid being denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Hungarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need 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. No additional pages are required for the ETA-IL. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou should have evidence that you plan to leave Israel, as required by border officials. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have financial proof in case an officer asks how you'll support yourself. Sufficient means of support | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry a credit card or bank statement as evidence, though this is not always requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to submit a separate arrival form; the ETA-IL covers your entry authorization. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Hungarian citizens entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival. | Not required |
ETA-IL is mandatory for all Hungarian passport holders
Even though you don't need a visa, you cannot enter Israel without an approved ETA-IL. Apply online at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD).
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 you travel — airlines and Israeli border control will deny entry otherwise.
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 an email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee online. Approval is usually instant or within a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval
You'll receive an email with your ETA-IL approval. Save it on your phone or print a copy. 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 the signs to passport control. Have your passport and ETA-IL approval ready. The officer will scan your passport and may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is usually quick — 10-15 minutes.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing passport control, collect your bags and exit. There are no additional visa-related steps. You're free to enter Israel.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary 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 (longer stay)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
ValidityUsually 6 months, multiple entry
CostILS 170 (approx. $45)
For stays exceeding 90 days or for purposes not covered by the ETA; apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityIssued for specific employment
CostILS 500 (approx. $135) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship; processing takes several weeks.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to academic program
CostILS 500 (approx. $135)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with an employer sponsor. Requires a work permit and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~200 ILS (~$54 USD)
For full-time students at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD)
For investors making a significant financial investment in Israel. Requires a minimum investment of ~$500,000 USD and a business plan. Grants residency rights.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (B-2 for retirees)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (short stay)Possible for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period; apply to the Population and Immigration Authority. | ILS 170 (approx. $45) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Charged at the border for overstays; may be higher if prolonged. | ILS 200 (approx. $55) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Hungarian citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, an ETA is required for any entry into Israel, including land border crossings.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the transit area or stay overnight in a hotel outside the airport, 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
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
West Nile virus is present, especially in summer; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe to drink, but food hygiene varies; avoid undercooked food.
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
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
15 Yigal Alon St., Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
3 Shlomo HaMelech St., Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the capital region.
Practical information for HU 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-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a mandatory online pre-clearance. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA-IL allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business. It's a multiple-entry authorization, so you can come and go during its 2-year validity, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
Processing is usually 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. In rare cases, it can take longer.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check ETA-IL approval before issuing a boarding pass. If you somehow arrive without it, you'll be sent back on the next available flight at your own expense.
No, the ETA-IL is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Israel before the 90 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at an Israeli embassy or consulate before your trip.
It's similar in that it's an online authorization, but it's officially called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It's not a visa, so you don't need to visit an embassy. You just fill out the online form and pay the fee.
The ETA-IL is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA-IL with the new passport details. The old one becomes invalid.
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.