Israel entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or short visits. It's a quick online application that costs about 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours, though you should apply at least 72 hours before you travel.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (e-Visa)You need this online pre-authorization even though you don't need a traditional visa. Apply online before travel | Irish passport holders must obtain an approved ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityBorder officials will check that your passport won't expire soon after your trip. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIsrael stamps passports on arrival, so you need a blank page for that stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. Ensure you have a clean, unused page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you're not planning to overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids delays if requested. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip this step — it's not part of the entry process. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Irish citizens entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any health or customs form in advance. | Not required |
ETA is not extendable
The ETA allows a maximum stay of 90 days and cannot be extended. If you overstay, you may face fines or future entry bans. Plan your trip accordingly.
Passport validity is strict
Israeli border control enforces the 6-month passport validity rule without exceptions. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill in the application. You'll need your passport details and a way to pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval is usually instant or within a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Print or save your ETA confirmation
Once approved, you'll get a confirmation. Save it on your phone and print a copy — some airlines check it at check-in, and it's good to have offline.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. Irish passport holders typically go through the regular queue. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. You'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip) — keep it with you until you leave.
4
Exit and collect your bags
After clearing passport control, proceed to baggage claim and customs. There are usually no additional checks for tourists, but be ready to answer questions about your stay if asked.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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
ValidityUsually 1 year, renewable
CostApprox. $100
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUsually 1 year, renewable
CostApprox. $100
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution
Volunteer visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 3 months
ValidityUp to 3 months
CostApprox. $50
For volunteering at recognized organizations
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per year
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, up to 1 year renewable
ILS 300 (~$81 USD) per year
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum of ILS 5 million in an Israeli business. Requires detailed business plan and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Includes family members.
retirement visa
Temporary Resident Visa (B-2) for Retirees
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per year
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (approx. ILS 10,000/month) and health insurance. Must not work in Israel. Requires proof of pension and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extensionPossible for up to 90 additional days, subject to approval | Approx. $50 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for air travellers | Included in airfare |
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
Irish citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be 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
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease, risk is low for most tourists but higher in rural areas during summer.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid unpasteurized dairy and undercooked meat.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem District Immigration Office
1 Shlomo HaMelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for visitors in Jerusalem area. Expect longer wait times.
Practical information for IE 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 (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online approval. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business visits. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
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 at an Israeli embassy or consulate instead. This is rare for Irish citizens, but it can happen. Contact the nearest Israeli embassy for guidance.
No. The ETA must be approved before you travel. You cannot apply at Ben Gurion Airport. If you arrive without an approved ETA, you'll be denied boarding or entry.
Yes, the ETA is valid for multiple entries within its 2-year validity period. Each entry allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own approved ETA. You'll need to submit a separate application for each child with their passport details.
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.