Israel entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Irish passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business meetings, and family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA-IL applicationETA-IL: Israel's Electronic Travel Authorisation, mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals since August 2024. Apply free at israel-entry.piba.gov.il — usually approved instantly. Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before travel. This is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals since August 2024. The application is free and usually approved instantly — you get an email confirmation within minutes.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Israel. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Israeli law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Overland exit via Jordan or Egypt also counts — just show your bus or ferry reservation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 1,500 ILS (about $400 USD) for a short stay, or more if you're staying longer. Credit cards are widely accepted, but a bank statement or cash in hand works best if questioned. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Israel, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew before you go.
No visa extensions available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying leads to fines and potential re-entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your entry date. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Arrange travel insurance if you want it.
2
At the airport (departure)
At check-in, the airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket. They may also ask for proof of accommodation. Have your documents ready.
3
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for Israeli citizens and foreign visitors. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will ask a few questions — typical ones are 'Purpose of visit?', 'Where are you staying?', 'How long?'. Answer clearly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport and you're through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. You're now in Israel.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days, extendable in special cases
Validity3 months from issue date
CostILS 100 (~$27 USD)
For stays beyond the visa-free period. Apply at Israeli embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Must apply at Israeli embassy.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostILS 500 (~$135 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
Validity1 year
CostILS 300 (~$81 USD)
For full-time students at recognized institutions. Proof of enrollment required.
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 |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply after the 90-day visa-free period. Maximum cap may apply. | ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry) - if needed for longer stayFor stays beyond 90 days, a tourist visa may be required. Apply at Israeli embassy abroad. | ILS 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) - if neededFor multiple entries over a longer period. Conditions apply. | ILS 200 (~$54 USD) |
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 passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 = 2.9 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban, or deportation.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel.
If you stay airside (don't pass through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you need the same visa-free entry rules — valid passport and onward ticket.
The Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for small shops and taxis.
Check your government's travel advisory before booking. The security situation can change quickly. Travel insurance is especially important here.
Technically, no. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and family visits. Remote work for a foreign employer is in a grey area — many people do it, but it's not officially allowed. If you're caught, you could be asked to leave.
You'll be fined per day overstayed, and you may be banned from re-entering Israel for a period. It's not worth the risk — leave before day 90.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.