Israel entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or short visits. The application is quick, costs about $7 USD, and is valid for two years or until your passport expires. You must apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)Italian citizens must obtain an approved ETA-IL before flying to Israel. Apply online before travel | Apply for the ETA-IL at the official Israeli government portal (https://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 validityIsraeli immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. Must be valid 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure it does not expire before 2027-02-07 if you enter on 2026-08-07. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder control needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. This is the minimum; having 2 blank pages is safer. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Israel within the allowed period. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means in case immigration asks. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, bank statements) to cover your expenses during your visit. No fixed amount is published, but have access to at least ~$100 per day. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Italian citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's quick and easy, but it's still mandatory. Don't confuse it with the visa-waiver programs of other countries — you must have an approved ETA before you fly.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While most ETAs are approved in minutes, the Israeli government recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure. If your application triggers additional security checks, it could take longer. Don't risk missing your flight.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Israel. Airlines will check this at check-in, and Israeli border control enforces it strictly. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying for the ETA.
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, personal information, and a valid credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours, but the government recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure. You'll receive an email confirmation with your ETA reference number.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA status electronically. Have your passport and the ETA confirmation email (printed or on your phone) ready. You don't need to show anything at Israeli immigration beyond your passport — the ETA is linked to your passport number.
4
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport
After landing at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), follow signs to passport control. Italian citizens typically clear through the automated e-gates or the regular queue. Have your passport ready; you'll be stamped in. The process is usually quick, but allow extra time during peak seasons.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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 visit
ValidityTypically 5 years, multiple entry
CostApprox. $50 (₪180)
For those who need to stay longer than the ETA allows or are not eligible for the ETA. Apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
B-1 Work Visa
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year, multiple entry
CostApprox. $100 (₪360)
For paid employment or professional activities; requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
A-2 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostApprox. $100 (₪360)
For full-time study at an accredited Israeli institution; requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (application fee)
For foreign workers with a valid job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For students enrolled in recognized Israeli educational institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
B/2 Temporary Resident Visa (for retirees)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (application fee)
For retirees with sufficient income and health insurance. Must show proof of pension or savings and not work in Israel.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/1)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in an Israeli business. Requires detailed business plan and approval from the Investment Center.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (short-term stay)Possible for tourism, business, or volunteer purposes; apply at Population and Immigration Authority before current visa expires. | Approx. $50 (₪180) |
| Exit fee (overland departures)Charged at land border crossings (e.g., to Jordan or Egypt); not applicable for air departures. | Approx. $35 (₪106) |
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
Italian citizens transiting through Israeli airports (e.g., Ben Gurion) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, an ETA is required for any entry into Israel, including for transit if leaving the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa required for airside transit up to 24 hours, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an ETA or visa in advance.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low for most travellers, but use repellent in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low, but travellers should practice good hygiene and drink bottled water in remote areas.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause 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
Population and Immigration Authority - Tel Aviv Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
3 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for residents and visitors in the Jerusalem area.
Practical information for IT 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 pre-travel clearance. It's valid for tourism and short business visits for up to 90 days per entry, and the ETA itself is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
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. In rare cases, it can take longer, so don't wait until the last minute.
The fee is 25 ILS, which is roughly $7 USD. It's paid online by credit card and is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you cancel your trip.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the allowed period, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so plan your trip accordingly.
If your ETA is denied, you'll receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply, but if the issue is related to criminal history or security concerns, it's unlikely to be overturned. In that case, you'd need to contact the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate for further guidance.
No, the ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple entries. You can enter and exit Israel multiple times during that period without reapplying, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days.
Children of any age, including infants, need their own ETA. You'll need to apply for each child separately using their own passport details. The process and fee are the same as for adults.
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.