Israel entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. The ETA is quick and cheap — about $7 USD — and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You'll apply online before you fly.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| EIA (Electronic Entry Authorization)This is an electronic pre-travel authorization, not a visa. You must have it approved before you fly. Required for visa-exempt travelers | Japanese passport holders must obtain an EIA before travel. Apply online at the Israeli Interior Ministry website (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing: minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure it meets this before applying for the EIA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. This is in addition to any pages used for the EIA. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Israel before your authorized stay ends. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof helps avoid issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). Amount not specified; use your judgment based on length of stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Japanese passport holders entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa — it's an electronic authorization
You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. The entire process is online at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, so if you travel to Israel often, you only need to apply once per passport.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Israel. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book anything — airlines will deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Apply early, even though it's fast
Processing usually takes minutes, but the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Don't gamble on a last-minute application — if there's a system hiccup or a name mismatch, you won't have time to fix it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta, fill in your passport details, pay 25 ILS (~$7 USD) with a credit card. You'll get a confirmation email — usually within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours. Do this at least 3 days before your flight.
2
Check in and fly to Israel
At the airport in Japan, the airline will verify your ETA is approved (it's linked to your passport). Show your passport and boarding pass. No extra paperwork needed at check-in beyond your normal flight documents.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Follow signs to passport control. Japanese citizens typically use the regular foreigner lanes. Have your passport and ETA confirmation email ready. The officer may ask where you're staying and how long you'll be in Israel. Answer clearly and you'll be stamped in.
4
Collect bags and exit
After passport control, grab your luggage and walk through customs. There's usually no customs declaration unless you're carrying large amounts of cash or restricted items. You're free to enter Israel.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 (extension)
Max stayUp to 90 days per extension
ValidityTypically 3 months
Cost₪ 250 (approx. $70)
Must apply before current ETA expires; requires valid passport and proof of funds.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₪ 1,500 (approx. $420)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost₪ 1,000 (approx. $280)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a 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
ILS 300 (~$81 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at an Israeli educational institution. Must provide acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
B/2 Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Retirement)
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient income (approx. $2,500/month) and health insurance. Must not work in Israel.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension feeFor extending stay beyond 90 days; apply at Population and Immigration Authority office. | ₪ 250 (approx. $70) |
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
Japanese citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if staying airside and holding onward tickets.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an ETA is required.
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 from June to November in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid untreated water and street food in remote areas.
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
Population and Immigration Authority – Tel Aviv Office
5 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for visitors in the capital region.
Practical information for JP 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 quick online approval. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. It's valid for multiple entries over 2 years (or until your passport expires). You cannot extend it — if you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact the Population and Immigration Authority.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, but many travellers get approval within 15 minutes. Still, don't wait until the last minute — if there's a glitch, you'll miss your flight.
Denials are rare for Japanese citizens, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority. If denied, you cannot board a flight to Israel without an approved ETA. There's no embassy interview process for this — it's all online.
Yes, the ETA is valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years or until your passport expires. Each visit can be up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport doesn't expire during your trip — the 6-month validity rule applies each time you enter.
No, it's linked electronically to your passport. But it's a good idea to have the confirmation email saved on your phone or printed, just in case the airline or immigration asks to see it. Some airlines may check it at check-in.
If you're just transiting through Ben Gurion Airport without passing through immigration, you don't need an ETA. But if you leave the airport or have a layover where you need to enter Israel, you'll need the ETA. Check with your airline if unsure.
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.