Israel entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Japanese passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy remains in effect through 2026. At the airport, just present your passport and a return ticket. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
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 your ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before departure. The form takes 2 minutes and approval is instant for most applicants. Since August 2024, this is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals — you cannot board without it.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay | Your Japanese passport needs to be valid only for the duration of your stay in Israel — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines may still enforce their own 6-month policy, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Ben Gurion Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — a simple reservation is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for Japanese passport holders, but it's one less thing to worry about if they do. | Recommended |
Keep your blue entry slip
The small blue slip you receive at passport control is your proof of legal entry. You must hand it back when you leave Israel. If you lose it, you'll need to visit the immigration office before departure.
Overstaying is costly
Staying beyond 90 days without an extension can result in a fine of about 500 ILS per day and a ban from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for Israeli citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line. Have your passport and return ticket screenshot ready.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
The officer will scan your passport, take a photo, and may ask: purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long, and your return flight. Answer briefly and honestly. You'll receive a blue entry slip — keep it with your passport until you leave.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis, trains, and rental cars are available.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 stay90 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostILS 100 (~$27 USD)
Apply at Israeli embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable up to 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
Requires proof of multiple trips or business needs.
Long-stay visa (B/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
CostILS 500 (~$135 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
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 |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at departure; maximum cap may apply. | ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to extend stay beyond 90 days. | ILS 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | 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
Japan passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies for Japan passport holders.
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 = 2.87 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. The visa-free stay is not extendable for Japanese passport holders. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
No. If you're connecting at Ben Gurion Airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa-free entry.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no entry fee for Japanese passport holders. You simply present your passport at immigration.
Technically, the visa-free stay is for tourism and business meetings only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a gray area. Many travelers do it, but officially you should not 'work' for an Israeli company without a proper work visa.
You'll need it to leave the country. If lost, go to the Population and Immigration Authority office at Ben Gurion Airport or in Tel Aviv before your departure. Bring your passport and flight details.
Not required for Japanese passport holders. Immigration officers rarely ask, but having a credit card or some cash (around $500) is sensible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.