Israel entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Israel for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement continues in 2026. 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. Israel Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before you fly. The form takes 2 minutes and approval is usually instant. You need this even for a short layover or transit through Ben Gurion Airport.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Israel | Your South Korean passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Israel. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket to Jordan or Egypt also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Israel. Border officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,500 ILS (~$400 USD) for a short stay. Officers rarely ask for this, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Entry refusal possible at border
Even with a visa-free arrangement, Israeli immigration officers have full discretion to refuse entry. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or security concerns. Always carry your return ticket and accommodation details.
Ben Gurion Airport security
Expect thorough security screening before you even reach the check-in counter. Israeli security may ask detailed questions about your trip, your job, and your contacts. Answer honestly and calmly. This is routine.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most South Korean travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' after disembarking.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign passport holders. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will ask about your trip purpose and accommodation.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day visitor visa. You'll get a small blue entry card — keep it with your passport. You don't need to fill out any arrival declaration form.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration unless you're carrying large sums of cash or restricted items.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~ILS 100 (~$27 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer than visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost~ILS 200 (~$54 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply at Israeli embassy.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
ValidityVaries
Cost~ILS 500 (~$135 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~ILS 300 (~$81 USD)
Must be enrolled in an accredited Israeli institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~ILS 500 (~$135 USD)
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
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~ILS 300 (~$81 USD)
For those enrolled in an accredited Israeli educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are high; avoid overstaying. | ~ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa (e.g., longer stay). | ~ILS 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~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
South Korean 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 or visa-free entry is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk for most travellers; use repellent in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; tap water is safe in most areas.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration; stay hydrated.
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
13 Kaplan St., Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries in central Israel.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
1 Shlomo Hamelech St., Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits.
Practical information for KR 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
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. You must leave after 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entry. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Ben Gurion Airport. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for South Korean passport holders. However, if you're staying a long time or look like you might work illegally, an officer could ask. Having a credit card or some cash (Israeli Shekels) is wise.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences). You cannot take paid employment or enroll in a study program. For work or study, you need a specific visa from an Israeli embassy before you travel.
Israel does not automatically deny entry for minor criminal records, but serious offenses (especially involving drugs, violence, or security) can lead to refusal. There's no formal pre-clearance system. If you're concerned, contact the Israeli embassy in Seoul before booking.
No, but entry to Palestinian Authority areas (like Bethlehem or Ramallah) is generally allowed on the same visa. However, checkpoints and restrictions apply. Gaza is off-limits for most tourists. Always check current travel advisories from your government.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Routine vaccines (MMR, polio, etc.) are recommended. No yellow fever vaccine is needed unless you're arriving from an endemic country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.