Israel entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. The application is quick and can be done online before your trip. As of 2026, the ETA costs 25 ILS and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (eVisa)You must have this approved before you fly; it is not a visa but a mandatory entry authorization. Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an approved ETA (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD), processing takes minutes to a few hours, and the ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer 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 required; having an extra page is recommended. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIsrael wants to see that you plan to leave before your permitted stay ends. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward flight ticket leaving Israel. This is typically checked at check-in and may be requested by border control. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof in case an officer asks how you'll support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | While not always asked, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your stay in Israel. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip this step; it doesn't apply to you. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for South Korean passport holders entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any separate form on arrival. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's quick and cheap, but it's still mandatory. Don't skip it — you won't be allowed to board your flight without an approved ETA.
Passport validity is strict
Israeli border control enforces the 6-month validity rule without exceptions. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away. Check your passport before booking anything.
Apply early, even if it's fast
While the ETA usually processes in minutes, it's not guaranteed. Applying 72 hours ahead gives you time to resolve any issues. Last-minute applications can cause missed flights.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and a valid email. Pay the 25 ILS fee with a credit card. Approval is usually instant or within a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive a confirmation email with your ETA reference number. Save it or print it — you'll need it if there are any issues at check-in or immigration.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. The officer will scan your passport, may ask about your trip, and stamp your entry. The ETA is linked electronically, so you don't need to present a separate document, but having it handy helps.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, you're free to collect your bags and exit. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes if you're not selected for additional questioning.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 3 months
ValiditySingle or multiple entry, typically 6 months
Cost₪150 (approx. $42)
For stays exceeding 90 days; apply at Israeli embassy or consulate.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to employment contract
Cost₪500 (approx. $140)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities.
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 |
|---|---|
| Extension of stayPossible for tourism; apply at Population and Immigration Authority office. | ₪100 (approx. $28) |
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 citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if staying airside and holding onward tickets.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an ETA or visa may be 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 = 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 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa from an Israeli embassy.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. If you apply too close to departure, you risk not getting approval in time.
Denials are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll need to contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority directly. You can also apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate, but that takes longer.
No. Israeli immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. If it's shorter, you'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
Not strictly, but it's a good idea. The ETA is linked to your passport electronically, but having a printed copy helps if there's a system glitch or if airline staff ask for proof at check-in.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You could be fined, banned from re-entering Israel for a period, or both. If you realize you'll overstay, contact the Population and Immigration Authority before your visa expires.
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.