Israel entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Israel in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for an Israeli visa | Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa before traveling to Israel. Apply at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate — processing takes 5–10 working days. You cannot get a visa on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Israel. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| 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 — having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you will support yourself — a few hundred USD in cash or card limit is fine. | Recommended |
Apply early — no last-minute options
There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply online at least 2–4 weeks before your trip. Don't wait until the last minute.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa approval, passport photo, return ticket, and accommodation booking as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Immigration may ask to see them, and having them handy speeds things up.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to the official Israeli visa application portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il). Fill in your personal details, travel dates, and upload a digital passport photo. Pay the fee (around 100–150 ILS, roughly 30–40 USD). Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before your trip.
2
Wait for approval
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. The embassy may contact you for additional documents (like bank statements or an invitation letter). Check your spam folder regularly. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or an electronic approval letter — print both and keep a copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
When you land at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration. Have your passport, visa approval, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer may ask about your itinerary, purpose of visit, and how you'll support yourself. Answer clearly and honestly. The process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Enter Israel and enjoy your stay
Once stamped in, you're free to travel within Israel. Your visa will specify the maximum stay (usually up to 90 days). Keep a copy of your visa and passport with you at all times — some hotels and car rental agencies ask for it.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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₪ 100 (~$27 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost₪ 200 (~$54 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost₪ 300 (~$81 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost₪ 500 (~$135 USD)
Requires a sponsoring employer in Israel.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
₪ 500 (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with a sponsoring employer in Israel. Requires a work permit and contract.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
₪ 300 (~$81 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at an Israeli institution. Must show proof of enrollment and financial means.
retirement visa
B/2 Visitor Visa (Long Stay)
Up to 1 year, renewable
₪ 200 (~$54 USD)
For retirees who can prove sufficient income and health insurance. Not a formal retirement visa but allows extended stays.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | ₪ 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | ₪ 200 (~$54 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | ₪ 100 (~$27 USD) per day, max ₪ 5,000 (~$1,350 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
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Israel, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest from June to November.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should still practice safe food and water precautions.
Ticks and tick-borne diseasesLow risk
Risk in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
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. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residency matters. Bring all required documents.
Practical information for LK 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 = 2.83 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. Sri Lankan passport holders must apply for a visa online before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism or business.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe. In busy periods (summer, holidays) it can take longer.
The fee is around 100–150 ILS (about 30–40 USD). This is paid online during the application. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Israel. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
It's not a strict requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a bank statement or credit card available is a good idea.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entering.
You'll receive a rejection letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or unclear travel plans. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but there's no guarantee of approval.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.