Israel entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. The application is online, quick, and costs about 25 ILS (~$7 USD). You can apply up to 72 hours before your flight, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (eVisa)You must obtain this electronic authorization before flying; it is not optional for Sri Lankan passport holders. Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply online at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours. 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 your intended stay | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesIsraeli border control will stamp your passport; without a blank page you cannot enter. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa/stamp page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans. Proof of departure from Israel | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your ETA or visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids delays at border control. Sufficient money for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lankan passport holders entering Israel. | Not required |
Apply early, even though it's fast
The ETA is usually approved in minutes, but the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours ahead. Don't risk it — apply as soon as you book your flight.
No extension possible
Your ETA cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip to fit within the 3-month limit.
Multiple entries allowed
The ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries. You can come and go as you please during that period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 3 months.
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 online. Approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your email for approval
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Print it or save it on your phone. The ETA is linked to your passport number, so you don't need to present the paper at immigration, but it's good to have it as backup.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from Sri Lanka will land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow the signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
4
Go through passport control
Hand over your passport. The officer will scan it and see your ETA. They may ask about your plans, where you're staying, and how long you'll be in Israel. Answer honestly and clearly. You'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip) valid for up to 3 months.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing passport control, collect your luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional visa checks at this point.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$50
For frequent travelers; requires application at Israeli embassy/consulate.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$100
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$100
Requires acceptance from recognized Israeli educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – single entryValid for 90 days from issue; allows stay up to 90 days. | $35 |
| ETA processing fee (if applying via authorized service provider)Additional service fee may apply. | $10–$20 |
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 90 days)Must apply before current visa expires; approval at discretion of Population and Immigration Authority. | $100 |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Imposed on overstayers; amount may vary. | $200 |
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
Sri Lankan citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an ETA or visa is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
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 = 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
You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. It's an online application that costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before your flight.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 3 months per visit. It's valid for multiple entries for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Israel and re-enter, or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your current permission expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
Rejections are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate instead. There's no appeal process for the ETA, so you'd have to go the traditional visa route.
No. You must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Sri Lankan passport holders at Israeli airports. If you arrive without an approved ETA, you'll be denied entry.
Not strictly, but it's a good idea. The ETA is linked to your passport electronically, so the immigration officer will see it when they scan your passport. Having a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone can help if there's any system glitch.
The ETA is valid until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA with the new passport number.
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.