Israel entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can travel to Israel with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. You'll need to apply online before you fly — it's quick, cheap, and 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)This is the online entry permit you need before flying to Israel. Apply online before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain an approved ETA (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing: minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Israel. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the ETA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show that you plan to leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Proof of departure from Israel | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Israel within the allowed stay period (typically up to 90 days for tourists). Border officials may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, cash). There is no fixed amount, but you should cover accommodation, food, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the ETA. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for New Zealand passport holders entering Israel. The ETA serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from high medical bills if you get sick or injured. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Israel has good healthcare but treatment can be costly for uninsured visitors. | Recommended |
ETA is not a visa
This is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. Apply online, pay the small fee, and you're set.
Passport validity is critical
Israeli border control enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your passport now, not the night before your flight.
Keep your ETA confirmation
Even though it's electronic, having the confirmation email accessible (screenshot or print) can save you if the airline's system can't verify your ETA at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta, fill in your passport details, pay the 25 ILS fee, and submit. You'll get a confirmation email within minutes to a few hours. Do this at least 72 hours before your flight.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airline counter, present your passport. The airline will verify your ETA electronically — no need to show a document. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready if asked.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Follow signs to passport control. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask simple questions about your trip (purpose, where you're staying, how long). Your ETA is linked to your passport, so no separate document is needed.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. That's it — you're in. If you're staying longer than 90 days, you'd need to extend, but for most tourists this is the end of the process.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityIssued for specific employer and period
Cost₪500 (approx. $150) application fee
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityValid for duration of studies
Cost₪500 (approx. $150) application fee
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
Volunteer visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 3 months
ValiditySingle entry
Cost₪170 (approx. $50) application fee
For volunteering with recognized organizations; must apply before arrival.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with an Israeli employer sponsor. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal employment and residency.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~300 ILS (~$81 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in an Israeli business. Requires detailed business plan and approval from the Investment Center.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (B/2 visitor visa)Apply at the Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel before current stay expires. | ₪170 (approx. $50) |
| Exit feeIsrael charges a departure tax, typically included in the ticket price. | Included in airline ticket |
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
New Zealand citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, an ETA-IL is required.
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 some areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid untreated water and street food in rural 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 District Office
13 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem District Office
2 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa-related issues in the capital.
Practical information for NZ 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 you apply for online. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours, but you should apply at least 72 hours before your flight to avoid any issues.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your authorized stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
If your ETA is denied, you'll need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate. This is rare for New Zealand citizens, but it can happen if there are security concerns or incomplete information. Contact the nearest Israeli embassy for guidance.
No, the ETA is linked to your passport electronically. However, it's a good idea to keep a copy of the confirmation email on your phone or printed, just in case the system is down when you check in.
Yes, the ETA is valid for entry via any border crossing — air, land, or sea. But note that if you enter via the Allenby Bridge from Jordan, there may be additional procedures. The ETA itself is the same.
The ETA is tied to your passport. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. The old one becomes invalid.
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.