Israel entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. The online application is straightforward, costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD), and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight; approval typically arrives within minutes to a few hours.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Portuguese passport holders must obtain an approved ETA before flying to Israel. Required for visa-exempt nationals | Apply online via the official Israeli government portal at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Processing typically takes minutes to a few hours. | Required |
| Passport validityIsraeli immigration requires your passport to remain valid for 6 months after you arrive. Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Portuguese passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page for entry stamp | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the Israeli border control stamp. Check your passport before traveling. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show that you plan to leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Proof of departure from Israel | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Israel within the allowed visa-free period (typically up to 90 days). Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Israel. No fixed amount is specified, but you should have enough for accommodation, food, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival forms. Not required for Portuguese citizens | No separate arrival declaration is required for Portuguese passport holders entering Israel. The ETA serves as your pre-travel authorization. | Not required |
ETA is linked to your passport
Your ETA is electronically tied to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. Also, make sure the name on your application matches your passport exactly.
Apply early — don't rely on 'minutes'
While the system usually approves within minutes to a few hours, the official guidance says to apply 72 hours ahead. If you apply too close to departure and there's a technical issue, you won't have time to fix it. Plan ahead.
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 way to pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval is usually quick, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Save it on your phone or print a copy. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to present the email, but it's a good backup.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from Portugal land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — have your passport ready. The ETA will be in their system, so you just hand over your passport. You may be asked a few questions about your stay (hotel, purpose). Answer clearly and you'll be through in minutes.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. That's it — you're in. Keep your passport safe; you'll need it again when you leave.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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 90 days per visit
ValidityUsually 5 years, multiple entry
CostApprox. $60
For those who need to stay longer than the ETA allows or have a criminal record; apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to employment contract
CostVaries; employer usually pays
Requires a job offer and sponsorship from an Israeli employer.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to academic program
CostApprox. $60
For enrollment in an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires a work permit and contract. Allows legal employment in Israel.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 200 (~$54 USD)
For full-time students at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD)
For investors with significant business investment in Israel. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (short-term stay)Possible in exceptional cases; apply at the Population and Immigration Authority before current permit expires. | Approx. $50 (₪180) |
| Exit feeIsrael's airport departure tax is typically included in airline ticket price. | Included in airfare |
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
Portuguese citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they stay airside and do not enter the country.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is low but present in summer months.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should avoid untreated water in rural areas.
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
15 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for PT 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 pre-travel clearance. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. It's valid for multiple entries during its two-year validity, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. While approval often comes in minutes to a few hours, the system recommends that buffer. Don't wait until the last minute — if there's a glitch, you might miss your flight.
Denials are rare for Portuguese citizens, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority through the same portal. In some cases, you may need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate instead.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Israel and re-enter (but that resets the 90-day clock) or apply for a different visa type through the Israeli embassy before your current ETA expires.
Yes, it's the new system that replaced the previous visa-free entry for eligible nationalities. It's a simple online form, not a visa stamp in your passport. You still get a stamp on arrival.
If you're just changing planes at Ben Gurion and staying airside, you don't need an ETA. But if you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you must have an approved ETA before you arrive.
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.