Israel entry requirements for Romania 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
Romanian citizens can travel to Israel without a traditional visa, but you'll need to complete an online ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. It's a quick process, usually approved in minutes to a few hours, and costs about 25 ILS (~$7 USD).
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)You must have an approved ETA-IL before you board your flight to Israel. Apply online before travel | Romanian citizens must obtain an approved ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before departure. Apply at the official Israeli government portal at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta at least 72 hours before travel. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and processing typically takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Romanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is 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/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking or itinerary ready to show at border control. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient means of support | Border officials may request evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Israel. This can include cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | 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 Romanian citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
Apply for ETA even if you're just transiting
If you're flying through Israel (even if you don't leave the airport), you may still need an ETA. Check with your airline — some transit passengers are exempt, but many are not. Don't assume; get the ETA to be safe.
ETA is not a visa — don't confuse the two
You're not getting a visa stamp. The ETA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport. It's quick and cheap, but it's mandatory. Don't show up at the airport expecting to sort it out there.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the 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. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD), payable by credit card. Approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA approval. Have your passport ready. If your ETA isn't linked to your passport, you'll be denied boarding. Make sure the name on the ETA matches your passport exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. You'll join the queue for foreign visitors. Have your passport and ETA approval (digital or printed) ready. The officer may ask about your plans, where you're staying, and how long you'll stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The border officer will stamp your passport (or issue a card, depending on current procedures). You'll be allowed to stay for up to 90 days. Keep the stamp or card safe — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Exit Israel
When you leave, go through security and passport control at the airport. Your passport will be checked again. Make sure you don't overstay your 90-day limit — overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania 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 (extension)
Max stayUp to 90 days per extension
ValidityUsually 3 months
CostApprox. $50 (₪180)
Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office before current permit expires. Requires valid passport, proof of funds, and reason for extension.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUsually 1 year
CostEmployer-sponsored; fees vary
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities. Not available for self-application.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUsually 1 year (renewable)
CostApprox. $50 (₪180)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution and proof of funds.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Israel. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) + tuition
For enrolled students at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with restrictions.
retirement visa
A/5 Temporary Resident Visa (for retirees)
1 year, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) + health insurance
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month) and health insurance. Requires proof of funds and no intention to work.
investor visa
B/5 Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 2,000 (~$540 USD) + investment
For investors making a significant investment (minimum $500,000) in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Investment Center.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (overstay or longer stay)Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office before current permit expires. | Approx. $50 (₪180) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)May be charged at border for overstay; amount depends on duration. | Varies |
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
Romanian citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, an ETA-IL is required for any entry into Israel, including transit if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an ETA-IL before travel.
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 low for tourists, but use repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from street food or untreated water; practice good hygiene.
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
Population and Immigration Authority - Tel Aviv Office
15 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
3 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues; appointments recommended.
Practical information for RO 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's not a visa — it's a pre-travel clearance. You apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta, pay 25 ILS (~$7 USD), and get approval usually within minutes to a few hours.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter multiple times during that period, but each stay is limited to 90 days.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Israeli border control won't process you without it. There's no 'visa on arrival' option for Romanians. You must have the ETA approved before you fly.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave Israel and re-enter (but that's not guaranteed to reset the clock) or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your 90 days are up. Overstaying is a serious offense and can lead to fines or a ban.
Yes, it's the modern replacement. Israel introduced the ETA system for visa-exempt nationalities, including Romanians. It's mandatory for all eligible travellers, even for short visits.
The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. The old one becomes invalid. So if your passport is close to expiry, it's often better to renew it first, then apply for the ETA.
No. The ETA is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. It does not permit employment. If you plan to work, you need a proper work visa, which you must apply for at an Israeli embassy or consulate before you travel.
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.