Israel entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Romanian passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA-IL applicationETA-IL: Israel's Electronic Travel Authorisation, mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals since August 2024. Apply free at israel-entry.piba.gov.il — usually approved instantly. Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for an ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before your flight. The process is free and takes about 5 minutes — most applicants get instant approval. Without an approved ETA-IL, you will be denied boarding.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Romanian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Israel. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. No set minimum is published, but around 300–500 ILS per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Overstay penalties are harsh
Israel strictly enforces the 90-day limit. Overstaying even a day can result in a fine and a multi-year ban. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Ben Gurion security is thorough
Expect questions about your itinerary, accommodation, and purpose of visit. Answer honestly and calmly. Keep your documents easily accessible.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save on your phone: return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Have your passport ready with at least 1 blank page.
2
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from Romania land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all foreign nationals.
3
Go through immigration
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask about your plans, where you're staying, and when you leave. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a visitor entry valid for up to 90 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal travel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostILS 100 (~$27 USD)
For those who need a visa; apply at Israeli embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at Israeli embassy.
Long-stay visa (B/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostILS 500 (~$135 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
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 |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplies after visa-free period expires; maximum cap may apply. | ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those needing a visa; not required for visa-free entry. | ILS 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; not required for visa-free entry. | ILS 200 (~$54 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
No transit visa needed
Romania passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or visa-free entry is required.
- Passengers with Israeli visas or residency may transit without restrictions.
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 = 2.84 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. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Israel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Ben Gurion. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a connecting flight from a different terminal), you'll need to go through passport control and the visa-free rules apply.
You'll be fined approximately 1,000 ILS (about €250) for the first overstay, and more for longer periods. You may also be banned from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Don't risk it.
Technically, no. The visa-free entry is for tourism only. However, short-term remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated if you don't set foot in an Israeli office. For any local work, you need a work visa.
Not usually, but immigration officers can ask. It's smart to have a credit card or bank statement handy, especially if you're staying a long time or have no return ticket.
Go to the Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv (24 Adam HaCohen Street, Tel Aviv). They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need a police report from the local station where you lost it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.