Israel entry requirements for Serbia 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
Serbian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. It's a quick online process, valid for two years or until your passport expires, and you can apply up to 72 hours before departure. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (eVisa)You must obtain this online authorization before flying to Israel. Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply online at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. Fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Approval is typically granted within minutes to a few hours. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire too soon after your trip. Minimum 6 months | Your Serbian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border control stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see your departure plans. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Israel before your ETA or visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but good to have in case. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Serbia passport holders entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa — but don't skip it
The ETA is a quick online form, but it's mandatory. Without it, you'll be denied boarding. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight, even though it's usually approved in minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Israel. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel — border control will turn you away otherwise.
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 instant or within a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your ETA confirmation. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from Serbia land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' — there are separate queues for tourists and returning residents. Have your passport, ETA confirmation, and return ticket ready.
4
Pass through immigration
The officer will scan your passport, check your ETA, and may ask a few questions (where you're staying, purpose of visit). Answer honestly and keep it simple. You'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip if you have an electronic passport) — don't lose it.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, grab your luggage from the carousel and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're in!
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia 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 the duration of employment contract
CostApprox. $150 (ILS 540) for application
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityIssued for the academic year
CostApprox. $100 (ILS 360) for application
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
Volunteer visa (B/4)
Max stayUp to 3 months, extendable
ValidityIssued for the duration of volunteer program
CostApprox. $50 (ILS 180) for application
Requires sponsorship from an approved volunteer organization.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~200 ILS (~$54 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at an Israeli educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
Varies (based on investment)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in an Israeli business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (if applicable)Serbian citizens are visa-exempt and do not require a visa on arrival for short stays. | Not applicable |
| Extension of stayPossible for tourism, but requires application to the Population and Immigration Authority before current stay expires. | Approx. $50 (ILS 180) |
| Exit feeIsrael does not charge a separate exit fee for air passengers; airport taxes are included in 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
Serbian citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa or ETA may be required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is low for most travellers.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke.
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 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and application forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
For visa-related issues; appointments recommended.
Practical information for RS 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
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-clearance. It's not a visa, but it's mandatory — without it, you won't be allowed to board your flight.
The ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter Israel multiple times during that period, with each stay typically up to 90 days.
The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing is usually minutes to a few hours, but the official advice is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. Payment is made online via credit card.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave Israel and re-enter (subject to ETA conditions) or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your permitted stay expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
If your ETA application is denied, you'll receive a notification. You can apply again, but if it's denied a second time, you'll need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate. This is rare for Serbian citizens, but it can happen if there are security concerns or errors in your application.
Yes, the airline will check your ETA before issuing a boarding pass. If you don't have it, you won't be allowed to fly. Make sure you have the approval email or a printout ready.
If you're transiting through Ben Gurion Airport and not entering Israel, you generally don't need an ETA. But if you plan to leave the airport or have a layover that requires you to pass through immigration, you'll need the ETA. Check with your airline if you're unsure.
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.