Israel entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can enter Israel for tourism or short visits with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). The application is quick and completed online before travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and usually approved within hours.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Entry visa (e-Visa)You must have an approved e-Visa before boarding your flight to Israel. Apply online before travel | Saudi Arabian citizens must obtain an e-Visa prior to travel. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The e-Visa is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must remain valid for 6 months after you arrive in Israel. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your 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 blank page for the border officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. Check that no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Israel, so keep your flight booking handy. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Israel before your e-Visa or passport validity expires. Border officials may ask to see this. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially while in Israel. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Israel. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to submit an arrival declaration form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Saudi Arabian citizens entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any additional forms upon arrival. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's quick and cheap, but you must apply before flying. Don't confuse it with a traditional visa that requires an embassy visit.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's not, you'll be denied boarding and entry. Check your passport's expiry date before booking anything.
Entry stamp alternatives
If you prefer not to have an Israeli stamp in your passport (for travel to other countries later), you can request a paper entry slip at immigration. This is a standard option.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online ETA application
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the form. You'll need your passport details and a valid email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee online. Approval is usually sent by email within minutes to a few hours.
2
Wait for approval and print or save it
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your ETA confirmation. Save it on your phone and print a copy to carry with you. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights from Saudi Arabia land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your stay and onward travel.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
After a quick check, you'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip if you prefer not to stamp your passport). Then collect your luggage and exit. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$100 (approx. 360 ILS)
Requires invitation from Israeli company; apply at embassy.
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150 (approx. 540 ILS)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
₪500 (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with an employer sponsor. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
₪300 (~$81 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at an Israeli educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
₪1,000 (~$270 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of ₪5 million in an Israeli business. Requires a detailed business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic visa (E-visa) application feeNon-refundable, paid online. | $50 (approx. 180 ILS) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office. | $30 (approx. 110 ILS) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Transit visa required
Saudi Arabian citizens require a visa even for airside transit through Israeli airports. The e-visa can be used for transit if obtained in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders with bilateral agreements
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no intention to leave the international zone may be exempt if they hold a visa for the next destination and are from a visa-exempt country (not applicable to Saudi nationals).
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease, risk is low for most tourists but higher in summer and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; tap water is safe in most areas.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid peak 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
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
5 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
1 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for the capital region.
Practical information for SA 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, but you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. It's not a visa, but it's mandatory. Apply online at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta. The cost is 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and approval is usually quick.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and you can enter multiple times during that period.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Israel and reapply for a new ETA. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
If your ETA application is denied, you'll receive a notification with the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue, or you may need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate. Denials are rare for Saudi citizens, but they can happen.
The ETA covers entry into Israel, including East Jerusalem. For travel to areas under Palestinian Authority control (like Ramallah or Bethlehem), you generally don't need a separate permit, but check current travel advisories as rules can change.
Yes, Israeli immigration doesn't refuse entry based on other countries' stamps. However, some Arab countries may deny entry if they see an Israeli stamp. If you're concerned, you can ask for a paper entry slip instead of a stamp.
Yes, the ETA is valid for multiple entries during its 2-year validity period (or until passport expiry). Each entry allows a stay of up to 90 days.
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.