Israel entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Israel. As of 2026, there is no visa-free access or visa-on-arrival option. You must apply and receive approval online through Israel's official entry portal before your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required Apply for an Israeli visa | Saudi Arabian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Israel. Submit your application through the Israel Population and Immigration Authority or the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your planned departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you intend to stay in Israel. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule — 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 will leave Israel within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready when you arrive at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Israel. Officers may ask for this during entry questioning, especially for first-time visitors. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements, credit cards, or cash available to demonstrate you can cover your expenses in Israel. There is no fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask for evidence if your stay is long or your itinerary is unclear. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 3 weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until you receive your visa approval.
Keep digital copies
Save your visa approval, passport, and travel documents as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your passport, this speeds up replacement at your embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the official Israel entry portal (israel-entry.piba.gov.il) and complete the visa application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Submit and wait for approval — processing can take 1-3 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents
Once approved, print or save a copy of your visa approval. Also have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at the airport
At Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), proceed to the immigration queue for non-Israeli passport holders. Present your passport and visa approval. You may be asked about your itinerary, purpose of visit, and proof of funds. Answer clearly and honestly.
4
Clear immigration and collect luggage
After the officer stamps your passport (or issues a separate entry card), you'll proceed to baggage claim. Then exit through customs. The whole process usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on queues.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost₪100 (~$27 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost₪200 (~$54 USD)
Allows multiple entries for tourism.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost₪500 (~$135 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost₪300 (~$81 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | ₪100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | ₪200 (~$54 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ₪500 (~$135 USD) per day, max ₪10,000 (~$2,700 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Israel do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, due to political sensitivities, direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Israel are limited, and transit may require a visa if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 = 2.83 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. Saudi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel. The application is at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.
Processing typically takes 1-3 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The visa application fee is approximately 100-150 ILS (about $30-40 USD). Exact fees are listed on the application portal. Payment is online by credit card.
Israel does not automatically deny entry based on stamps from other countries. However, if you have stamps from countries that do not recognize Israel (e.g., Iran, Syria, Lebanon), you may face additional questioning. It's best to have a clear travel purpose and documentation.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiry date on your visa. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
If you are transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area or stay overnight, you need a visa. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital visa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card). Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.