Israel entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Entry is straightforward, but you must meet a few key requirements at the border. This page covers everything you need for a smooth arrival in 2026.
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 your ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before departure. The form is free and takes about 5 minutes — most applicants get instant approval. Your ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Israel. Airlines at check-in may ask for at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date — 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 at Ben Gurion Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they want to see you leave within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host handy. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum amount, but having access to around 2,500 ILS (roughly $700 USD) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Strict 90-day limit — no extensions
The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable for any reason. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a multi-year ban. Mark your departure date on your calendar.
Ben Gurion security questions
Israeli security is thorough. You may be asked about your itinerary, hotel bookings, and previous travel to Arab countries. Answer honestly and calmly. Having printed confirmations helps speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before flying
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first-night accommodation ready. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups if possible.
2
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most Swedish travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all foreign nationals.
3
Present passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer will likely ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and your return flight. Answer clearly and briefly. They may also ask about previous travel to Middle Eastern countries.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
If everything is fine, you'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~100 ILS (~$28 USD)
For those who need a visa; not required for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~200 ILS (~$56 USD)
For multiple entries; not required for visa-free entry.
Long-stay visa (B/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~500 ILS (~$140 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$140 USD) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~200 ILS (~$56 USD)
For full-time students enrolled in an accredited Israeli institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
B/2 Temporary Resident Visa (for retirees)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$140 USD)
For retirees with sufficient income and health insurance. Must show proof of pension or savings and not work in Israel.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/2)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$280 USD) + investment
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (e.g., in business or real estate). Requires detailed business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply; maximum cap may apply. Check with immigration. | ~100 ILS (~$28 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those needing a visa; not required for visa-free entry. | ~100 ILS (~$28 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; not required for visa-free entry. | ~200 ILS (~$56 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
Swedish 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
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low for most travellers but higher in rural areas during summer.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is low but travellers should avoid unpasteurized dairy.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; 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
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues; appointments recommended.
Practical information for SE 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 = 2.9 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 for Swedish passport holders. If you overstay, you risk fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering. Plan your departure within 90 days.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Ben Gurion Airport. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. If you're transiting through Ben Gurion Airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the same visa-free entry as for a regular visit.
Officially, no. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area — many travellers do it, but technically it's not permitted. If asked, say you're on holiday.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around 1,000 ILS per month overstay), detained, and banned from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Don't risk it.
No. There is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Swedish passport holders. The entry stamp is sufficient.
Denial is rare for Swedish passport holders with proper documents. If it happens, you'll be held in a transit area and put on the next flight back. Common reasons: insufficient funds, no return ticket, or suspicious answers. Stay calm and honest.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.