Israel entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can travel to Israel with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. You'll need to apply online before you fly — it's quick, cheap, and valid for two years or until your passport expires. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)This is a mandatory pre-travel authorization for Swedish passport holders; you cannot board without it. Required for visa-exempt nationals | Swedish citizens must obtain an ETA before travel. Apply online at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Processing typically takes minutes to a few hours. | Required |
| Passport validityIsraeli immigration enforces a 6-month validity rule; renew your passport if it's close to expiring. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Swedish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Israel. Ensure your passport does not expire within this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp; if you have none, you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. This is the minimum required by Israeli border control. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans; have your booking ready. Proof of departure from Israel | You must be able to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your permitted stay expires. This is standard for all visitors. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof of funds helps avoid issues at border control. Sufficient means for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your visit. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou can skip any arrival declaration steps; none are needed for your nationality. Not required for Swedish citizens | No arrival declaration is required for Swedish passport holders entering Israel. You do not need to fill out any additional forms beyond the standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
This is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. Apply online, pay the small fee, and you're set.
Passport validity is critical
Israeli immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
Keep your ETA approval accessible
You'll need to show your ETA approval at airline check-in and possibly at passport control. Save it on your phone and also print a copy — just in case.
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 valid email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most Swedish travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and ETA approval ready. The officer may ask about your accommodation and travel plans — answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
The border officer will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. Your ETA allows stays of up to 90 days. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
5
Exit Israel
When you leave, go through departure passport control at the airport. Your ETA is valid for multiple entries, so you can come back within its validity period without reapplying.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B/2 Visitor Visa (for longer stays)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
ValidityUsually 5 years, multiple entry
CostApprox. $50 (₪180)
For Swedish citizens who need to stay longer than the visa-free period or have a criminal record; apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to employment contract
CostApprox. $100 (₪360)
Requires a sponsor in Israel; apply through the Ministry of Interior.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityTied to academic program
CostApprox. $50 (₪180)
For enrollment in an Israeli educational institution; apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (for stays beyond 90 days)Apply at the Population and Immigration Authority in Israel; subject to approval. | Approx. $50 (₪180) |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Penalties apply for overstaying; pay at the airport or border crossing. | Varies |
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 citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and depart 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, 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 = 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, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online application. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. It's valid for multiple entries during its two-year validity period, so you can leave and re-enter without reapplying.
The official recommendation is at least 72 hours before your flight. Processing usually takes minutes to a few hours, but applying early avoids any last-minute issues.
Denials are rare for Swedish citizens, but if it happens, you'll need to contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority. You can also apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate as a backup.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave Israel and re-enter, but that's not guaranteed to reset the clock. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation, so plan accordingly.
The ETA covers entry to Israel. For areas under Palestinian Authority control (like Bethlehem or Ramallah), the same entry rules generally apply, but check current travel advisories. Some areas may have restrictions, so it's best to stay informed.
If you're just transiting and not leaving the international zone, you may not need an ETA. But if you plan to leave the airport, you must have one. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
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.