Israel customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

For non-resident adults (18+) entering Israel in 2026, duty-free allowances include personal goods up to USD 800 (approx. ILS 2,800), 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. Cash or equivalent over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, weapons without permits, counterfeit goods, and certain dual-use items are prohibited. Returning Israeli residents have a reduced goods allowance of USD 200.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount of cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared on the customs arrival form. This includes Israeli shekels and foreign currencies.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approx. ILS 2,800) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty and VAT at 17%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a special permit for medical use)
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and stun guns without a permit)
  • Counterfeit currency, coins, or goods infringing intellectual property rights
  • Pornographic material (including digital media) deemed obscene under Israeli law
  • Certain dual-use items (e.g., advanced electronics, encryption software, or military-grade equipment) without an import license
  • Live animals, plants, or plant products without prior phytosanitary certification from the Israeli Plant Protection and Inspection Services

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, psychotropics) require a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Ministry of Health
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel
  • Satellite phones and certain radio transmitters need approval from the Ministry of Communications
  • Cultural artifacts, antiques, and archaeological items require an export permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority (even for personal use)
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other agricultural products are subject to strict quarantine inspection and may require an import permit

Rules worth knowing

Duty-Free Allowance for Returning Residents

Israeli residents returning from abroad have a reduced duty-free allowance of USD 200 (approx. ILS 700) for personal goods, plus the same alcohol and tobacco limits as non-residents. Items over USD 200 are subject to full duty and VAT.

VAT Refund for Tourists

Non-residents can claim a refund of 17% VAT on purchases over ILS 400 (approx. USD 115) from participating stores. The refund is processed at Ben Gurion Airport or other departure points, but the goods must be unused and presented with the original receipt.

Cash Declaration at Border

All travellers entering or leaving Israel must declare cash or equivalent monetary instruments (including checks, bonds, and gold) valued at USD 10,000 or more. Failure to declare can result in seizure of the funds and a fine of up to 30% of the undeclared amount.

Dual-Use Goods and Technology

Israel strictly controls the import of dual-use items (e.g., advanced optics, encryption software, certain chemicals). Travellers bringing such items for personal use should carry documentation proving legitimate use, or risk confiscation and legal penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Non-resident adults (18+) can bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer, plus 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. These are duty-free as long as total personal goods stay under USD 800.
Yes, if you are carrying cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency, including ILS), you must declare it on the customs form. This applies to both entering and leaving Israel.
Drones require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) before entry. Without a permit, the drone may be confiscated at customs. You must also comply with local drone registration and flight restrictions.
If the total value of your personal goods exceeds USD 800 (approx. ILS 2,800), you must pay customs duty and 17% VAT on the excess amount. You can choose to pay at the red channel or have the goods assessed by a customs officer.
Medications for personal use in original packaging with a doctor's prescription are generally allowed. However, medications containing controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD drugs) require a permit from the Ministry of Health. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining the need.
Most packaged, commercially sealed food items for personal consumption are allowed, but fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are subject to strict quarantine. You must declare them and they may be inspected or confiscated. It's safer to avoid bringing fresh agricultural products.

Official source

Israel Customs Authority (Tax Authority)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Israel Customs Authority (Tax Authority) before travelling.