Israel entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Israel. You must apply through an Israeli embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Chinese nationals. Start the process well ahead of your trip, as it involves an in-person or mailed application and processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel visaYou must obtain a visa before you travel; you cannot get one on arrival. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Chinese citizens require a visa to enter Israel. There is no eVisa option for Chinese passport holders. Submit a visa application at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate well in advance of travel. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe border officer will stamp your passport; a blank page is needed for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary handy — immigration may ask to see it. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket confirming you will leave Israel before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but it's safer to carry evidence of financial means. Sufficient means of support | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in Israel, such as recent bank statements or traveler's checks. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Chinese citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply online — it will not work for your nationality. Not available for Chinese citizens | Chinese passport holders are not eligible for Israel's eVisa program. You must apply through an embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for Chinese citizens
Even though some nationalities can use Israel's eVisa system, Chinese passport holders are not eligible. You must apply through an embassy or consulate before you travel. Don't fall for third-party websites offering 'eVisas' for China — they are not legitimate.
Plan ahead for security checks
Israeli visa processing can involve additional security screening. Apply at least a month in advance. Also, at Ben Gurion Airport, expect detailed questioning — this is normal and not personal.
Visa is not extendable
Your Israeli visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Overstaying is a serious offense and can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Israel. Make sure your stay fits within the visa's validity.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, insurance, and employment/study proof. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the Israeli embassy or consulate
In China, you can apply at the Embassy of Israel in Beijing or the Consulate General in Shanghai (and possibly other consulates). Check the official website for jurisdiction and appointment requirements. You may need to appear in person for biometrics or an interview.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee (around ¥160-¥200 or equivalent in local currency, but confirm with the embassy). Payment is usually by bank transfer or at the counter.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons or if additional checks are needed. Track your application status if the embassy offers it.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the visa's validity dates and entry conditions (single or multiple entry) before you travel.
6
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport
At Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, proceed to the foreign passport queue. Have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. Be prepared for security questioning — Israeli border control is thorough. Answer honestly and calmly.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B/2)
Max stayUp to 90 days
ValidityUsually 3 months from issue
Cost$60 (approx. NIS 220)
Requires invitation letter from Israeli company; single or multiple entry.
Work visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150 (approx. NIS 550)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$100 (approx. NIS 370)
Requires acceptance from recognized Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
₪ 1,000 (~$275 USD)
For foreign workers with an Israeli employer sponsor. Requires a work permit and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
₪ 500 (~$137 USD)
For students enrolled in an Israeli educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
₪ 2,000 (~$550 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of ₪ 5 million in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (single-entry, tourist)Paid at Israeli embassy/consulate; non-refundable. | $60 (approx. NIS 220) |
| Visa processing fee (express/urgent)Optional; varies by consulate. | $90 (approx. NIS 330) |
| Visa extension fee (overstay/extension)For extending stay beyond visa validity; apply at Population and Immigration Authority. | $100 (approx. NIS 370) |
| Exit fee (airport departure tax)Included in airline ticket for most flights; may be charged separately at land borders. | $50 (approx. NIS 180) |
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
Transit visa required
Chinese citizens transiting through Israel (e.g., Ben Gurion Airport) require a transit visa unless they hold a valid visa for a country that allows re-entry into Israel (e.g., US, UK, Schengen) and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, due to security checks, airside transit is generally not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or other approved visas may be eligible for a 24-hour transit visa on arrival, but this is not guaranteed and must be pre-approved.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest from June to November.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid untreated water.
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 Ha'arba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
1 Shlomo HaMelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for the capital region.
Practical information for CN 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Israel — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Chinese citizens must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Chinese nationals. You must apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate in China.
Standard processing is 5-10 working days, but it can take longer if additional security checks are needed. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is approximately ¥160-¥200 (or equivalent in local currency), but it can vary. Check the embassy's official website for the current fee. The fee is non-refundable.
Yes, in most cases you must appear in person at the Israeli embassy or consulate to submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprints). Some consulates may allow mail-in applications, but it's best to check with the specific office.
No. A US or Schengen visa does not exempt Chinese citizens from needing an Israeli visa. You still need to apply for a separate Israeli visa.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Israel before your visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Be prepared for thorough questioning about your itinerary, purpose of visit, and background. Have your hotel bookings, return ticket, and proof of funds ready. Answer honestly and calmly. Security checks can take time, so allow extra time at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.