Israel entry requirements for Cyprus 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
Cyprus passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. The application is quick, done entirely online, and costs just 25 ILS (~$7 USD). You'll need to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)This is an electronic pre-travel authorization, not a visa. You must obtain it before flying. Required before travel | Apply online via the Israeli Interior Ministry ETA system at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta. Cost is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids delays at the border. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, bank statements) to cover your expenses during your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Cyprus citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa — don't confuse them
The ETA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. You don't need to visit an embassy or provide biometrics. It's a simple online form that takes about 10 minutes. But it's still mandatory — you can't board a flight to Israel without it.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While approvals often come in minutes, the system can occasionally take longer, especially during peak travel seasons or if there's a name-match issue. Applying 72 hours ahead gives you a buffer. Don't wait until the night before your flight.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before you apply for the ETA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta, fill in your passport details, personal info, and travel dates. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit card. Approval usually comes in minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure 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 border control. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask where you're staying and what you're doing — answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip if you prefer not to have a stamp).
4
Enter Israel and enjoy your trip
Once through, you're free to travel. Your ETA is valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years, so you can come and go without reapplying. Just remember to keep your passport valid.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (B-2)
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year, multiple entry
Cost$60
Requires invitation letter from Israeli company and proof of business purpose.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$100
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (if not eligible for ETA or for longer stays)For stays exceeding 90 days or if ETA not applicable. | $60 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Population and Immigration Authority in Israel before current visa expires. | $100 |
| Exit feeApplicable when departing by land border (e.g., to Jordan or Egypt). | $30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient passport validity30%
Criminal record or security concerns25%
Previous overstay or visa violation20%
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
Cypriot citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or ETA is required.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; risk is seasonal (summer/fall).
Ticks (Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis)Low risk
Risk in rural and forested areas.
Cutaneous leishmaniasisLow risk
Transmitted by sandflies in some rural areas.
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 District Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority – Jerusalem District Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Practical information for CY 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, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online pre-clearance. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or business. It's multiple-entry, so you can leave and re-enter within the 2-year validity period.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, but in practice most approvals come through within a day. If you apply too close to departure and it's delayed, you could miss your flight.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your stay expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
If your ETA is denied, you'll receive a notification with a reason. You can apply again, but if the issue is security-related, it's unlikely to be overturned. In that case, you'd need to contact the Israeli embassy or consulate for further guidance.
It's not mandatory, but it's smart to have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. The airline at check-in may ask to see it, and border control might want to verify it. Better safe than sorry.
Yes, the ETA is valid for entry via any official border crossing, including the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and Taba from Egypt. However, always check the specific crossing's operating hours and requirements before you go.
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.