Israel entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
UK passport holders can visit Israel for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026 and covers short-term visits. Most travellers don't need any prior approval.
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 you fly. The application is free and takes about 2 minutes — most approvals come back instantly. You need this even for a short stopover or connecting flight through Ben Gurion Airport.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Israel — no 6-month rule here. Airlines at check-in may ask to see it, so carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within your 90-day visa-free period. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may also check that your onward flight doesn't overstay the visa-free limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Israel. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it speeds up the entry process if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, cards, or bank statement | Have access to at least $300–$500 for your stay — a credit card or recent bank statement works. Officers don't usually check this for UK passport holders, but it's smart to have it handy. | Recommended |
Passport stamping alternative
Israel does not stamp most passports at entry. You'll receive a small card instead. This helps avoid travel issues with countries that have restrictions on Israeli stamps. Keep the card with your passport until you leave.
Border security questioning
Ben Gurion Airport security is thorough. You may be questioned about your travel history, luggage, and even social media activity. Answer honestly and calmly. Allow extra time for these checks.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights land at Tel Aviv’s main airport. Follow signs to passport control. Expect to queue; wait times range from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on flight arrivals.
2
Hand over your passport and answer questions
The officer will ask about your purpose of visit, hotel bookings, and onward plans. Be direct and concise. Answer in English; most officers speak it well. You may receive a small blue entry card instead of a passport stamp — keep it safe.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually straightforward for tourists. Follow the exit signs into the arrivals hall.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostILS 100 (approx. USD 27)
For those who need a visa in advance; not required for UK passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostILS 200 (approx. USD 54)
For frequent travellers; not required for UK passport holders.
Long-stay visa (B/1 work visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostILS 500 (approx. USD 135)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Student visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies, extendable
Validity1 year, renewable
CostILS 300 (approx. USD 81)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Israeli employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal work and residence.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~300 ILS (~$81 USD)
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
B-5 Temporary Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD) + proof of pension/assets
For retirees over 60 with sufficient income (approx. $2,000/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay but not work. Must show ties to Israel (e.g., family, property).
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-1/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~2,000 ILS (~$540 USD) + investment minimum
For investors who invest at least 1 million ILS (~$270,000 USD) in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Economy. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day period. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are high; avoid overstaying. | ILS 1,000 per day (approx. USD 270) |
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
UK 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 up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or visa-free entry is required.
- Passengers with Israeli stamps or certain nationalities may face additional scrutiny.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in central and northern regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should practice good hygiene and avoid untreated water in remote areas.
Cutaneous leishmaniasisLow risk
Transmitted by sandflies in rural areas; use insect repellent and avoid outdoor activities at dusk.
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 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
For visa-related inquiries; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residency issues.
Practical information for GB 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. Israeli visa‑free entry is not extendable for most nationalities. You must leave before the 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Usually not. Israel now issues a small entry card that you keep with your passport. If you plan to travel to Arab countries that deny entry to Israeli‑stamped passports, this is a major benefit. The card is proof of legal entry — don't lose it.
Yes, but checkpoints exist. Israeli border control does not restrict you from visiting areas under Palestinian Authority control. However, travelling to Gaza or certain restricted zones is not permitted without special coordination. Carry your passport and entry card at all times.
If you remain airside and don't pass immigration, you do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area (e.g., to stay a night), you must enter visa‑free for up to 90 days.
Refusal is rare for British tourists with valid passports and clear travel plans. If denied, you'll be held in a detention area and deported on the next flight. You can request to contact your embassy.
No. British passport holders do not need any online pre‑approval or e‑visa for tourist or business visits up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport.
No. The visa‑free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short‑term visits only. Paid work or enrolling in study requires a proper visa obtained in advance from an Israeli embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.