Israel entry requirements for Greece 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
Greek passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. The application is quick, done entirely online, and typically approved within minutes to a few hours. You'll need to apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)You need this online pre-authorization to board your flight and enter Israel. Apply online before travel | Greek citizens must obtain an ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before flying to Israel. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (https://interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and processing takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Greek passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Israel. Check your passport's expiry date well before booking. | 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. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans to ensure you won't overstay. 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 ends. Keep a printed or digital copy handy. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids delays if questioned. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your visit. There is no fixed minimum, but you should have access to at least ~$100 USD per day. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Greek citizens entering Israel. Your ETA-IL and passport are sufficient. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa — don't overthink it
This is an online authorization, not a visa. No embassy visits, no paperwork. Just fill out the form, pay the small fee, and you're set. It's valid for 2 years, so if you plan to visit Israel again, you won't need to reapply.
Apply early, even though it's fast
While approvals are usually instant, the system can occasionally take a few hours. Don't wait until the night before your flight. Apply at least 72 hours ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Israeli immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book anything. You'll be denied boarding otherwise.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official Israeli government ETA portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. The fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Approval is usually instant or within a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your ETA confirmation. Save it on your phone and print a copy as backup. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
On arrival, head to passport control. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready. The officer will scan your passport, ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying), and stamp your passport. The process is usually quick, but queues can be long during peak times.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After the stamp, collect your bags and walk through customs. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare. If you have anything to declare, use the red channel.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece 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
Cost$60
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations; requires invitation letter from Israeli company.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150
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
For full-time study at recognized Israeli institution; requires acceptance letter.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) initial fee
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
ILS 200 (~$54 USD) initial fee
For full-time students at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment, financial means, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) initial fee
For investors who invest at least ILS 5 million in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (if not eligible for ETA or for longer stay)Single entry, up to 90 days; apply at Israeli embassy or consulate. | $60 |
| Extension of stay (tourist visa)Possible for up to 90 additional days; apply at Population and Immigration Authority office. | $100 |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Imposed for overstay; payable at border or airport. | $200 |
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
Greek citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through border control.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight in a hotel, you must obtain an ETA or visa.
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is low for most travellers.
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
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
5 HaArba'a Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem District Immigration Office
2 Kaplan Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for the capital region; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for GR 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 an online pre-clearance. It's quick, cheap, and valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA costs 25 ILS (about $7 USD). Processing is usually minutes to a few hours, but the official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight. The ETA is valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but that's not a reliable strategy. Plan your trip within the allowed period.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Airlines check ETA status at check-in. If you somehow arrive without one, you'll be sent back on the next available flight. Don't risk it — apply online before you go.
No, it's an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's simpler, cheaper, and faster. You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. Just apply online.
The ETA is automatically linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA with the new passport details. The old ETA becomes invalid.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own ETA. Each application is separate and requires the child's passport details.
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.