Israel entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek passport holders can visit Israel for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free policy is valid through 2026, so no advance application is needed. Just ensure your passport meets the requirements and have the standard documents ready for border control.
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. Israel Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before you fly. This is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals since August 2024. The application is free and usually approved instantly — you get a confirmation email within minutes.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Greek passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Israel — no 6-month rule. Airlines sometimes enforce 6 months, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket out of Israel also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,500 ILS (~€400) for a short stay. Officers rarely check, but it's a legal requirement if asked. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel. Airlines may also refuse boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport often ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have a digital copy on your phone or a printed copy ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) or other border
Most travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. You'll join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (digital or printed), and accommodation details ready. The officer will ask a few questions — typical ones are 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?' Answer clearly and briefly.
2
Present your documents and receive entry stamp
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. If you're carrying large amounts of cash or restricted items, use the red channel.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostILS 100 (~$27 USD)
For those who want a visa instead of visa-free entry; no extension possible.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
Allows multiple entries; no extension possible.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
CostILS 500 (~$135 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, extendable
Validity1 year
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
For full-time students at recognized institutions; proof of enrollment needed.
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 |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for overstaying beyond 90 days; no official cap but can escalate. | ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those needing a visa; not required for visa-free entry. | ILS 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; not required for visa-free entry. | ILS 200 (~$54 USD) |
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
Greece passport holders can transit through Israel without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with onward ticket.
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 = 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Israel and re-enter after a period outside the country. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at the border.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the same visa-free requirements (passport validity, return ticket, etc.).
No. The visa-free stay is for tourism and business activities like meetings or conferences. Paid work requires a proper work visa. If you're caught working without one, you risk deportation and a ban.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, and banned from re-entering Israel for a period. Always leave before your allowed stay expires.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Greek passport holders. Just present your passport and answer the officer's questions.
No, there is no e-visa system for Greek citizens. The visa-free entry covers your needs. If you need a longer stay or a different purpose, you'd need to apply for a visa at an Israeli embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.