Israel entry requirements for Croatia 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
Croatian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or business. The process is quick and entirely online — you'll apply before you fly, and approval usually comes through in minutes to a few hours.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must obtain this online authorization before flying; it is not a visa but a mandatory entry permit. Required for Croatian citizens | Apply online via the Israeli Interior Ministry ETA system at least 72 hours before departure. Cost is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Croatian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your 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 have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure from Israel | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids issues if questioned. Sufficient for your stay | Be ready 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 before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Croatian citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
| Visa (traditional)Do not go to an embassy; the online ETA is the only entry authorization needed. Not required — ETA only | Croatian citizens do not need a traditional visa sticker or embassy appointment. The ETA replaces the visa requirement. | Not required |
Apply early — even though it's fast
The ETA usually processes in minutes, but the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before departure. If there's a system glitch or your application gets flagged for review, you'll have time to sort it out.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Israeli border control enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires before that, you'll be turned away — even if you have an approved ETA. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the ETA application online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta, fill in your passport details, personal info, and travel dates. Pay the 25 ILS fee with a credit card. You'll get a confirmation email with your ETA reference number.
2
Wait for approval (usually quick)
Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours, but the system recommends applying at least 72 hours ahead. Check your email for the approval notice — it's linked to your passport, so you don't need to print it, but having a copy on your phone helps.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
At passport control, present your Croatian passport. The officer will scan it and see your ETA approval automatically. You'll get an entry stamp (or a paper slip if you use automated gates). Keep any issued slip with you during your stay.
4
Enjoy your stay — no further registration needed
The ETA covers multiple entries for up to 2 years, so you can come and go without reapplying. Just remember your passport must remain valid for 6 months from each arrival date.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B/2 Visitor Visa (extension)
Max stayUp to 90 days per extension
ValidityMaximum total stay of 180 days per calendar year
Cost₪ 170 (approx. $50)
Apply in person at the Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel before your current entry permit expires.
B/1 Work Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityIssued for the duration of employment contract
Cost₪ 500 (approx. $150) application fee
Requires a sponsoring employer in Israel and prior approval from the Israeli Ministry of Interior.
A/2 Student Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityValid for the duration of the academic program
Cost₪ 500 (approx. $150) application fee
Requires acceptance from an accredited Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD)
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 300 (~$81 USD)
For students enrolled in an Israeli educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically ILS 1 million) in an Israeli business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (B/2 visitor visa)Apply at the Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel before your current stay expires. | ₪ 170 (approx. $50) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)No separate payment at the airport; already incorporated into the ticket price. | Included in airline ticket |
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
Croatian citizens transiting through Israeli airports do not require a visa if they remain airside and hold a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain a B/2 visitor visa or an ETA-IL (if eligible) before travel.
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 low but present in summer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
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
Population and Immigration Authority - Tel Aviv Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for visitors in Jerusalem area.
Practical information for HR 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
Yes, the ETA is required for all entries, including transit. If you're connecting through Ben Gurion Airport and leaving on the same day without passing passport control, you might not need one — but check with your airline. If you leave the airport or stay overnight, you must have an approved ETA.
It's valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries, so you don't need to reapply for each trip within that period.
Rejections are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or previous overstay in Israel. If denied, you'll need to apply for a visa at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate — this takes longer, so plan ahead. The ETA system doesn't provide an appeal process, but you can reapply with corrected information if the rejection was due to an error.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the permitted period (usually 90 days per visit, but check your approval), you must leave Israel and re-enter after a short absence, or apply for a different visa type from an embassy before your current ETA expires.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, must have an approved ETA linked to their own passport. You can apply for each child on the same application form if you're travelling as a family.
Your ETA is tied to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA — the old one won't transfer. The fee is the same (25 ILS).
No. The ETA is a travel authorization, not a visa. It's faster and cheaper, and you don't need to visit an embassy. However, it doesn't allow you to work or study in Israel — for that, you need a proper visa from an Israeli consulate.
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.