Israel entry requirements for Iceland 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

Icelandic passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is unchanged in 2026. Just bring your passport and a return ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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. It's free and usually approved instantly. Since August 2024, all visa-exempt nationals must have an approved ETA-IL to board.Apply for ETA-ILRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Israel. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Israeli law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Israel
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Overland exit via Jordan or Egypt also counts.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient money for your stay
Have access to enough cash or credit to cover your trip. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself, especially if you're staying longer than a few weeks.Recommended
Entry stamp or separate card
At passport control, you can ask for a separate entry card instead of a stamp in your passport. This is useful if you plan to visit countries that restrict entry with Israeli stamps. The card is valid for the same 90 days.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and print or save your return ticket and first night's accommodation confirmation. Get travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM.
2
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most flights land at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — there are separate queues for Israeli citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long, and when you're leaving. Answer honestly and briefly. They may also ask for your return ticket.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
If everything is fine, you'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. Collect your luggage and exit through customs. No visa fee or additional forms needed.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

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
Validity3 months from issue
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)

For those needing a visa or longer stay; apply at Israeli embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostILS 400 (~$108 USD)

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

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
Validity1 year, renewable
CostILS 300 (~$81 USD)

For enrolled students at recognized institutions.

work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD) initial fee
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Renewable annually.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
ILS 300 (~$81 USD) initial fee
For international students enrolled in Israeli educational institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD) initial fee
For investors making significant business investments in Israel. Requires minimum investment of ILS 2.5 million and job creation.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayFine applies for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply.ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day
Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay.ILS 10,000 (~$2,700 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

Iceland 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
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)

Health & vaccines for Israel

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is low for most travellers, but use repellent in rural areas.

Food and water safetyLow risk

Tap water is safe in most areas, but travellers with sensitive stomachs should drink bottled water.

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
5 HaShalom Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and relevant forms.

Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem District Office
22 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00

Handles visa issues for visitors in Jerusalem area.

Practical information for IS 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
updated May 19
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
Police100
Medical101
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Israel

5,234 kmgreat circle distance
~8hfrom Iceland
Find flights

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. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to enter visa-free (up to 90 days).
Renew your passport before traveling. Israeli immigration strictly requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. A passport with less than 6 months may be denied entry.
Yes, Icelanders can enter regardless of previous stamps, including from Arab countries. However, if you have an Israeli stamp, some countries (e.g., Iran, Lebanon) may deny entry. You can ask for a separate entry card instead of a stamp.
No, it's completely free. No application, no fee, no form to fill out in advance.
Overstaying is a violation. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Israel for a period. Always leave on time.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Icelandic passport holders. But if asked, having a credit card or some cash (Israeli Shekels) is helpful.

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.