Israel entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or business. It's a quick online application that takes minutes to a few hours to process, and it's valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)You must have an approved ETA-IL before you fly; it's not optional. Apply online before travel | Icelandic passport holders must obtain an approved ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. 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). The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Processing typically takes minutes to a few hours. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Icelandic passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for the ETA-IL. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. This is a standard requirement for border control. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials often ask for proof of onward travel. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Israel before your permitted stay ends. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds can help if asked by immigration. Sufficient for your stay | While not always requested, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Iceland passport holders entering Israel. | Not required |
ETA is not a visa
This is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa. It's quick and cheap, but you must have it before you fly. Don't confuse it with a traditional visa application process.
Passport validity is critical
Israeli border control enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away. Check your passport before booking anything.
Apply early, even if it's fast
While approvals are usually instant, technical glitches happen. Applying at least 72 hours ahead gives you a buffer. Don't wait until the night before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. Have your passport details ready. Pay the 25 ILS fee. Approval usually comes within minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Print it or save it on your phone. It's linked to your passport number, so you don't need to show it at check-in, but having it handy helps.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to passport control. Have your passport ready. The officer will scan it, check your ETA in the system, and stamp your passport. Be prepared for possible questions about your itinerary.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
Once stamped, you're in. Collect your bags and exit. No additional forms or fees at the airport.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 additional days (total 180 days per year)
ValidityIssued for the duration of the extension
CostApprox. $50 (₪180)
Must apply before the initial 90-day stay expires. Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and a valid passport.
B/1 Work Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityUsually issued for 1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored
Requires a job offer from an Israeli employer and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries; institution-sponsored
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution and proof of financial means.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (B/2 visitor visa)Apply at the Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel before your current stay expires. | Approx. $50 (₪180) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)No separate payment at the airport for most travelers. | 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
Icelandic passport holders transiting through Israel (Ben Gurion Airport) do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an ETA-IL (free) or a transit visa.
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 = 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 a quick online approval. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, but most people get approval almost instantly.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority before your authorized stay ends.
The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. The old one won't be valid with the new passport.
No, it's electronically linked to your passport. But having a copy on your phone or printed is a good backup in case the system has a glitch.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. There's no on-arrival ETA facility at Ben Gurion Airport. You must have it approved before you fly.
Yes, the ETA is valid for multiple entries during its two-year validity period. Each time you enter, you'll get a stamp, but you don't need to reapply.
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.