Israel entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Latvian passport holders can visit Israel for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2026, you only need a valid passport and a return ticket. This visa-free entry is straightforward, but you must meet border requirements.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
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. Electronic Travel Authorisation | Apply for your ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before departure. The application is free and usually approved instantly — I got mine in under 2 minutes. Without an approved ETA-IL, you will be denied boarding.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Israel. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you won't board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Ben Gurion Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep your hotel confirmation or host's contact details handy. Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. I've never been asked for a specific amount, but they want to see you're not arriving broke. | Recommended |
Entry is straightforward but be prepared
Israeli border control can ask detailed questions about your trip. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready. Answer calmly and truthfully.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines often check passport validity before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you may be denied boarding even if you have a valid visa.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Download or print confirmations. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) or other border crossing
Most visitors fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Border Control'. Have your passport and return ticket ready. You'll be asked a few questions — purpose of visit, where you're staying, when you leave.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your itinerary, accommodation, and return flight. Answer honestly and briefly. They may also ask to see your return ticket or hotel booking.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. Collect your luggage and exit the arrivals hall. No visa fee is charged.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in ILS)
For those needing a visa or longer stay; apply at Israeli embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in ILS)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
ValidityBased on employment contract
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Israel. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
~$50 USD processing fee
For students enrolled in full-time programs at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
Varies (significant investment required)
For individuals investing a substantial amount in an Israeli business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines apply; maximum cap may apply. Check with immigration. | ~100 ILS (~$27 USD) per day |
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
Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions needed for Latvia passport holders for airside transit.
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 for most tourists, but present in summer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene is good; risk is low but travellers should avoid untreated water.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration or 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
2 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Immigration Office
1 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the capital region.
Practical information for LV 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Israel — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Latvian citizens can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at the Israeli Ministry of Interior before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Israeli immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
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 meet the same visa-free requirements.
Your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and proof of first night accommodation. Travel insurance is optional but smart.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. For work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Israel for a period. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.