Israel entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel, not a traditional visa. The application is quick, cheap, and done entirely online — you'll get approval in minutes to a few hours, so you can plan your trip with minimal fuss.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA (eVisa)You need this online authorization before you fly; it's not a visa but a mandatory entry permit. Apply online before travel | Latvian citizens must obtain an approved ETA (electronic travel authorization) before boarding. Apply at the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta). Fee is 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip—Israel enforces a 6-month validity rule. At least 6 months beyond stay | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. Ensure it meets this before applying for the ETA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. This is the minimum required by Israeli border control. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Israel after your visit. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket. Israeli authorities may ask to see it at entry. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof helps if questioned. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statement, credit card). Amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Latvian citizens entering Israel. The ETA serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
ETA is mandatory — no exceptions
Even though it's quick and easy, you cannot skip the ETA. Airlines will check it before you board, and without it you'll be turned away at the gate. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Israeli immigration will refuse entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. Double-check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before applying for the ETA.
ETA is valid for 2 years — use it for multiple trips
Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter Israel multiple times during that period, each stay up to 90 days. No need to reapply for every trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://interior.gov.il/en/eta and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details and a valid email address. Pay the 25 ILS fee (about $7 USD) with a credit or debit card. Approval typically comes in minutes to a few hours, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.
2
Receive your ETA approval
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Save it on your phone or print a copy — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at border control. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
When you land, follow signs to passport control. Latvian passports are processed quickly. Have your passport and ETA approval ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and accommodation — answer honestly and confidently.
4
Get your entry stamp
You'll receive an entry stamp in your passport (or a paper slip if you use automated gates). Keep any paper slip with you — you'll need it when you leave. The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days, but it's not extendable.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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
ValidityTypically 1 year
Cost₪ 170 (approx. $50)
Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost₪ 1,000 (approx. $300)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Israeli authorities.
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 |
|---|---|
| Airport departure taxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
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
Latvian citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if staying airside and not entering Israel.
Airside transitAllowed
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
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick online pre-clearance. It costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The ETA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years (or until passport expiry), but each stay is limited to 90 days. It's not extendable — if you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or contact the Population and Immigration Authority.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The official recommendation is to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for any delays. If you apply too close to departure and don't get approval in time, you won't be allowed to board.
If your ETA is denied, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply if the issue is fixable (like a typo), or you may need to contact the Israeli consulate for a visa. Denials are rare for Latvian citizens, but don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
No. Israeli border control requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. If it's shorter, you'll be refused entry. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
Not strictly, but it's a good idea. You'll need to show it at airline check-in and possibly at border control. Having a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone works. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing a boarding pass.
Yes, Israel introduced the ETA system for visa-exempt nationalities like Latvia. It's a mandatory pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA or Canada eTA. You must have it before you fly — there's no way to get it on arrival.
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.