Israel entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business meetings, and short family visits. No visa application needed — just show up with your passport.
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 you fly. The form takes 2 minutes and approval is instant for most applicants. Since August 2024, this is mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals — you won't board without it.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Israel. No 6-month rule here — just cover your stay. Airlines sometimes enforce their own 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Ben Gurion Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you're flying out to a third country, that ticket works too. | 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 if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. No fixed amount is published, but around 1,500 ILS (about $400) for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Overstaying is serious
Do not overstay your 90-day visa-free period. Fines start at about 500 ILS per day overstay, and you risk a ban from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
Ben Gurion Airport security
Expect thorough security screening before you even check in. Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Security questions can be detailed — answer calmly and truthfully. This is normal for all passengers.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save digital copies of your return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Download a local eSIM or buy a SIM at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals hall.
2
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Most Malta passport holders fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' for foreign visitors. There are separate queues for Israeli citizens and foreigners — join the foreign passport queue.
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 your return date. Answer clearly and briefly. They may also ask about previous travel to Middle Eastern countries.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
If approved, you'll get a small entry stamp (or a paper slip for e-gates). Keep it safe — you'll need it when leaving. Then collect your luggage and proceed through customs (usually green channel for most tourists).
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
ValidityUp to 1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90/180 rule.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD)
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
For students enrolled in Israeli educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~2,000 ILS (~$540 USD)
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (e.g., $500,000 USD in local business). Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Economy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Malta passport holders do not need a tourist visa for short stays. | Free (not applicable for visa-free nationals) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple entry not required for visa-free travel. | Free (not applicable for visa-free nationals) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are imposed; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | ~500 ILS (~$135 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
Malta 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low for tourists, but use repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food safety is good; risk is low for most travellers.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration; 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
15 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem District Immigration Office
2 Shlomo HaMelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
For visa-related issues; appointments recommended.
Practical information for MT 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
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. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines starting at 500 ILS per day, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa at the Israeli Ministry of Interior before your 90 days expire.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a connecting flight from a different terminal or to stay overnight), you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Ben Gurion Airport. Renew your passport before traveling. Some airlines are stricter than others — don't risk it.
Yes, but expect extra questioning at immigration. Israeli border control may ask about your travel history. Be honest. If you have an Iranian visa, for example, explain the purpose (tourism, work, etc.). In rare cases, you may be denied entry if they suspect security risks.
Not officially required for Malta passport holders. However, if you look like you might work illegally or overstay, the officer may ask. Having a credit card and some cash (or a bank statement) is a good backup.
No. There is no separate arrival declaration for Malta passport holders. You just go through passport control and answer any questions the officer asks.
Report it immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Maltese Embassy in Tel Aviv (located at 68 Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel Aviv). They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll need a passport photo and the police report. Processing usually takes 1-2 working days.
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.