Israel entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Israel for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. This applies to flights into Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and land crossings from Jordan or Egypt.
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. This is a free online form that takes about 5 minutes — most applicants get instant approval. Since August 2024, all visa-exempt nationals must have an approved ETA-IL to board their flight.Apply for ETA-IL | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Israel | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Israel. There is no 6-month validity rule for Israeli entry, but your airline may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready to show at the passport control booth. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Israel. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have access to at least 2,000 ILS (around $550 USD) for a short stay, either in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for New Zealand passport holders, but it's a legal requirement. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Israel, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline.
Request a paper entry slip to avoid stamps
At Ben Gurion Airport, you can ask the immigration officer for a small paper entry slip instead of a stamp. This is useful if you plan to visit countries that restrict entry with Israeli stamps (e.g., Iran, Lebanon, Syria).
No visa needed for 90 days
New Zealand passport holders can stay in Israel for up to 90 days without a visa. This covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits. No application or fee required.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for Israeli citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
The officer will scan your passport and may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and your return flight. Answer clearly and briefly. They may also ask about previous travel to Middle Eastern countries.
3
Receive entry stamp and proceed
If approved, you'll get an entry stamp (or a small paper slip if you request it to avoid stamps). You're then free to collect luggage and exit. The whole process usually takes 10–30 minutes.
4
Land border crossings (if applicable)
If entering via the Allenby Bridge from Jordan or the Taba border from Egypt, the process is similar but can take longer. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Expect additional security questions.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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, extendable up to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~100 ILS (~$27 USD)
Apply at Israeli embassy or consulate before travel. Extension possible at Population and Immigration Authority.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~200 ILS (~$54 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must apply in advance.
Work visa (B-1)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~500 ILS (~$135 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
Student visa (A-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost~300 ILS (~$81 USD)
Must be enrolled at an accredited Israeli institution.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
~500 ILS (~$135 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with an Israeli employer sponsor. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Interior. Allows legal employment and residency.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~300 ILS (~$81 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Israeli institutions. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,000 ILS (~$270 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~$500,000 USD in an Israeli business. Requires detailed business plan and approval from the Investment Center.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~500 ILS per day (~$135 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa (e.g., longer stay or non-visa-free entry). | ~100 ILS (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~200 ILS (~$54 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
New Zealand 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 up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa or visa-free entry is required.
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 highest from June to November in some areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
General hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid untreated water and street food in rural areas.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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
13 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem District Office
2 Shlomo Hamelech Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa-related issues in the capital.
Practical information for NZ 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
Getting to Israel
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 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. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
Israel does not automatically deny entry based on previous travel to Arab or Muslim countries. However, you may face additional questioning. If you're concerned, you can request a paper entry slip instead of a stamp at Ben Gurion Airport.
If you're transiting through Ben Gurion Airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you need the same visa-free entry (up to 90 days) as any other visitor.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business meetings only. Remote work for a foreign employer is technically not allowed, though enforcement is rare for short stays. For longer remote work, consider Israel's digital nomad visa (if available).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around 1,000 ILS per month overstay), detained, and banned from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Not usually, but immigration officers can ask. Have a credit card or bank statement ready if questioned. A few hundred dollars in cash or available credit is usually sufficient.
No. The West Bank and Gaza are separate territories with their own entry controls. You must enter Israel through an official border crossing (Ben Gurion Airport, Allenby Bridge, or Taba). Crossing into the West Bank from Israel is possible, but re-entry into Israel may require additional checks.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.