Israel entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders can enter Israel without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. As of 2026, you just need to meet standard entry rules like passport validity and proof of onward travel.
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 ETA-IL at israel-entry.piba.gov.il before your flight. It's free and most applicants get approved instantly. You need this even for a short layover or transit through Ben Gurion Airport.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. Airlines at check-in may ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Israel | Immigration officers at Ben Gurion routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. Overland exits via Jordan or Egypt also count. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your expenses. Immigration rarely asks for proof, but having a bank statement or card handy avoids delays. | Recommended |
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period can result in fines up to 10,000 ILS, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
Entry may be denied for certain backgrounds
Israeli immigration may deny entry to individuals with certain criminal records, ties to organizations deemed hostile, or previous deportation orders. If you have any concerns, contact the Israeli embassy before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you queue, have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and first night accommodation confirmation ready. If you have a printed boarding pass, keep it separate.
2
Join the foreign passport queue
At Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), follow signs for 'Foreign Passports' — not the Israeli citizen lanes. Queues can be long, especially during peak hours (morning arrivals).
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and your occupation. Answer briefly and honestly. They may also ask about previous travel to Middle Eastern countries.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
If approved, you'll get an entry stamp valid for 90 days. Keep the stamped page accessible — you'll need it when leaving. Collect your luggage and exit through customs (usually green channel for most tourists).
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostILS 100 (~$27 USD)
Requires application at Israeli embassy/consulate; proof of accommodation and funds needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostILS 200 (~$54 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (B/1 work visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostILS 500 (~$135 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit; for employment purposes.
work visa
B/1 Work Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 500 (~$135 USD)
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires a work permit and contract. Allows legal employment in Israel.
student visa
A/2 Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
ILS 200 (~$54 USD)
For full-time students at recognized Israeli institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B/5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ILS 1,000 (~$270 USD)
For investors with significant business investment in Israel. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for overstaying visa-free period; maximum cap may apply. | ILS 500 (~$135 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays beyond 90 days, if eligible. | ILS 100 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries over a longer period. | ILS 200 (~$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
Portugal passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Israeli airports, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the country.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBen Gurion Airport (TLV) · Ramon Airport (ETM)
Health & vaccines for Israel
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is low but present in summer months.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should avoid untreated water in rural areas.
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 Office
15 Kaplan Street, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits; bring passport and relevant forms.
Jerusalem
Population and Immigration Authority - Jerusalem Office
2 Rehov HaNevi'im, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues; expect longer wait times.
Practical information for PT 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. You must leave before 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines up to 10,000 ILS, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Israel for up to 10 years.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Israeli immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the transit area or stay overnight, you'll need to meet the same visa-free requirements.
Officially, the tourist visa does not permit any work, including remote work for a foreign employer. In practice, short-term remote work is often tolerated, but it's a grey area. For long-term or paid work, you need a proper work visa.
Answer honestly. Israeli immigration may ask about previous travel to countries like Lebanon, Syria, Iran, or Iraq. Having stamps from these countries can lead to additional questioning but is not an automatic denial.
No, but access is controlled by Israeli and Palestinian authorities. As a tourist, you can visit most areas of the West Bank (e.g., Bethlehem, Ramallah) without additional permits, but Gaza requires special permission. Check current travel advisories before crossing.
You cannot renew a Portuguese passport in Israel — you must contact the Portuguese embassy in Tel Aviv. They can issue an emergency travel document, but a full renewal requires applying in Portugal or at a Portuguese consulate abroad.
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.