Israel entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel for tourism or transit. It's a quick online application that costs about 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is usually approved within minutes to a few hours, though you should apply at least 72 hours before departure. The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for Israel eVisaOfficial portal: Israel Visa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Israel ETA-IL (eVisa)Russian citizens must obtain an approved ETA-IL before traveling to Israel; it is not a visa but a mandatory electronic travel authorization. Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply online via the official Israeli government portal (interior.gov.il/en/eta) at least 72 hours before departure. Fee: 25 ILS (~$7 USD). Processing takes minutes to a few hours. The ETA-IL is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date, or you may be denied boarding. Minimum 6 months beyond arrival | Your Russian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Israel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for Israeli border control to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIsraeli immigration may ask to see proof that you intend to leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Israel before your ETA-IL or passport validity expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof of funds can help avoid issues at border control. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Israel. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Russian citizens entering Israel. | Not required |
Apply early — don't rely on instant approval
Even though the ETA is usually approved in minutes, the official guidance says to apply at least 72 hours before departure. If there's a system glitch or your application needs manual review, you don't want to be stuck at the airport.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Israel. Check the expiry date now — if it's close, renew before applying for the ETA. The ETA is linked to your passport number, so renewing after approval means you'll need to reapply.
ETA is not extendable
The ETA cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must leave Israel and re-enter, or apply for a different type of visa through an Israeli embassy or consulate before your 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. Pay the 25 ILS fee online. Approval is usually instant, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight to be safe.
2
Check your approval email
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. It's linked to your passport number, so you don't need to print it, but having a copy on your phone is smart. Double-check the passport number matches exactly.
3
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Israeli border control may ask questions about your trip — be honest and concise. They may issue a separate entry card instead of stamping your passport.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once cleared, collect your bags and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare. If asked, show your ETA approval and onward ticket.
Download Israel Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa (B/1)
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year, multiple entry
Cost$100
Requires invitation from Israeli company and approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Work Visa (B/1)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit from the Israeli government.
Student Visa (A/2)
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$120
Requires acceptance from an Israeli educational institution and proof of funds.
work visa
B-1 Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~500 ILS (~135 USD) per year
For foreign workers with employer sponsorship. Requires a valid job offer and approval from the Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
A-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~300 ILS (~81 USD) per year
For full-time students at accredited Israeli institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
investor visa
Investor Visa (B-5)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~1,500 ILS (~405 USD) per year
For investors with significant capital (minimum 1 million ILS) in Israeli businesses. Requires business plan and approval from the Investment Center.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (A-5)
1 year, renewable annually
~500 ILS (~135 USD) per year
For retirees over 60 with sufficient passive income (minimum 10,000 ILS/month). Requires health insurance and proof of funds. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (B/2) – if not eligible for ETA or for longer staysSingle-entry, issued at Israeli consulate; processing fee may vary. | $60 |
| Visa extension (for tourist visa)Apply at Population and Immigration Authority office in Israel; extension up to 90 days. | $100 |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Included in airline ticket for flights from Ben Gurion Airport; may be charged separately for land crossings. | $50 |
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
Russian citizens transiting through Israeli airports (Ben Gurion, Ramon) do not need a visa if staying airside and not entering Israel. However, an ETA is required if you plan to leave the airport or if you are transiting through a land border.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a layover longer than 24 hours, you must obtain an ETA or a transit visa.
- If you need to change airports (e.g., from Ben Gurion to Sde Dov – note Sde Dov is closed), you must enter Israel and require an ETA.
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 central and coastal areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is safe, but travelers should avoid unpasteurized dairy and undercooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High summer temperatures can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid peak 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
Tel Aviv District Immigration Office
125 Begin Road, Tel Aviv
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem District Immigration Office
2 Kaplan Street, Jerusalem
Sun–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for the capital region. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for RU 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, but you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you travel. It's not a visa — it's a quick online pre-travel clearance. Apply at https://interior.gov.il/en/eta. The ETA costs 25 ILS (~$7 USD) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
The ETA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism or transit. It's valid for multiple entries over 2 years, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days. The ETA is not extendable — if you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa.
Usually minutes to a few hours. The Israeli government recommends applying at least 72 hours before your flight. In rare cases, it can take longer, so don't leave it to the last minute.
If your ETA application 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 Population and Immigration Authority. There's no appeal process, but you can try applying again with corrected information.
No, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport. However, having a digital copy on your phone is helpful in case the airline asks to see it at check-in. Some airlines may require proof of ETA before boarding.
No. Israeli immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
Yes, Israel introduced the ETA system for visa-exempt nationalities, including Russia. It replaced the previous paper-free entry system. You must have the ETA approved before you fly — you can't just show up at the border without it.
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.