Embassy
Embassy of the United States, Jerusalem
Jerusalem
David Flusser street 14 9378322
Israel visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to Israel.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
ISR
Israel
eTA needed
Online travel approval for visitors who do not need a visa.
- Visa
- eTA
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Valid for
- 730 days
- Fee
- ₪25
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for American citizens in Israel
- Dual nationals of Israel and the United States who don't have an Israeli passport, including infants, may be required to obtain an Israeli passport in order to leave Israel.
- Entry prohibited for any person "who knowingly issues a public call for boycotting Israel".
What to do
Apply for the eTA on Israel's official government website, never a reseller.
Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
The eTA links to your passport number, so travel on the same passport.
Get your Israel visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Israel
Check whether you need ETA-IL or a visitor visa.
eTA requiredETA-IL travel approvalOnline travel approval for visitors who do not need a visa.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Valid for
- 730 days
- Fee
- ₪25
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check if you qualify on the official Israel Entry website.
- Fill in the form with your passport details.
- Pay 25 ILS.
- Wait for approval before travelling.
Documents required
- Passport
- Approval ends sooner if your passport expires; border staff decide your stay.
- Apply again after passport, name, gender, or citizenship changes.
Visa requiredB/2 visitor visaA visa for tourists and short visits when your passport needs one.
- Valid for
- 90 days
- Fee
- 2026 schedule: 32 USD or 28 EUR
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Fill in and sign the visa form.
- Check your visa office's list and gather the papers.
- Book an appointment if needed.
- Submit your form and pay the local fee.
- Wait for approval before travelling.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days after arrival
- Passport covering visa plus 90 days
- Signed visa form
- Bank statements for 90 days
- Proof of employment
- Address or accommodation in Israel
- Return ticket
- Insurance for the whole stay
- Hotel booking
- Travel insurance
- New York: processing takes up to 5 working days.
- New York: bring all previous passports.
- Bring 2 matching colour photos, 5 × 5 cm, white background.
- Minors may need parent consent and certified papers.
- You cannot work with this visa.
- Border staff decide whether you can enter and how long you can stay.
Sources (23)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Population and Immigration Authority
- Population and Immigration Authority: ETA-IL
- Foreign Ministry: tourist visa requirements by nationality and passport
- Official Israel Entry portal
- Israel Entry: indexed ETA-IL information and frequently asked questions
- Official eVisa-B2 requirements, fee and validity
- Official visa types
- Ministry of Tourism: entry approval and passport validity
- New York: ETA-IL requirement, fee and response time
- New York: visitor visa
- London: visitor visa and 2026 local requirements
- New Delhi: visitor visa
- New Delhi: eVisa system launched
- Singapore: eVisa nationality list
- Tokyo: ETA-IL exemptions, including airport transit
- Bern: business documents and work/volunteer sponsorship
- New York: student visa
- Los Angeles: A/2 validity and local requirements
- Atlanta: student and accompanying-family requirements
- London: work visa
- Population and Immigration Authority: family members of students or clergy
- Population and Immigration Authority: A/1 temporary residence
- Foreign Ministry: consular fee chart dated 1 January 2026
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from United States
- Plugs C HAdapter needed
- MoneyILS ₪
- Time+14h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageArabic
- Emergency100 police101 ambulance
Planning your Israel trip
Best time to go: April, May, October and November are popular when security conditions allow. Summers are very hot, while winter can bring heavy rain and cold weather in the mountains.
- Holy and historic sitesThe country has major pilgrimage sites linked to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith.
- MasadaThe historic landscape includes a Roman siege camp on a neighbouring mountain.
- National parks and nature reservesAbout 75 parks and reserves offer scenery and history. Many provide maps and explanations in English.
- Eilat's Red Sea coastThe reefs offer accessible snorkelling and diving. The Marine Park around Moses Rock is a highlight.
Scams to watch for in Israel
- Taxi meter refusal and inflated fixed faresThe driver leaves the meter off, claims it is broken, or pushes a fixed fare that benefits the driver. You may then face a demand for too much money at the end. Some drivers become aggressive during payment disputes.
- Taxi detours to increase the fareThe driver takes a longer route than needed while the meter runs. A working meter alone does not prevent this.
- Theft of unattended beach belongingsSomeone takes belongings left on the beach while their owner swims or moves away. The risk of beach theft is high.
About Israel
Israel is a parliamentary republic on the eastern Mediterranean, bordering Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.
- Capital
- Jerusalem
- Money
- Israeli new shekel (₪)
- Languages
- Arabic, Hebrew
- Time zone
- UTC+02:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +972
Other Americas passports
Going to Israel
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Israel with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for American citizens visiting Israel?
Do american citizens need a visa for Israel?
American citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to Israel.
How long can american citizens stay in Israel?
Up to 90 days each visit with the eta needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Where do I apply online for Israel?
Only on Israel's official government website. Avoid agents and look-alike sites that add fees. Apply before you book anything you can't cancel.
Do israeli citizens need a visa for the United States?
Israeli citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to the United States.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to Israel?
Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize Brazil, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Israel are easier for american citizens?
Armenia, Georgia, Oman, Palestine Qatar, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Israel?
Apply for the eTA on Israel's official government website, never a reseller. Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
What money is used in Israel?
Israeli new shekel (₪). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Israel?
Arabic and Hebrew.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck