Israel is a global tech hub with excellent infrastructure, high-speed internet, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Since January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA-IL before travel. The country offers 90-day stays for tourists with possible extensions. Tel Aviv is particularly popular among digital nomads for its coworking scene, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
7
Visa Types
99
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
ETA-IL Tourist Entry
Electronic Travel Authorization required since January 2025 for citizens of 99 visa-exempt countries. Valid for multiple entries over 2 years with stays up to 90 days per visit.
90 days
Duration
ILS 25
— fee
+ILS 500 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Multiple entries within 2-year validity
✓Up to 90 days per visit
✓Fast online application process
✓No embassy visit required
✓Valid for tourism, business meetings, and short studies
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport (6 months validity for visa holders, 3 months for ETA-IL)
•Completed ETA-IL application online
•Proof of accommodation
•Return or onward flight ticket
•Proof of sufficient funds
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Usually approved within 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before booking travel.
1Check eligibility at israel-entry.piba.gov.il
2Complete online ETA-IL application form
3Pay the 25 ILS fee online
4Receive approval via email (usually within 72 hours)
Process: Apply in person at Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) office before current stay expires. Provide passport, entry slip, justification letter, and proof of funds.
Renewal: Can exit and re-enter for fresh 90 days within ETA-IL validity period (2 years). Maximum stay per visit is 90 days.
💡 Pro Tips
•Apply at least 72 hours before booking flights
•Be prepared for security questions at border
•Keep ETA-IL approval accessible on phone
•Israel no longer stamps passports - you receive a blue entry card
•Extensions are possible but not guaranteed
B/2 Tourist Visa (Embassy)
Tourist
Traditional tourist visa for nationals requiring a visa to enter Israel. Must be obtained from Israeli embassy or consulate before travel. Valid for up to 90 days.
90d
Duration
ILS 100
— fee
+ILS 500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱5-10 business days. May take longer during peak seasons.
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
ILSUSD
Required
B/2 visa application feeApproximately 27 USD
ILS 100—
Additional (estimated)
Travel insuranceStrongly recommended
ILS 500—
Required Total
ILS 100—
+ Additional (estimated)
ILS 500—
Estimated Total
ILS 600—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Completed visa application form
•Two passport-sized photos (5x5 cm, white background)
•Proof of accommodation in Israel
•Bank statements (3 months)
•Employment confirmation letter
•Return flight ticket
•Proof of travel insurance
📝 Application Steps
1Complete visa application form online or at embassy
2Gather all required documents
3Schedule appointment at Israeli embassy/consulate
4Attend in-person appointment
5Pay visa fee
6Wait for processing (5-10 business days)
7Collect passport with visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work in Israel
•Single entry in most cases
•Must prove ties to home country
💡 Tips
•Apply well in advance - processing times vary
•Be honest about travel purpose at interview
•Bring all supporting documents to appointment
eVisa-B2 (Electronic Tourist Visa)
TouristPopular
Electronic visa for nationals of countries requiring a visa who can apply online. Currently available for Indian and Sri Lankan citizens. Valid for 90 days.
90d
Duration
ILS 100
— fee
+ILS 500 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Up to 10 business days. Some cases may require consulate visit.
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
ILSUSD
Required
eVisa-B2 application feeApproximately 27-28 USD
ILS 100—
Additional (estimated)
Travel insuranceStrongly recommended
ILS 500—
Required Total
ILS 100—
+ Additional (estimated)
ILS 500—
Estimated Total
ILS 600—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
•Digital passport photo
•Proof of accommodation
•Travel itinerary
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Return flight booking
📝 Application Steps
1Visit israel-entry.piba.gov.il
2Select eVisa-B2 application
3Complete online form with personal and travel details
4Upload required documents
5Pay the 100 NIS fee online
6Receive eVisa via email (within 10 business days)
7Print eVisa for travel
⚠️ Restrictions
•Currently limited to Indian and Sri Lankan citizens
•Cannot work in Israel
•Does not guarantee entry
💡 Tips
•Currently available for India and Sri Lanka - check eligibility
•May still be asked to visit consulate in some cases
•Apply at least 2 weeks before travel
B/1 Expert Work Visa
Work
Work visa for foreign experts and specialists employed by Israeli companies. Requires employer sponsorship and salary of at least double the average Israeli wage.
365d
Duration
ILS 1,560
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-6 months for standard applications. 6-8 weeks for Hi-Tech visa track.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
ILSUSD
Required
Work permit application feePaid by employer to Ministry of Interior
ILS 1,200—
Visa feeMultiple entry B/1 visa
ILS 360—
Required Total
ILS 1,560—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 2 years validity)
•Job offer from Israeli company
•Employer sponsorship and work permit approval
•Academic credentials and qualifications
•Criminal background check (police clearance)
•Medical examination certificate
•Two passport photos (5.5x5.5 cm)
•Birth certificate
📝 Application Steps
1Israeli employer applies for work permit at Ministry of Interior
2Employer proves necessity of hiring foreign expert
3Work permit approved (processing: 3-6 months, or 6-8 weeks for Hi-Tech)
4Employee gathers personal documents
5Employee applies for B/1 visa at Israeli consulate
6Attend consulate interview
7Receive visa and travel to Israel
8Register with Population Authority upon arrival
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to sponsoring employer
•Must leave Israel if employment ends
•Cannot switch employers without new permit
•Workers over 60 generally not eligible
•Workers with first-degree relatives in Israel may not be eligible
💡 Tips
•Hi-Tech visa track is faster for tech companies
•Employer handles most of the process
•Salary requirement ensures high-skilled positions only
•Consider immigration lawyer for complex cases
A/2 Student Visa
Education
Visa for students enrolled in recognized Israeli academic institutions, yeshivas, or Hebrew language programs (ulpan). Valid for up to 1 year with renewals.
365d
Duration
$27
— fee
+$1,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 weeks depending on embassy workload.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Student visa feeApproximately 26 EUR
$27—
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (annual)Required for student visa
$1,000—
Required Total
$27—
+ Additional (estimated)
$1,000—
Estimated Total
$1,027—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond visa period)
•Acceptance letter from recognized Israeli institution
•Proof of enrollment and study program details
•Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
•Health insurance coverage
•Criminal background check
•Passport photos
📝 Application Steps
1Receive acceptance from Israeli educational institution
2Gather required documents
3Apply at Israeli embassy/consulate in home country
4Attend interview if required
5Receive A/2 student visa
6Register with institution upon arrival
7Extend visa annually through institution
⚠️ Restrictions
•Generally cannot work outside academic field
•Must maintain full-time student status
•Cannot switch to work visa from within Israel
💡 Tips
•Start visa extension process 4 weeks before expiry
•Keep passport valid for at least 1.5 years to get full year extension
•PhD and some MA students may have work exceptions
A/1 Temporary Resident Visa
Special ProgramPopular
Temporary residency for those eligible under the Law of Return (Jewish heritage) who wish to experience Israel before committing to full citizenship (Aliyah).
1095d
Duration
ILS 0
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱1-3 months depending on documentation complexity.
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
ILSUSD
Required
Application feeFree for Law of Return eligible applicants
ILS 0—
Required Total
ILS 0—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Proof of Jewish heritage (documentation varies)
•Letter from recognized Rabbi confirming Jewish status
•Birth certificates showing Jewish lineage
•Conversion certificate if applicable (from recognized Beit Din)
•No prior Israeli citizenship
📝 Application Steps
1Gather proof of Jewish heritage
2Contact Jewish Agency for Israel or Israeli consulate
3Submit documentation for verification
4Attend interview at consulate
5Receive A/1 temporary resident visa
6Register with Ministry of Absorption upon arrival
7Decide within 3 years whether to make Aliyah
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must prove Jewish heritage
•Limited to 3 years
•Cannot renew - must decide on Aliyah
•If you were born to Israeli parent, you may already be a citizen
💡 Tips
•Contact Nefesh B Nefesh for guidance on documentation
•Original documents required - not photocopies
•Consider Aliyah benefits if planning to stay long-term
Working Holiday Visa (B/1)
Work
One-year working holiday visa for young adults (18-30) from countries with bilateral agreements. Allows work and travel in Israel.
365d
Duration
$50
— fee
+$600 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 weeks.
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Working holiday visa feeFee varies by country
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (12 months)Required coverage
$600—
Required Total
$50—
+ Additional (estimated)
$600—
Estimated Total
$650—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Passport from eligible country
•Age 18-30 (some countries 18-35)
•No dependents accompanying
•Return flight or sufficient funds for one
•Health insurance for duration of stay
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Clean criminal record
📝 Application Steps
1Check if your country has agreement with Israel
2Gather required documents
3Apply at Israeli embassy in home country
4Attend interview
5Receive working holiday visa
6Travel to Israel within validity period
⚠️ Restrictions
•Limited to specific nationalities
•Age restrictions apply
•Cannot extend beyond 12 months
•One-time use only
💡 Tips
•Countries with agreements include Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and others
•Great option for young people wanting extended Israel experience
What is the ETA-IL and do I need one to visit Israel?
Since January 1, 2025, all visitors from visa-exempt countries (including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to Israel. The ETA-IL costs 25 ILS (approximately 7 USD), is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries with stays up to 90 days per visit. Apply online at israel-entry.piba.gov.il at least 72 hours before booking travel.
Does Israel have a digital nomad visa?
No, Israel does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers use the tourist entry (ETA-IL for visa-exempt countries or B/2 visa), which allows stays up to 90 days. Working remotely for foreign clients is a gray area - it is common practice but not explicitly authorized. You cannot work for Israeli companies without a B/1 work visa. Tel Aviv is extremely popular among digital nomads for its tech ecosystem, coworking spaces, and startup scene.
Can I extend my tourist stay beyond 90 days?
Yes, extensions are possible. Apply at a Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) office before your current stay expires. Bring your passport, entry slip (blue card), justification letter explaining why you need to stay longer, and proof of sufficient funds. Extensions cost approximately 200-300 ILS and typically grant an additional 90 days. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your circumstances.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa in Israel?
Working remotely for foreign employers while on a tourist visa in Israel is technically a gray area. It is common practice among digital nomads and generally tolerated for those not engaging with the Israeli economy. However, you cannot work for Israeli companies or receive income from Israeli sources without a proper B/1 work visa. If you plan to stay long-term or work with Israeli clients, consult an immigration lawyer about proper visa options.
How do border runs work in Israel?
Border runs to neighboring Jordan and Egypt are possible. Land crossings include: Jordan via Allenby Bridge (King Hussein), Sheikh Hussein (northern), and Wadi Araba (southern near Eilat); Egypt via Taba crossing near Eilat. However, Israeli immigration has become stricter about frequent border runs. If officers suspect you are using tourist entries to live in Israel indefinitely, they may deny entry or reduce your allowed stay. Each entry grants up to 90 days at officer discretion.
Can I open a bank account in Israel as a tourist?
Opening a bank account as a tourist or non-resident is difficult in Israel. Most banks require Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut) or proof of residency. Some banks like Hapoalim and Leumi have branches that serve non-residents, but requirements are strict. You will need passport, tax identification number from your home country, proof of address, and possibly proof of income source. Consider using Wise, Revolut, or PayPal for international transfers instead.
Is health insurance required to enter Israel?
Health insurance is not strictly mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Israel has excellent medical facilities, but they are expensive and do not cover tourists. The Israeli government strongly urges all visitors to have adequate health insurance. During COVID, insurance was mandatory - requirements may change. Hospital visits can cost hundreds of dollars even for minor issues, and serious medical emergencies can cost tens of thousands.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Israel?
Tel Aviv is by far the most popular city for digital nomads, offering thousands of free WiFi hotspots, numerous coworking spaces (WeWork, Mindspace, Urban Place), excellent internet infrastructure, and a vibrant international community. Tel Aviv ranks among the top global startup ecosystems. Jerusalem offers a more historic atmosphere with growing coworking options. Haifa provides a more affordable alternative with good tech infrastructure. Eilat offers beach resort lifestyle but fewer professional amenities.
Do Indian or Chinese citizens need a visa for Israel?
Yes, both Indian and Chinese citizens require a visa to visit Israel. Indian citizens can now apply for an eVisa-B2 online through israel-entry.piba.gov.il (introduced 2025), making the process more convenient. Chinese citizens must apply at an Israeli embassy or consulate, though group tourism through licensed Israeli agents is available. Both diplomatic and service passport holders from India and China are exempt from visa requirements.
Does Israel stamp passports? Will it affect travel to other countries?
Since January 2013, Israel no longer stamps passports at airports and most border crossings. Instead, you receive a blue entry card (electronic gate pass) with your passport data, entry date, and visa information. Keep this card safe - you may need it for hotel check-ins and car rentals. Note that crossing through land borders to Jordan or Egypt will result in stamps from those countries, which could indicate travel to Israel for countries that restrict entry for visitors with Israeli stamps.
⚠️
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025