Israel Tourist Visa Guide

Planning a holiday to the Holy Land? Understand which travel authorisation you need for your tourist trip to Israel based on your nationality.

One Destination, Two Paths to Entry

A "tourist visa" for Israel isn't a single document; it's a category of travel. The specific authorisation you require depends entirely on your country of citizenship. Israel has streamlined this into two clear digital pathways to ensure all tourists can apply for entry permission before they travel.

This page will help you identify the correct path for your application, whether you need a simple Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or a more detailed Visitor's eVisa (eVisa-B2).

Path 1: For Visa-Exempt Countries

You Need an ETA-IL

If you are a citizen of a country that has a visa-waiver agreement with Israel (such as the UK, USA, EU countries, Australia, etc.), you do not need a traditional visa for tourism. However, you **must** obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before your trip.

Key Details:

  • Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, short business meetings.
  • Validity: Up to 2 years.
  • Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days per visit.
  • Process: A simple, quick online application.
Learn More About ETA-IL

Path 2: For Visa-Required Countries

You Need an eVisa-B2

If your country of citizenship does not have a visa-waiver agreement with Israel, you must apply for a B/2 Visitor's Visa. The new eVisa-B2 system allows you to complete this process online.

Key Details:

  • Purpose: Primarily for tourism and family visits.
  • Documentation: Requires supporting documents (flights, hotels, bank statements).
  • Process: A detailed online application that is reviewed by consular authorities.
  • Eligibility: Currently available for select nationalities, with more to be added.
Learn More About eVisa-B2

Experience Israel's Incredible Tourist Destinations

Israel's small size belies its immense diversity of attractions, drawing millions of tourists each year.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem

Jerusalem: The Spiritual Heart

Walk through millennia of history in the Old City, visiting sacred sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.

The vibrant beach coastline of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv: The Modern Metropolis

Experience the "city that never sleeps" with its bustling beaches, world-class nightlife, Bauhaus architecture, and incredible culinary scene.

International Tourist Analysis

Israel's tourism industry is a cornerstone of its economy. Analysis of recent travel data reveals key trends:

  • Top Source Markets: The United States consistently provides the largest number of tourists, followed by France, Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
  • Primary Motivation: Pilgrimage and religious tourism remain a primary driver, particularly for visitors to Jerusalem and the Galilee region. However, leisure, cultural, and "city break" tourism to Tel Aviv is a rapidly growing segment.
  • Average Stay: The average tourist stays in Israel for approximately 8-10 days, often combining historical sites with leisure activities at the Dead Sea or Eilat.
  • Economic Impact: Tourism contributes billions of dollars to the Israeli economy annually, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport, and guide services.