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Before You Go: What to Know About Entering and Exiting Israel

After a recent TPG trip to Israel , many readers messaged us with questions about visiting the country. There were, of course, questions about hotels, flights, attractions and food. But a majority of the queries had to do with the logistics of flying into and out of the nation.

Many travelers aren't sure if they're even able to enter Israel, and are concerned about passport stamps, visas and airport security. Here, we'll detail some of the most important things you need to know about entering and exiting Israel.

While these tips are specifically for US passport holders, most of the information can be applied to travelers holding Canadian, British or other European passports. And of course, it's important to remember that, just because something is supposed to happen when entering and exiting Israel, personal experiences can vary, and regulations often change without notice. Feel free to share your own tips for traveling to Israel or sound off on your personal experiences in the comments below.

Have a Passport Valid for at Least Six Months

While US passport holders technically have no minimum validity requirement when entering Israel, your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay. It's highly recommended, though, to have a passport that's valid for six months or more , or your airline may deny you boarding even though the nation of Israel may not deny your entry. If you're concerned, or are cutting it close, the best thing to do is renew your passport. If it's too late for that, call the airline you're flying to confirm if you'll be allowed to board.

Keep Track of Your Entry Card

US passport holders are allowed to stay in Israel for 90 days with a free tourist visa, and it's possible, in some circumstances, to extend this. Although it's technically a tourist visa, visitors from the US don't have to worry about obtaining or showing any paperwork, or making any payment, either beforehand or upon arrival to obtain the visa. (Nowadays, it's largely referred to as the entry card.) The entry card — a small piece of paper in lieu of a stamp — shows information such as the date you arrived, a small photo of yourself and the date when your 90 days in Israel are up.

Don't lose or misplace your entry card . While you may or may not be asked to present it when exiting the country, showing the card at hotels and car rental companies is important, because it will exclude you from paying the VAT tax of 17%. I was personally also asked to show it at a random road border checkpoint near the Dead Sea, so it's a good idea to always have it (and your passport) on hand. You will also get another small slip of paper when you leave, your exit card.

Don't Worry About the Stamp

When you arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv (TLV), your passport should not be stamped. Israel has stopped stamping passports in almost all cases. But, some TPG readers have had their passports stamped during land crossings. Entering both Jordan and Egypt from Israel is permitted and you can do so by land crossing directly from Israel. (For more information on land crossings and possible stamps there, read the land-crossing section below.)

If you already have an Israeli stamp in your passport (the country stopped stamping fairly recently), don't panic. You can try to get a second passport , or just be careful about which countries you enter. Lebanon is one of the strictest countries, denying entrance to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport.

Other countries you should avoid entering if you have an Israeli stamp are Syria, Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Although you will be allowed to enter Muslim-majority countries such as Morocco, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates or Indonesia with the stamp, still be careful. Any interactions with police in a Muslim-majority country, in cases where you have to show your passport with Israeli stamp, could subject you to additional questioning.

Of course, this isn't a science, and some travelers may experience more (or less) questioning or similar issues at border checks when entering and exiting these countries.

It's important to know that when entering Israel, it's OK if you have stamps from Middle Eastern countries. While this may trigger a lot of security questions (see the section on security below), you'll still be allowed to enter and exit the country. Holders of Iranian visas in their passports should expect a lot of added questioning and thorough security checks, but should still ultimately be granted entry.

Get Standard Vaccines

US travelers aren't required to have any specific vaccines when visiting Israel, though having the measles and Hepatitis A vaccines is, as usual, recommended before travel.

Navigating the Land Crossings

It is possible to cross the Israeli border into either Jordan or Egypt — but not to Syria or Lebanon. While an Israeli officer shouldn't stamp your passport upon exiting or entering, we have heard reports of select TPG readers having their documents stamped at land crossings. So, you can simply ask the Israeli border control officer not to stamp your passport and, hopefully, they won't.

You must be careful, however, because the border control agents in Jordan or Egypt will stamp your passport upon entry and exit. The stamp is slightly different than the one you'd get by flying to the Amman (AMM) or Cairo International (CAI) airports, usually showing the name of the land crossing.

Extra scrutiny from a border agent in another country such as Lebanon may notice these entry or exit stamps from Egypt or Jordan and realize you entered by land -- making it clear you'd been to Israel. An easy way around this is to simply ask the land agents in Jordan or Egypt not to stamp your passport when entering or exiting. As I mentioned above, if you do end up with an Israeli (or Jordanian or Egyptian land crossing) stamp, all is not lost. You can apply for a second passport if you then later plan to visit a country such as Lebanon.

If you plan to visit Jordan or Egypt by way of land crossing, you may need a visa, or to pay an entry or exit fee -- and this may be different than the requirements for arriving by air. Fees also depend on the specific border crossing. We have heard reports from a few TPG readers that they were able to pay with a credit card at some of the border crossings. You can always attempt to pay with credit card first, but have cash on hand just in case (and in various currencies, if possible). Some land crossings do have money exchanges nearby in case you're stuck.

You can get a visa upon arrival at two (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba crossing in the south, near Eilat; and the Jordan River crossing/Sheikh Hussein Bridge in the north, near Beit She'an) out of the three border crossings into Jordan from Israel (except the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge), according to the Jordan International Border Crossing information page. Visa fees (often subject to change) are 40 Jordanian dinars (a little over $56) for a single entry, valid for one month. When departing Jordan, expect to pay 8 dinars ($11) at any border crossings except the airports. The US Department of State explains that, "US passport holders must obtain Jordanian visas in advance to enter Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge near Jericho. For US passport holders entering Israel via Jordan at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge [the third international crossing point between Israel and Jordan], Israeli authorities issue visas on arrival. Procedures for all three crossings into Jordan are subject to frequent changes. "

Visitors heading to Egypt by way of Israel at the Taba Border Crossing must obtain a visa in advance from the Egyptian Embassy in their home country or at the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in Tel Aviv. The exception is if you're only planning to visit Sinai, in which case "Sinai Only" visas are issued in the moment at the Taba Crossing.

Visiting Bethlehem

US citizens with a valid 90-day tourist entry card (the small blue piece of paper I previously encouraged you not to lose) can visit Bethlehem, which is just a few miles from Jerusalem. Bring your passport along with the small entry card, though you may or may not have to show it at the border. It's best to have at least six months or more validity on your passport if you plan to go to Bethlehem, too.

Airlines Flying to Israel

Not all airlines fly to Israel. Many countries don't even recognize the country, so don't expect to fly to Tel Aviv on airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia or Qatar. And the following countries have banned nonstop flights to Israel : Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

You can, however, fly Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian and Royal Jordanian Airlines nonstop to and from Israel.

But there are a few interesting exceptions. For example, Egypt Air doesn't fly to Israel — at lest, not exactly. They use a special airline, Air Sinai, which is actually owned by Egypt Air to operate any flights between the two countries. In fact, Air Sinai was established in 1982 for the sole purpose of operating flights between Egypt and Israel. In order to buy an Air Sinai ticket, you'll have to do so through a tour agency or a travel agent, as they aren't available online.

Also, both Saudi Arabia and Libya allow certain airlines (such as Air India and Ethiopian) to use their airspace when flying to Tel Aviv, while the Israeli national carrier, El Al, is not allowed .

If you fly El Al to Israel, expect extra questioning and intense security measures.

Security Before Flying to Israel

You may encounter heavy security and questioning before even checking in for your flight when flying Israeli carrier El Al, regardless of your departure airport. The airline has much heavier security measures than other airlines for entering Israel. Most other airlines won't do any added security questioning before departure.

Some TPG staff members flying El Al noted some serious questioning about their Jewish heritage and customs. TPG travel editor Melanie Lieberman specifically remembers getting asked about her Hebrew name (which she doesn't have) and both Wallace Cotton, TPG 's community manager, and Becca Denenberg, TPG 's director of marketing and communications, were asked which Jewish holidays they celebrated. Non-Jewish flyers can expect routine questions pertaining to why they are visiting Israel and about any stamps in their passport from Muslim countries.

Getting questioned when flying El Al isn't limited to travelers departing from US airports. You'll be questioned, regardless of departure city, if you're flying El Al. TPG UK's director of content, Nicky Kelvin, has experienced extremely long questioning by El Al security agents before arriving at check-in, as well as occasional follow-up question pre-boarding when flying out of London. (He's flown El Al out of London to Tel Aviv more than 10 times.)

Declaration at Customs

You must declare if you are carrying 50,000 shekels (just shy of $14,000) or more when entering or exiting Israel by air and, if entering or exiting by land, you must declare if you are carrying 12,000 shekels ($3,350) or more.

Security Upon Departure From Israel

Upon departure from the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, all passengers are questioned before check-in.

In theory, the questioning should not be hostile: just very thorough and possibly invasive. During my exit from Israel a few weeks ago, I was questioned exhaustively about several stamps in my passport from destinations such as the UAE, Morocco, Malaysia and Indonesia. I was asked if I knew people in any of those countries, where I had stayed and what my purpose was for traveling there.

Megan Robertson, a video editor and producer at TPG, remembers being questioned about her visit to Turkey, as well as her reasons for visiting Israel. She told TPG she, "got a lot of questions about who I was visiting in Israel, especially since I'm not Jewish and have no family ties there." It's best to be prepared for rigorous questioning, and to "stay calm," Megan said. "Just answer truthfully to the best of your ability."

Depending on your answers, you'll get a sticker on the back of your passport. The first number on the sticker is your flag as a perceived security threat. The numbers range from one, the lowest, to six, the highest. And I got a five. (Apparently, this is normal if you're not Jewish or are traveling alone. ) The extra security was definitely a pain, but I've had worse during a brief period of time when I was marked with the dreaded SSSS in the US .

After check-in, I was sent to a special security line, where every single one of the belongings in my carry-on was taken out, examined and tested for explosives. I walked through the metal detectors and was patted down despite not setting the alarm off.

It was annoying and, frankly, a little embarrassing, but not a huge deal. I originally blanched when the staff at my hotel suggested I arrive at the airport three to four hours in advance of my flight departure time, but they were right, and it's worth giving yourself the extra time in case you end up with extra security screening.

However, those with a sticker with the first number as six should be ready for an even more intense search. If you feel you've been unfairly flagged or treated disrespectfully in any way, you can report it. The US State Department warns that, "some US citizens of Arab or Muslim heritage (including Palestinian-Americans) have experienced significant difficulties and unequal and hostile treatment at Israel's borders and checkpoints. US citizens who have traveled to Muslim countries or who are of Arab, Middle Eastern or Muslim origin may face additional questioning by immigration and border authorities. US citizens should immediately report treatment by border officials that they believe is discriminatory or hostile to the ACS unit of the US Embassy in Jerusalem ( [email protected] ) or the ACS unit of the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv ( [email protected] )."

If you are concerned about being flagged or expect to be in a rush upon either arrival or departure, you should consider prebooking a VIP departure or arrival , which varies in price (usually around $300 to $400 per person, depending on the package) but can include everything from pickup at the jetway to VIP security , luggage pickup and check-in, as well as access to a VIP arrival or departure lounge. (Read Brian Kelly's full review of the service.)

After my intense security screening, I headed to immigration, where I was given a pink exit paper — a replacement for my exit stamp. You may also go through an e-gate for immigration, which issues you this pink paper. I was able to keep both the blue entry card and the pink exit one, and faced no additional questioning at immigration or during the boarding process.

If you ever plan to visit one of the aforementioned Middle Eastern countries that may have a problem with the fact that you've visited Israel, make sure to peel off the sticker from your passport to avoid any issues. And leave the blue and pink papers (those Israeli entry and exit cards) at home, too.

Be Prepared When Traveling on Shabbat

Judaism specifies that Shabbat — from Friday at sundown to sundown on Saturday — should be kept as a holy day. For this reason, all public offices and many businesses are closed on Shabbat. As a result, your travel may be affected. While most airlines operate flights in and out of Israel during these hours, El Al normally does not. Security may take longer, too. Public transportation such as trains and buses may not be operating at all or be operating with a restricted schedule, so plan accordingly to arrive at the airport in time.

WATCH: How to Avoid TLV's Long Lines With NEW VIP Terminal

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Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Travel Advisory April 11, 2024

See individual summaries.

Updated with information on travel restrictions for U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility. 

Do Not Travel To :

• Gaza due to  terrorism and  armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To :

• Israel due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest
• West Bank due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Check the most recent Alerts at the  Embassy  website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.  
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. 
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. 
• Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police. 
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks. 
• Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.  
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to  terrorism and  armed conflict .

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza may close without advance notice depending on the security situation. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information. 

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .  

If you decide to travel to Gaza:

• Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
• Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
• If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time – if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy.
• If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful. 

Israel – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to  terrorism and civil unrest .

The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:

• Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon;
• Within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders; and
• Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:

• U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted personal travel to Jericho. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted daylight travel to: Inn of the Good Samaritan, An-Nabi Musa, Wadi Qelt Nature Preserve, and St. George’s Monastery along Route 1; and Qumran, Kalia Beach, St. Gerasimos/Khogla Monastery, Al Auju, and Qasr al-Yaud baptismal site along Route 90. 

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for  Travel to High Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

No minimum requirement, but your authorized stay will not exceed the validity remaining on your passport and airlines may decline boarding if a traveler has fewer than six months validity on his or her passport.

1 page (although passports are normally not stamped upon entry).

Not required for stays of 90 days or fewer. Please see below for detailed information about entry, exit and visa requirements.

You must declare if you are carrying 50,000 shekels or more when entering or exiting Israel by air and 12,000 shekels if entering or exiting by land.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem   14 David Flusser Street   Jerusalem 93392   Telephone:  + (972) (2) 630-4000  Emergency After-Hours Telephone : + (972) (2) 622-7230  Email:   [email protected]

Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem for information and assistance in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza (including the Erez Crossing), and the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank.

U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs 18 Agron Road Jerusalem 9419003 Telephone: + (972) (2) 630-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone : + (972) (2) 622-7230 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Branch Office Tel Aviv   71 HaYarkon Street   Tel Aviv Israel 63903   Telephone:  + (972) (3) 519-7575  Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  + (972) (3) 519-7551  Email:   [email protected]

Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv for information and assistance in Israel outside of Jerusalem, and the northern (Sheikh Hussein) and southern (Yitzhak Rabin) border crossings connecting Israel and Jordan, and the border crossings between Israel and Egypt.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.  Please read the  Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory  for additional information.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Israel administers immigration and security controls at its international land crossings with Jordan (into both the West Bank and Israel), Egypt (at the Taba crossing near Eilat), and at Israel’s airports and seaports. A separate network of security checkpoints and crossings operated by Israeli authorities regulates the movement of people and goods between Israel and the West Bank, and between Israel and Gaza.

The U.S. government seeks equal treatment and freedom of travel for all U.S. citizens regardless of national origin, religion, or ethnicity . All persons seeking to enter or depart Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza are subject to  immigration and security screening , possibly including prolonged questioning and physical searches, and  may be denied entry or exit  consistent with the uniform application of Israeli law. Persons who are denied entry have the right to an immigration court hearing to contest the denial, but they will be detained for the duration of the proceedings. Specific questions about your individual circumstances should be directed to your closest Israeli Embassy or Consulate.

When traveling into Israel,  please make sure you have proper  travel  documentation – including a full validity U.S. passport – before arrival in Israel. Israel may deny entry to an individual using a limited-validity, or emergency U.S. passport. 

1. Do I need a visa to enter Israel if I normally live in the United States?

U.S. citizens may use their U.S. passport to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days without a visa, including U.S. citizens transiting Israel to and from the West Bank. For more information, please contact your nearest Israeli Embassy or consulate and consult this webpage:  Entry-Exit into Israel .

2. Do I need a visa to enter the West Bank if I am visiting the West Bank and normally live in the United States?

U.S. citizens who are not West Bank residents can use their U.S. passport to enter the West Bank for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage:  Entry-Exit Information: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

U.S. citizens who are not PA ID/passport holders and who wish to study, teach, research, work, or volunteer in the West Bank should consult the Government of Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT)  regulations  on entry into the West Bank. U.S. citizens who are engaged or are married to West Bank residents and wish to remain in the West Bank should also consult these regulations. Questions regarding these regulations can be directed to COGAT by email at  [email protected]  or by phone at +972-3-697-7577.

3. Do I need a visa to enter Israel if I normally live in the West Bank?

U.S. citizens who are also residents of the West Bank can either apply for a permit to enter Israel from the Government of Israel’s COGAT or apply for a visa to enter Israel at Allenby Bridge in order to transit through the West Bank to Israel for up to 90 days. For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage:  Entry-Exit Information: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

4. Do I need a visa to enter Gaza through Israel if I normally live in the United States?

Please see the  Travel Advisory  before traveling to Gaza. Gaza is Level 4 – Do Not Travel. We remind all U.S. citizens seeking to travel to Gaza that the U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gaza. U.S. citizens seeking entry into Israel from Gaza (or entry into Gaza from Israel) should follow the instructions provided on the COGAT website to request permission to enter. For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage:  Entry-Exit Information: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

5. Can U.S. citizens registered as residents of Gaza enter or transit Israel?

A U.S. citizen who is also listed on the Palestinian Population registry for Gaza and has a center of life in the Gaza – someone who has spent more than 50 percent of the last five years in Gaza (or more than 912 days) as confirmed by the Israeli government – can apply while they are in Gaza for a permit to enter Israel via the Erez Crossing from the Government of Israel’s COGAT. When outside of Gaza, they may apply for admission to enter Israel through any international port of entry.

A U.S. citizen who is also listed on the Palestinian Population registry for Gaza and has a center of life outside the Gaza Strip – someone who has spent more than 50 percent of the last five years outside of Gaza (or more than 912 days) as confirmed by the Israeli government – may use their U.S. passport to enter Israel for business or tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days without a visa, including transiting Israel to and from the West Bank.  Such U.S. citizens cannot enter on their U.S. passport for the purpose of transiting Israel to Gaza.

For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage:  Entry-Exit Information: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

6. What if I am denied entry?

U.S. citizens should immediately report any denial of entry or harassment or discriminatory treatment by border officials to the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv.

• U.S. citizens can use the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and Branch Office Tel Aviv  online reporting form .
• U.S. citizens can call the Embassy at the phone numbers on our website (denials of entry only):  U.S. Citizen Services - U.S. Embassy in Israel (usembassy.gov)

Please note that the decision to admit or deny a traveler admission to Israel is entirely made by the State of Israel, and the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene on an individual’s behalf. U.S. citizens who are denied entry into Israel or the West Bank should receive a written explanation from Israeli authorities.

The Israeli Ministry of Interior has continued to deny entry into Israel and the West Bank of some foreign nationals (including U.S. citizens) affiliated with certain political and non-governmental organizations that the Government of Israel views as anti-Israel. Participation in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS)-related activities is one of the considerations Israeli authorities consider when deciding whether to refuse entry to individuals into Israel and the West Bank.

In addition to contacting the U.S. Embassy, if you were the subject of mistreatment or harassment by Israeli authorities upon entry to or at exit from Israel, you may also email  [email protected]  to file a complaint with the Israeli authorities. If the mistreatment or harassment occurred at a check point to the West Bank you may email  [email protected]  to file a complaint.

7. What if I’m an Israeli citizen?

Individuals with Israeli citizenship, regardless of other nationality, including U.S. citizenship, must enter and depart Israel using their Israeli passports in accordance with Israeli law. Due to a passport backlog, Israeli citizens are temporarily allowed to enter and depart Israel on non-Israeli passports until December 31, 2023. Israeli citizens are prohibited from using the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing. They are also prohibited from entering Gaza and are generally prohibited from traveling to parts of the West Bank under PA control (Area A), to include Bethlehem and Jericho.

Further information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction,  and  customs regulations  can be found on our website at travel.state.gov.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Please view the current  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza for detailed information regarding the terrorism threat in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Jerusalem:   See the  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza  for additional information.

The West Bank:   See the  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza  for additional information.

The Gaza Strip:   See the  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza  for additional information.

Mortar and Rocket Fire:  In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see  the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website  (available on devices within Israel) or view the  Preparedness Information. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on  Android  or  Apple  devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.

Crime:  The crime rate is moderate in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Parked vehicle break-ins are common at public beach areas, national parks, and other tourist sites. Vehicle theft also remains a problem. U.S. citizens should not leave their valuables (including passports) unattended in parked vehicles, on the beach, or unsecured in hotels. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings in tourist areas and watch for crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets.

For additional information, read the most recent Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)  Crime and Safety Report for Israel .

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Israel and the West Bank is 100 for police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire department.

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. You can reach the U.S. Embassy at the contact information provided above. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Israel National Police
• Ministry of Justice 
• Ministry of Public Security
• Provide information on Government of Israel assistance to victims of terrorist acts (contact the  National Insurance Institute  for more information)
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local police but may also contact the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv to report it.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws and legal systems, which can be vastly different from those in the United States. If you violate Israeli or Palestinian Authority laws, even unknowingly, being a U.S. citizen will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs in Israel and PA-administered areas are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Individuals expressing views, including on social media, which the Government of Israel considers incitement to violence or hate speech may face criminal penalties. Palestinian Authority security officials have also arrested Palestinians who posted criticism of the PA and PA leadership online. In Gaza, individuals publicly criticizing authorities have risked reprisal by Hamas, including arrest, interrogation, seizure of property, and harassment.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrests and Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to immediately notify the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or the U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv immediately. See our  website  for further information. While the U.S. Embassy may not recommend a particular foreign attorney, the embassy website has the names of several attorneys who have identified themselves as willing to assist U.S. citizen clients. Please note that inclusion on this list in no way represents an endorsement of services by the Department or the U.S. government. 

Arrests and Arrest Notification by Israel: 

• The Government of Israel is required by a bilateral treaty and customary international law to promptly notify the U.S. Embassy when a U.S. citizen is arrested IF the citizen identifies themself as a U.S. citizen AND requests that the U.S. Embassy be notified. In case of arrest or detention, U.S. citizens should promptly identify themselves as such to the arresting authorities and request that the authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. There are credible reports that U.S. citizens have been mistreated by Israeli security forces during their arrest and interrogation.
• Some youths over the age of 14 have been detained and tried as adults. 
• Arrestees have also reported pressure to sign documents in Hebrew that they do not understand.
• U.S. citizens arrested in Israel for criminal or security offenses are entitled to legal representation provided by the Government of Israel. U.S. citizens arrested by Israeli authorities for security offenses may be prevented from communicating with lawyers, family members, or consular officers for lengthy periods. Even after notification, consular access to the arrested individual may be delayed for days to several weeks. Under Israeli law, individuals detained for security offenses may be held for up to six months without charges.

Arrests and Arrest Notification by the Palestinian Authority (PA):

• Individuals arrested by PA security forces in the West Bank for security offenses may be prohibited from communicating with lawyers, family members, or consular officers for lengthy periods. In addition, they may be held in custody for long periods without formal charges or before being brought before a judge for an arrest extension. The PA often does not notify the U.S. Embassy of such arrests, and consular access to arrestees is often delayed or denied. There are credible reports that arrested individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been mistreated by PA security forces during their arrest and interrogation. In case of arrest or detention, U.S. citizens should promptly identify themselves as such to the arresting authorities and should request that the U.S. Embassy be notified immediately.

Gaza:  Since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007, they have dominated security matters in Gaza. The U.S. government has no contact with Hamas and cannot assist those arrested in Gaza.

Israeli Court Jurisdiction:  Civil and religious courts in Israel actively exercise their authority to bar certain individuals, including nonresidents, from leaving the country until debts or other legal claims against them are resolved. Israel's religious courts exercise jurisdiction over all citizens and residents of Israel in cases of marriage, divorce, child custody, and child support. U.S. citizens, including those without Israeli citizenship, may be subject to involuntary and prolonged stays (and even imprisonment) in Israel if a case is filed against them in a religious court, even if their marriage took place in the United States, and regardless of whether their spouse is present in Israel. The U.S. Embassy is unable to cancel the debt of a U.S. citizen or guarantee their departure from Israel when they face a bar from leaving the country until debts are resolved.    Purchases of Property:  U.S. citizens should always seek legal advice before buying or leasing property in the West Bank and Gaza. Please see the most recent  Investment Climate Statement for the West Bank and Gaza  for additional information on property rights.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or be forced to forfeit them if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Rights:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) events in Israel. Israeli anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQI+ individuals. Acceptance and tolerance of LGBQTI+ people vary throughout the country and from neighborhood to neighborhood. As of August 2014, the Law of Return allows that same-sex spouses of Jews immigrating to Israel – known as “making Aliyah” – are eligible to make Aliyah with their spouses and receive Israeli citizenship.    The legal systems in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are based on the 1960 Jordanian penal code which prohibits consensual same-sex sexual activity. However, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has not prosecuted individuals suspected of such activity. Societal discrimination, including from families, based on cultural and religious traditions is commonplace, making the West Bank and Gaza challenging environments for LGBTQI+ persons. PA security officers have harassed, abused, and sometimes arrested LGBTQI+ individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. NGOs have reported that Hamas also harassed and detained persons in Gaza due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.    LGBTQI+ travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when entering religious or socially conservative areas.

Israel’s  Aguda  organization provides useful information on LGBTQI+ issues in Israel.    See   our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Persons with Mobility Issues:  Individuals with mobility issues may find accessibility and accommodation in Israel very different from in the United States. Legislation mandates access to buildings and transportation, as well as accommodations for persons with disabilities in services and the workplace. However, the government enforces the laws with only limited success. Societal discrimination and lack of accessibility persist in employment and housing. The law mandates accessibility to urban public transportation but not to intercity buses. Most train stations maintain access for persons with disabilities; however, many buses still do not have such access. Television stations include subtitles or sign language, and the courts accommodate testimony from persons with intellectual disabilities or mental illness. Tourists will find restaurants, foot paths, and public transportation less accessible than in the United States.

Palestinian Authority law prohibits discrimination based on disability. The Palestinian Disability Law was ratified in 1999, but implementation has been slow. It does not mandate access to buildings, information, or communications. Palestinians with disabilities continue to receive uneven and poor-quality services and care. Familial and societal discrimination against persons with disabilities exists in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Some hospitals in Israel and most hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza, however, fall below Western standards. Travelers can find information in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the  Jerusalem Post  and the English-language edition of the  Ha'aretz  newspaper, or refer to the  U.S. Embassy’s medical information list .

Ambulance services are widely available in Israel. Ambulance services in the West Bank are available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. The U.S. government does not have knowledge of ambulance services in Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) operates in the West Bank and Gaza.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas, including for COVID-19. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Israel  Ministry of Health  to ensure the medication is legal in Israel. Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to :

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list  of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout Israel but health care in the West Bank and Gaza may be below U.S. standards.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication may only be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Israel to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Surrogacy is subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Israel Ministry of Health  website  for information on surrogacy.

Water Quality

• In many areas of the West Bank and Gaza, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

• Israel:   Israeli roads and highways tend to be crowded, especially in urban areas. The Government of Israel requires that all occupants of passenger cars always wear seat belts. Passenger cars must use headlights during all intercity travel, both day and night, and during winter. All drivers are required to carry fluorescent vests and safety triangles in the car with them at all times, and they are required to wear the vests whenever they get out of their cars to make repairs or change tires. If a vehicle is stopped for a traffic violation and it does not contain a fluorescent vest, the driver will be fined. These vests can be purchased for a nominal price in all local gas stations. While mobile phone use is prohibited while driving, hands-free units are authorized. The acceptable limit for blood alcohol content is lower in Israel than in the United States.
• West Bank and Gaza:  Crowded roads are common in the West Bank and Gaza. During periods of heightened tension in the West Bank, protestors have targeted cars and buses with stone throwing, improvised incendiary devices, small arms fire, barricades, and burning tires. Emergency services may be delayed by the need for Palestinian authorities to coordinate with Israeli officials. Seat belt use is required, and drivers may not drink alcohol. Individuals involved in accidents resulting in death or injury may be detained by police pending an investigation.

Traffic Laws:  Aggressive driving is commonplace, and many drivers fail to maintain safe following distances or signal before changing lanes or making turns. Overtaking at high-speed on undivided two-lane roads is common and may result in accidents. Drivers are also prone to stop suddenly on roads without warning, especially in the right lane. Drivers should use caution, as Israel has a high rate of fatalities from automobile accidents.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. We suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and Israel's Ministry of Transport and Road Safety  for additional information on road safety.    Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the Government of Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Israel’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Israel and the OPTs set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Israeli Embassy in London or the   Palestinian Mission to the UK .

Check Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports, especially during Israeli holidays and during the summer tourist season.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Israel or the OPTs .

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist. On entry, visitors are given permission to stay for up to 3 months. However, if you are a dual national, read the dual nationals guidance for more information.

If you work in Israel without the proper permissions, you can be detained and deported. This process could take several months.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting Israel or the OPTs , your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the country (check the expiry date).

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

 Checks at border control

Passport stamping and entry cards.

Visitors entering via Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport get an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. At other entry points to the country, you may get an entry card or you may get a stamp.

Keep your entry card with your passport until you leave. This is evidence that you entered Israel legally. You may need it, particularly if you’re crossing into the OPTs . If you’re refused entry to Israel, your passport may be stamped with an entry stamp and 2 red lines drawn across it to show the refusal.

Stamps with restrictions

Entry stamps that state ‘Palestinian Authority only’ or ‘Judea and Samaria only’ have been issued to some travellers at:

• the Allenby Bridge crossing with Jordan
• Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport

Since travellers entering by the Allenby Bridge crossing must pass through Israeli checkpoints and Israeli-controlled territory to reach Jerusalem or Gaza, this effectively limits travellers who receive this stamp.

It is not clear how travellers who get this stamp at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport can leave the airport without violating the restriction.

This stamp has been issued to travellers who have no Palestinian or other Arab ancestry, and do not seem to have a claim to a Palestinian Authority ID.     

Immigration checks

The Israeli authorities decide if you can enter Israel. You may experience lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches at security when you enter and leave Israel. Searches and questioning may be longer for some visitors, including:

• visitors with Palestinian or Arab ancestry
• visitors with evidence of previous travel which may be considered suspicious
• visitors who are considered to have publicly criticised the state of Israel

Foreign nationals can legally be refused entry if they:

• have publicly called for a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements
• belong to an organisation which has called for a boycott

Travellers may occasionally be held at border control for more checks. This is not routine, but a few travellers do experience delays, sometimes for several hours. Israeli security have sometimes requested access to travellers’ personal email or social media accounts as a condition of entry.

Previous travel to countries in the region

Evidence of previous travel to another country in the region, such as entry or exit stamps in your passport, does not normally stop you entering Israel. However, you may face extra questioning at the border.

If you have concerns about visas or entry into Israel, including whether previous travel can affect you travelling there, contact the Israeli Embassy in the UK before you travel.

Refusal of entry into Israel

If you’re refused entry to Israel, you will be booked on the next available flight back to where you flew in from, on the same airline.

Depending on the flight schedule, you may be taken to the Immigration Detention Centre (a few minutes’ drive from the airport) to wait until your flight departs. You will have access to a telephone, information in English and medical assistance if needed. Your luggage will stay at the airport, so tell officials if you need to retrieve anything urgent from your luggage, for example medication.

You can contact the British Embassy in Israel from the detention centre. They can help where possible, but cannot intervene in immigration decisions.

Entering the OPTs

Entry to the OPTs , including by sea to Gaza, is controlled by the Israeli authorities. You must show a passport and Israeli immigration slip to cross between Israel and the OPTs .

There are requirements for foreign nationals entering the West Bank. Read about the requirements for entering the West Bank on the Israel government website .

Israeli border officials at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport have asked some travellers to sign a form stating they are not allowed to enter territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority unless they get advance authorisation from the Israeli ‘Territory Actions Co-ordinator’. You can be deported from Israel and barred from entry for up to 10 years for violating this restriction.

If immigration officials believe you plan to enter Gaza without permission, or that you’re entering Israel to work in the OPTs , you may be refused entry.

FCDO cannot support individuals applying for entry or exit permits for Gaza. If you decide to visit Gaza against FCDO advice, you must contact the relevant authorities well in advance. FCDO cannot provide administrative support to UK charities wishing to enter Gaza by the Rafah crossing.

The Rafah border regularly closes with no warning and for long periods. The Erez border is currently closed. At these times it may be impossible to enter or leave Gaza. 

Israeli checkpoints may close on Israeli public holidays and during periods of increased instability. There is information on known checkpoint closures on the UN website . This can change at short notice.

British nationals of Palestinian origin

If you’re a British national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you need a Palestinian passport or travel document to leave Gaza or the West Bank.

If you’re a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems. British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinians have been refused entry into Israel.

British people holding dual nationality 

British-Palestinian dual nationals living in the West Bank and Gaza may only exit the OPTs via the Allenby border crossing into Jordan or the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, and must return by the same route. If you’re a British-Palestinian dual national entering Gaza against FCDO travel advice, check entry and exit procedures with the relevant authorities. There is a limit on the number of dual nationals permitted to enter and exit Gaza through Erez – this includes if you are entering for medical or humanitarian reasons. The Israeli government has the authority to make decisions on entry and exit permits through Erez.

If you’re a British national with dual nationality, check with your nearest Israeli embassy if you need pre-approval to travel to Israel. Dual nationals holding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese citizenship have previously been impacted. If you are not a citizen of any of these countries, but have close family ties, it is also advisable to check with your nearest Israeli embassy before travel.

Children with at least one Israeli parent (father or mother) are considered Israeli nationals. These children must enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.

British nationals with associations with other countries in the region

Dual nationals holding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese citizenship have previously been heavily questioned, denied entry and deported. If a deportation flight is not available immediately, this can mean being detained until one is available, which can take a number of days. If you are a citizen of any of these countries, or have associations such as close family ties, the Israeli authorities advise you to check with your nearest Israeli embassy before travel to gain pre-approval for entry.  

Children and young people

Children aged 17 years and under travelling to Israel alone or with only one parent should carry a letter from their parents or guardians confirming parental consent, accommodation plans and contact details.

Children exiting Israel alone should carry a locally issued notarised letter as advised by external firms .     

For children with at least one Israeli parent, read the advice for dual nationals above.

Entry to Jordan

To enter Jordan from Israel, you must register in advance. Find more information on the Visit Jordan website .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Israel guide and TravelHealthPro’s Palestinian Territories guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Israel and the OPTs . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Israel and the OPTs

The Israeli Tax Authority provides information on taking money into or out of Israel .

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Passports and Visa

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country. People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez-passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it.

Visitors are entitled to remain in Israel up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them. Visitors intending to work in Israel must submit a request to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa.

Israel no longer stamps passports at airports and most Land Crossings. Nonetheless, because at times technical difficulties arise, and at times, the border control must revert to back to the method of stamping passports, we recommend that tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries officially request that an Israeli stamp does not appear on their passport. The tourist must notify the clerk of this request before documents are stamped.

The “Electronic Gate Pass”

In accordance to section 13 of the law regarding entrance to Israel of 1952, an official inspector or police officer can request identification and proof of legal status in Israel. With this in mind, at a press of a button the Border Control station will print a card including the principle details of the traveler as in the first page of the passport. The card will also depict the date of arrival and visa information. This card is called The “Electronic Gate Pass” and it is a new and modern technological system instrumental in meeting the needs of the various Immigration, security, Airport and Tourism authorities as well as providing the tourist with the credentials necessary to prove his visa status. The “Electronic Gate Pass” replaces the system whereby passports were stamped. At the airport, this card allows the traveler to exit the arrival terminal without further delays.

The Gate Pass is an official form of identification while in Israel. We ask all tourists to keep the card at hand at all times as proof of their visa status. At the airport and designated Land Crossings, this card allows the traveler to exit the arrival terminal and continue to the luggage pickup area.

The tourist is asked to keep the card at hand at all times.

​Tourist Visas

We welcome visitors to Israel. Many countries have a Visa Waiver Program with Israel, which allows their citizens to visit Israel without a visa arranged in advance. Before embarking on a trip, visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations must check if they need a prearranged tourist visa. The list of countries in the following link specifies from which countries tourists are required to present a prearranged visa.

https://www.gov.il/en/subjects/certificates_and_passports/tourist_visas

All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the port of entry in order to enter Israel without a prearranged visa; otherwise, a visa is required. This applies to tourists arriving with a passage card from countries with a Waiver Program.

Extension of Your Stay ​Your visa can be extended (fee required) at the Ministry of the Interior office closest to you, please call their call center at: *3450 or dial 12223450.

Immigration & Customs

Passport Control

Upon arrival in Israel, visitors go to passport control and must present a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of their departure. Please note, Israel has incorporated a new and modern technological system instrumental in meeting the needs of the various Immigration, security, Airport and Tourism authorities as well as providing the tourist with the credentials necessary to prove his visa status without stamping the passport. At a press of a button, the Border Control station will print a card including the principle details of the traveler as in the first page of the passport. The card will also depict the date of arrival and visa information. This card is called The “Electronic Gate Pass”.

The Gate Pass is an official form of identification while in Israel. We ask all tourists to keep the card at hand at all times as proof of their status. Arrival by Air and Land Crossings – Incoming travelers continue to the passenger luggage area after having their passports inspected. Carts are at their disposal. From there, they continue to customs control and to the airport exit.

Information Regarding Israel’s Land Gateways​

General information regarding the laws and policies of the Customs Authority can be downloaded: https://taxes.gov.il/English/Pages/Guides.aspx

Please make note that travel through Allenby Bridge Crossing has specific limitations and directives. For example, visitors passing through the Allenby Bridge between Israel/Jordan may carry no more than the cash value of 2000 Jordanian Dinars.

Customs and V.A.T. for Tourists:

https://taxes.gov.il/English/Vat/Pages/VatLobby.aspx Aside from Allenby Bridge Crossing, and for all other Gateways including airports, the following tourist guide is relevant for visitors as defined by the Customs and Tax Authority: https://taxes.gov.il/English/Vat/pages/guides/vat-refund-for-tourists.aspx https://taxes.gov.il/English/customs/PersonalImport/Pages/CustomsTuristGuide.aspx Please note: there is a two-lane customs transit system, one green and the other red, at Ben Gurion Airport and the various Crossing Points. Visitors who do not have goods to be declared may go through the green lane at the exit from the passenger arrival hall.

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Israel Passport Stamp: Restrictions & Updates For 2024

February 2, 2023 | Views: 10,805

The notorious Israel passport stamp problem   has been lingering around for a good few years, adding unwanted stress to the traveller who wants to visit Israel, along with many of the countries around the world that have boycotted the nation.

Will you have a lifetime ban from destinations that don’t have a good rapport with Israel?

Also, will Israeli authorities be shitty to you if you have stamps on your passport from countries who they don’t have a good relationship with?

I also catastrophised about the potential outcomes of an Israel passport stamp. It really isn’t as bad as you think, but it does require some knowledge and planning depending on your situation.

Put that brown paper bag down that you’re breathing into, grab yourself a falafel and let’s navigate the Israel passport stamp puzzle.

Table of Contents

Can I Visit Muslim Countries With an Israel Passport Stamp?

Israel is denounced by a significant amount of Islamic and Arabic nations and therefore recognised as ‘ occupied Palestine. ‘

There are a few notable exceptions such as Egypt and Jordan and there are a couple of countries that still disclaim Israel’s existence as a country, but have dramatically improved their diplomatic relations with them such as Bahrain, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates .

If you have an Israel stamp on your current passport; you can completely forget about a visit to the following countries until your passport runs out:

• Afghanistan
• Iraq (Mainland Iraq, no Iraqi Kurdistan)

The two big changes here are Saudi Arabia and Iran, who now won’t hold any visits to Israel against you and will allow you entrance to their country.

Travelling to mainland Iraq with an Israeli passport stamp is a no-no, but Iraqi Kurdistan is absolutely fine. Another noteworthy mention is Malaysia; you absolutely can enter there with an Israeli stamp, even though the myth continues that you can not.

As you see, it’s not all doom and gloom. I think most of the confusion comes from the fact that 15 Islamic countries have banned Israeli nationals from visiting their countries, but this doesn’t mean that they have banned foreigners who have visited Israel.

Each country is different though, for example, Lebanon takes significant umbrage if they suspect you recently visited Israel before entering. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll deport you.

Still concerned? Couldn’t stomach that falafel due to agonising over your face above a “wanted” sign in your favourite Arabic nation?

I bring more good news…

The Israel Passport Stamp Issue Is No Longer An Issue!

Regardless of what you read in Trip Advisor and angry Reddit forums, Israeli passport stamps have been completely phased out when visiting Israel.

Israel knows which side their pita bread is buttered. Considering the fact they hold the keys to the most religious sites on earth alone, it has a lot to offer in terms of tourism pulling power and it quickly became receptive to the Israeli passport stamp problem.

It responded by replacing the passport stamp with a separate blue entrance slip and a pink exit slip. They leave your passport alone, well in terms of stamping it. They do give it a rigorous check on the way out.

If that piqued your curiosity, let’s talk about that.

Entering Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion Airport)

I was shocked, to say the least upon arrival in Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv at the Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) when the immigration officer barely looked at my passport and welcomed me in with my personalised blue card.

I had heard horror stories of people being interrogated or even sent back on the next plane if they had recently visited Kuwait, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Yemen and I have been to 4/6 of them.

I guess it comes down to the immigration official on the day and how much their knickers are in a twist. So I skipped into Israel, easy-peasy… or so I thought.

Exiting Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion Airport)

Leaving Israel was incredibly intense and a totally different ball game from the experience of entering.

Israel is the most security-conscious place that I have ever been to (USA, Iraq and Afghanistan are noble contenders).

Most international airports require you to be there for at least two hours before your flight leaves. Double that for Israel, or you could be in trouble. They’ll ask you the same questions five times over. They’ll scan your body. They’ll scan your face. They’ll scan your brain. They’ll scan your condoms… that’s right, even your contraception will get proper public surveillance.

Get there at least 4 hours before departure or you could easily miss your flight.

I had my backpack taped up with a strong black masking tape, labelled for further inspection. It was opened up by two officials who asked me a lot of questions like; why I was in Israel. Did I go to Palestine? If so… why? Was I ex-military? Was I Jewish? Arabic? (I can pass for Arabic with a tan and a beard and am often mistaken for one in certain countries).

This continued on 3 different occasions with different officials en route to boarding the plane out of Israel and I genuinely thought I’d miss my flight, or be temporarily detained for further questioning.

Surprisingly for me, the biggest issue for the Israeli immigration officials upon leaving was my 5 stamps in and out of Malaysia. I had recently visited to attend the Thaipusam Festival in Kuala Lumpur and they couldn’t get their head around why I had visited so many times.

This was not my first rodeo with hostile immigration officials. I learned from the best; the USA when they denied my ESTA visa and gave me so many interrogations that I half-expected Jack Bauer to beat a forced confession out of me.

Land Border Crossings in Israel

There are four options to cross the border into and out of Israel:

• The Allenby Bridge (AKA King Hussein Bridge) between Jerusalem in Israel and Jordan’s capital, Amman.
• The Aqaba Border Crossing (AKA Wadi Araba Crossing) between Eilat in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan.
• The Jordan River Crossing (Sheikh Hussein Crossing) between Beit Shean in Israel and the centre of Jordan.
• The Taba Border Crossing (AKA Menachem Begin Crossing) between Eilat in Israel and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

All of the above crossings are relatively easy, with number 3 arguably being the easiest of the 4. In terms of having an Israel passport stamp (you won’t as it’s been phased out), the fact you’re clearly coming from Israel isn’t a big deal to these two countries considering that they have improved diplomatic relations.

However, be aware that you can not go from Israel to Jordan via The Allenby Bridge without obtaining your Jordan visa beforehand.

Just like leaving Israel via air, be prepared to answer any questions about prior travel. Try and keep your cool and stick to the truth; you visited these other countries solely for tourism. You’ll be fine.

Covid-19 Travel Requirements For Israel in 2024

A little bonus category for you. Israel was one of the first countries to enforce strict requirements during the Coronavirus pandemic, however, it opened early in January 2022 and as of May 20th some requirements will be lifted, while some more lenient rules will still apply, such as:

• You will not need to present a negative COVID test upon arrival
• No more PCR mandates
• No more isolation 24 hours after arriving
• Airport mandate of masks to be lifted
• Mask mandate on flights remains in effect

Israel Passport Stamp Problem: A Recap

Unless you are entering another country directly from Israel there is no way to prove that you have been there. Much like visiting North Korea , there is no official stamp on your passport.

Some countries may ask you if you have visited Israel; it’s up to you whether you tell the truth or not. The same goes for if an Israeli immigration official asks you if you have been to certain countries. I told the truth; I simply visited for tourist reasons because I like to travel. It can be uncomfortable but it’s not a fate worse than death, you will be ok.

As it currently stands, it’s never been better than it is right now. I hope this comprehensive guide has finally put you to ease and put the Israel passport stamp problem to bed.

Anthony Middleton

Hi, I'm Anthony!

In November of 2010, I took on a mammoth challenge against the clock in a quest to upgrade my miserable life. I went out of my comfort zone and turned it all around. Ten years later, I’m completely location independent…

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Need to know about Israeli passport stamps in 2024

By Joan Torres 226 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

This post is being regularly updated thanks to the input from some awesome travelers; if you have more up-to-date information, kindly let me know in the comments section

The Israeli passport stamp issue is one of the most discussed topics among people traveling or living  in the Middle East . Across all forums and Facebook groups, people keep on asking all sorts of questions related to this subject, over and over again: 

Will the Israeli authorities stamp my passport?

Am I eligible to enter Dubai or Lebanon with an Israeli stamp?

The fact is that I followed some of these conversations and I was very surprised by the large amount of misleading information that you may find on the internet.

That’s why I have compiled a list that contains the most common FAQ addressing the Israeli passport stamp issue.

And why should you trust me as a source of information?

Well, I’ve been to Israel twice, entering and exiting both by plane and overland, and I have been traveling across the Middle East since 2016.

We always get updates from travelers (check the comments section of this blog) and we organize group expeditions to the Middle East all the time, including to Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Against the Compass is your source.

Of course, I might be wrong because things can change overnight in the Middle East, but the information that you’ll find in this article is verified.

In this Israeli passport stamps guide you will find:

Table of Contents

Does Israel stamp passports?

• Entering Israel via Jordan – Problems and how to avoid them
• Can I visit Israel with an Arab stamp?

Can you visit Israel after Iran?

• Which countries ban Israeli passport stamps?
• I have been Israel but I have a new passport
• Which Muslim countries can you travel with an Israeli passport stamp?
• More Information

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The answer is NO .

Several years ago, Israel stopped stamping passports.

Instead, they give you a card containing all your personal information.

This rule applies to tourists who enter either overland or by air.

Please note that, if you travel to Israel for work purposes, however, you’ll definitely get a visa in your passport.

This is what the immigration card looks like:

Update! Ovda Airport is the secondary international airport in Israel (located in the south). Until very recently, if you flew into Ovda Airport, the Israeli authorities used to stamp your passport but now, since this airport is gaining popularity, especially because budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air are flying in, the authorities no longer stamp foreign passports.

Do you need to keep the Israeli immigration card and show it at your exit?

Yes and no.

The Israeli authorities won’t ask you for this card when you leave Israel.

However, if you enter the West Bank (Palestine)   the soldiers might ask you for this tiny piece of paper.

Please note that if you lose this card, you might not be allowed to enter the West Bank.

Furthermore, some fancier hotels may ask you for this card, as well as some car rental firms. Keep it just in case.

Read: A travel guide to Palestine A travel guide to the Gaza Strip

Entering/exiting Israel via Jordan – Problems and how to avoid them

If you enter/exit overland from/to Jordan, does the Jordanian stamp give evidence that you’ve been to Israel?

Yes, unfortunately, if you enter/exit Jordan overland, the Jordanian stamp says, very loudly, that you spent your holidays in Israel because the stamp would mention the name of that border. 

If you get one of these stamps, your passport is truly f***ed.

Read: Jordan-Israel border crossing: Ultimate guide

Can you avoid a Jordanian overland stamp?

The good news is that the Jordanian authorities are pretty cool and they are all completely aware of the Israeli stamp issue.

There are three Jordanian border crossings : King Hussein Bridge, Wadi Araba and Sheikh Hussein.

At King Hussein bridge, they automatically stamp on a separate piece of paper. However, make sure they do it, just to be on the safe side.

At the two other borders, you must ask for it before giving them your passport.

They will give you an exit form, which you need to fill out, and then you’ll get a stamp on it. 

You should also read: where in the Middle East is safe?

The problem of avoiding the Jordanian stamp

If you avoid your Jordanian entry stamp, it means that, in your passport, you will have just your exit stamp. The question is:

Will the Lebanese authorities notice it or ask any questions?

If you go to Lebanon

It is definitely a problem. The Lebanese authorities tend to check passports thoroughly, to they make sure that you have haven’t been to Israel, and, if they see that you have only one exit stamp for Jordan, they will know the reasons very well, so be careful.

Solution: Travel to Lebanon first and then to Jordan and Israel.

You go to another country

When I was in Tajikistan , I went to the Iranian Embassy in Dushanbe to apply for an Iranian visa .

On my passport, there was clearly only the exit stamp for Jordan, so I was actually a little bit worried that they may ask some questions. However, nothing happened and I just got my visa within the normal timing. 

It may be risky but the truth is that, besides Lebanon, other countries may not look that closely. 

Read: A travel guide to Syria

Can I visit Israel with passport stamps from Arab countries like Dubai or Lebanon, for example?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.

When I traveled to Israel for the first time, I had visas and stamps from Lebanon , Iraq ,  UAE , Pakistan , and Oman .

These are some of Israel’s worse enemies. Did I have any problem? Not at all. At my arrival, they didn’t even check inside my passport.

When I left, before heading to the boarding gate, they just interrogated me for 20-30 minutes, like everyone else. That’s it.

However, this may be not the case for everyone, especially if you enter Israel overland from Jordan, as they are much stricter. Actually, a traveler reported that he was denied his entry into Israel because of his Lebanese visa. Nevertheless, he had been living in Lebanon for several months, working with the Syrian refugees, so his case was sort of special. 

If you have been in Lebanon just for a short holiday, there shouldn’t be any problem but again, reports are very welcome.

Read: How to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan

In the last year, the Iranian visa seems to be the most problematic one for entering Israel. 

A traveler reported that, back in 2016, on arrival at Tel Aviv airport, the Israeli authorities interrogated him for 3 hours for having one.

Then, he entered Jordan and, when he went back to Israel, he had to wait for almost 2 hours due to the same Iranian stamp issue.

As if they wanted to punish him, they then stamped his passport with an Israeli stamp, something very unusual.

Just to let you know that I (and most people) had a completely different experience but, at least, he was allowed to get into the country. 

Moreover, another traveler (EU citizen) reported (March 2018) that he was held for questioning for almost 4 hours at Tel Aviv International airport where, along with other travelers who had an Iranian visa , the authorities checked their social media accounts and posts but, since they didn’t see any problematic content, they let them go. In the end, it was just a waste of time.

Read: 80 Useful tips for visiting to Iran

Which Muslim countries are you not allowed to enter with an Israeli stamp?

Israel has quite a big bunch of enemies and, if you show them any evidence that you’ve been to Israel, either if it’s a stamp, the Lonely Planet or an Israeli Shekel, you’ll be banned from entering this country for the rest of your life. Luckily, you already know how not to get stamped.

Moreover, before traveling to Lebanon or Iran, make sure you get rid of all Israeli evidence. Which Muslim countries are we talking about?

*Iran: According to the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), you can enter Iran with an Israeli stamp (or Jordanian overland stamp) if your last visit was more than 6 months ago. Please note that I have personally verified this.

**Iraq: Not Iraqi Kurdistan

***Sudan: A traveler reported ( January 2020 ) that she had an Israeli visa occupying a full page and still, she managed to get her Sudan visa in Aswan , Egypt.

I have been to Israel but I have a new passport:

Does israel exchange information about travelers with its muslim enemies.

You’ll be surprised, but I get asked this question all the time.

Occasionally, after finding my articles about Lebanon, some people ask me:

Hey, I just left Israel and I’m flying to Beirut through Istanbul. Will the Lebanese authorities know that I’ve been to Israel?  

The answer is very simple: Lebanon and Israel are the worst enemies.

Therefore, how could they possibly exchange any sort of information, especially tourism information?

In which Muslim countries are you eligible to travel even if you have an Israeli stamp?

There are some Arab/Muslim countries where you are allowed to travel, despite having an Israeli stamp:

• Iraqi Kurdistan
• Saudi Arabia *
• United Arab Emirates (Dubai) **

* Saudi Arabia : With the introduction of the e-visa in September 2019, Saudi Arabia’s official e-visa site says: There are no restrictions on the places you have visited prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. You can read it here .

**United Arab Emirates (Dubai): For some years already, the Israeli passport stamp has not been an issue on arrival in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

More useful information for traveling in the region

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East

• Iran Travel Guide
• Palestine Travel Guide
• Syria Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Iraq Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Travel Guide to Oman

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East .

I think that this is all that you need to know regarding Israeli stamps. Please note that bureaucratic matters are continuously changing. I will try to keep this article updated as soon as I am aware of any country’s new policy. If you have any further questions, please leave a comment below. Safe travels!

226 comments

Do you need to keep this card and show it at your exit? YES! The card is actually your visa – it replaces the stamp in your passport (which constitutes a visa in countries that stamp you!) Whenever you would need to prove your legality of stay in Israel, you would need to show a passport and a visa. This goes even when you rent a car, stopped by the police or just go to/from the West Bank. Israel will not need it back, but you need to save the visa paper slip until you are exiting Israel (save it until you get to border control – they don’t need it because they have it on their computers).

thanks, I didn’t know they asked for it when renting a car. I will update the post.

I just gave out a few examples. There are many more: when checking-in to a hotel (usually the larger ones) they might ask to see your visa, to see that you are entitled not to pay VAT (as tourists are exempted. If you don’t have it – you will have to pay extra 17% (VAT) of the price you originally reserved). If you buy in a VAT-refund shop, they will have to see your valid visa to be able to return the VAT., and more…

The main reason why places of businesses such as hotels and rental cars companies is that in Israel, if you are a non-Israeli citizen, you will be exempted of paying VAT (sales tax) on hotels and car rentals. I recommend you take at least a photo of it to show it in case you don’t find it on you.

Also you should know that Israeli citizens entering israel also get this document. Over 1 million Israeli citizens (that is more than 10% of the country population) do not actually live in Israel, and still come as « tourists » but their card will identify them as Israeli citizens S and they will not be given a tax deduction like you were.

The rental places and hotels also ask for it because that is the only way to avoid paying tax. I misplaced mine once and even though I was a foreigner I still had to pay the very hefty local tax. Do not lose it!

Monica there are many Israeli citizens also holding a dual citizenship with a European country, the US, Canada, Argentina, Brazil etc… they still visit israel as tourists but their Israeli citizenship will restrict them from the tax exemption. They are given the same Visa card as you when entering israel except that theirs included the information that they are Israeli citizens with their Israeli citizen identification number (sort of social insurance number) unlike you.

Because the Law of Return allows anyone who has at least a proven Jewish grandparent in the world to claim for Israeli citizenship, that means one could be an Asian-American, an afro-American, or a Hasidic Jew and all could become Israeli citizens with or without speaking Hebrew, so one can not assume you are not Israeli in these conditions.

Yes it’s good to have it to present on exit, but if you lose it you’ll just face a (relatively) minor delay while they look up your entry details. Happened to my colleague (Australian) when leaving Israel last month. It was a minor hassle, but no real drama.

thank you so much. this is golden

Hello you guys,

I wanted to ask if anybody knows how it works to travel to Palestine & Israel with a One-Entry Visa. At the moment I am in Jordan and I would cross the border at King Hussein Bridge. But I am worried that I gonna have issues with coming back to Jordan with my on entry visa. Maybe you guys can help me with your experiences 🙂 thank you

Hi Cindy, most nationalities can just get another visa on arrival.

If you are crossing from Israel to Jordan in the South (Yitzchak Rabin/Wadi Arava crossing) you cannot get a visa on arrival. You need to arrange for it in advance to get into Jordan. Since Jordan and Israel have diplomatic relations that is not an issue. There is an exception is going on a tour.My suggestion is call a Jordanian travel agent. This is what a hotel advised and my husband had no problem calling the day before to arrange it. I think it is quicker than arranging for a visa if you haven’t already done so.

Israelis still stamped my passport at Ovda airport on December 2016.

WOW. I really didn’t know about that. You are actually the first person I’ve ever met who has been to this airport. May I ask why did you land at that airport? Where did you come from? thanks

European low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair use this airport to get people to Israels southernmost city Eilat as Eilat airport can only operate smaller aircrafts. The airport is expected to cease civilian flights once Eilat’s new international airport in Timna opens. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovda_Airport

Yes, many of people I have met have entered Israel via Ovda and they still do stamp. At least that’s what they told me.

Hi! I have a question, do you mean that if I have the border card and I enter overland from Jordan (let say, King Hussein Bridge), then there is no need to apply for Israeli visa?? And I’m Malaysian (not allowed to enter Israel unless we join pilgrimage tour) residing in Jordan.

Hi Katelyn, I never talked about the Israeli visa but anyways, I don’t know what would be the situation for Malaysians, as most nationalities don’t need a visa for Israel

Do you know if you can travel to the UAE with a pasport in which it says that they’re born in Israel and they currently live there too? I know several Israelis who’ve had a layover there (but didn’t leave the airport – something they aren’t allowed to do in Lebanon and Iran) and everything went fine. I’m just wondering if they can actually enter the country…

Hello Crissy, yes, I also know a few Israeli people who did a layover in Dubai, without any problem. However, I also don’t know if they can enter the country… In Lebanon and Iran you could not, for sure… But Dubai… Sorry, I am not 100% sure, so I can’t give you an answer

Hi! What about a short, 1-2 days long trip to Petra, from Eilat? Do you think, that when I ask on a border, Jordanians will not stamp my passport both on entry and exit crossing?

Hi Marcin. No. If you ask for it, they won’t stamp it, definitely 🙂

– I was interrogated by border police during 3+ hours upon my arrival at Tel Aviv airport due to an Iranian stamp in my passport. Unlike your experience they DID check every page of my passport (I am an EU citizen). – When entering Israel from Aqaba, Jordan, we had to wait again for another 1-2h due to the same Iranian stamp. They stamped our passport without asking us if we preferred the extra card (and we did not really have the opportunity to tell them either as they kept our passport in their office during the time we waited at the border control). Both events occurred in 2016.

Hi Martin, sorry to hear that! I am actually very surprised to hear it! But thank you for the info, I will add it in the post as extra measure

Hi I want to travel to eilat i am muslim but i have EU passport will they stamp my passport,

Hi, in Israel there’s a huuge Muslim community living, so they are used to deal with Muslim people. I am sure you will be subjected to many questions but I don’t think they would stamp your passport just because you are Muslim or have a Muslim name. However, you should better ask this to other Muslims who have been there, to see if they had a different treatment. Cheers,

Ahssi, if you come through the airport you won’t get stamped, regardless of your religion. You MAY be subjected to a lot of questions, and you just as well may be not. If you would be asked a lot of questions, just answer them politely – they are for your and everyone safety.

I travelled from Israel to Jordan, back to Israel then on to Egypt then back to Israel just this week on a tour. You cross to Jordan through Wadi Araba crossing, they stamped my passport. I didn’t know you could ask them not to. You go through Taba border crossing to Egypt. They definitely stamp your passport both ways. So any immigration official will know you came from Israel. I don’t think you can ask them not to stamp your passport as they seem very officious. I have a photo of the stamp but can’t see how to upload it to your feed.

Hi Heather, thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, you should ask beforehand but I just was informed by a traveler that, even at Wadi Arabia, they stamped it on the way back to Israel. Perhaps things have changed now?

Hi. I am having a clinical clerkship in a hospital in Beirut for a month during summer. I’m a medical student with a passport from a Scandinavian country. After my clerkship I want to go to Jordan and then Israel. Do you think I will have problems with entering Israel due to staying in Beirut for a month for non-tourism reasons?

Thank you in advance.

First, which kind of visa do you have? Do you just have a stamp? Most people can get a tourist visa free for 30 days. If you just have a stamp, there’s nothing to worry about. If you do have a different stamp or sticker, I also entered Israel with a residence visa for the United Arab Emirates. They asked me many questions but I didn’t get into any trouble

Hi Joan I will arrive in Jordan through the airport. As you know the Jordanian visa is for a month. Then I will leave and cross the Allenby Bridge and stay for 2 months. Then I will go back to Jordan and exit through the airport. My point is I want to go to Syria and maybe Iraq. Won’t Syria get suspicious if they see a Jordanian exit stamp 2 or 3 months later even if I escape Israeli stamps?

Israel does not deny entry for people based on where they were. You can expect to be asked a lot of questions, and you must answer them all truthfully and politely, no matter how silly they seem. The questions are designed to find out whether you are telling the truth, and as long as your purpose in visiting Israel is tourism and not any other activity, you should have no problems at all.

I entered Israel with an Iranian visa in my passport in March 2018. I was held for questioning at Tel Aviv airport for 4 hours. The actual interview only took 15 minutes, the rest of the time was just waiting (luckily with free wifi!). I had to explain why I went to Iran, if I’m still in contact with people there, how I met them etc. Some other people waiting in room for the same kind of reasons had to unlock their phones and show their social media accounts. I guess the waiting time is completely random, depending on the amount of people they have to interview. On my way out I got the same kind of questions, just not the 4 hour waiting time. There I also had to explain why I went to Malaysia and if I still have contacts there etc.

FYI, EU citizen and passport.

Hi there, thanks for the heads up. It’s really a mix of different stories and experiences and I believe it all depends on the current political/diplomatic situation between both countries. In March, there was some tension between both countries on Syrian territory, so that might explain why. I don’t know, I just guessing 🙂 but what is true is that, if you have the Iranian stamp, you need to be aware that this might happen!

hello i have a qwestion . if my wife she is a korean but living in israel with israeli visas on he korean pasport. is there can be a problem for her to go to malesya or indonesia with that pasport? thank you

Hi Eli, I am not sure about visas… This post is more aimed at people who travel to Israel, hence they may get a stamp. I don’t know about the full page working visa because I have never lived or worked there 🙂

Hi, I was wondering if you knew whether it is possible to travel to Egypt after visiting Israel, and vice versa?

Yes, it is possible, no problem

If after means straight after and crossing by land be careful : if you enter through the Taba land border you won’t be able to go beyond Sinai. If you want to visit the rest of Egypt (e.g. Cairo) you need to either fly to Egypt or to go to Aquaba and take a boat to Nuweiba – which can be quite an adventure but also fun.

thanks for confirming, it starts to get confusing after a while! looks like I may start my journey in Tel Aviv then!! thanks for all the advice on this site by the way, super useful!

Hello, I have been traveling to Israel two years ago from Berlin for work (visiting customers, mainly universities) with a German passport and I DID have a complete check and got a very bad “evaluation” ( I mean, the yellow sticker starting with 5, I think) because I was a single women traveling to Israel. My passport had a stamp from UAE at that time. That and a single women is an obvious sign for danger :-). I had the same problem on the way back. The first check in Berlin has not been a 15 minutes check only, they even took my backback in Berlin and have checked it behind a closed curtain! I was not able to see it what they were doing. Next time I´m going to ask a German policeman if they are really allowed to do this. I mean check bags behind curtains. There is an existing bias agains single women traveling to Israel, which has been confirmed by other travellers at the airport too. Do you have any advise on this? In June I have to travel again the same way. Now I have an additional stamp from Egypt. I will see what has been changed. I have asked for an invitation letter from our customers now to make it more simple. I was wondering if I should travel maybe with my Hungarian passport becasue that only has my US entries included mainly, but decided to keep to the German, maybe that would be confusing for the Israelis, if they somehow see I have several passports. Well I must say, I´m worried what will happen the next time

You cannot really avoid this when leaving Israel. I’m living here for 5 years and every time get a 5. When going to Israel: Don’t fly El Al. Ever. They’re the only ones who humiliate single travelers at the airport for hours. If you fly any other carrier, there may or may not be special checks which are usually much faster.

hey! thank you for this awesome article! I found it extremely helpful. I have a question that might sound extremely stupid, but others can be in my situation. I have no israeli stamps in my passport, but I have the stickers from tel aviv airport and anotherone from allenby bridge on the back cover of my passport, does those count as stamps? Would those two stickers create problem if I go to Tunisia for work? Or is Tunisia still allowing people with Israeli stamps?

Do you know if I will have any consequences if I take the stickers away from my passport and then go to Israel again?

Hi Dan, I don’t really know what stickers are you talking about. How did you get them? Do you mind sending to a pic to my private email? Or just tell me what kind of sticker is it. That would be very helpful so I can update the post accordingly, thanks!

Hey, I have several friends who have crossed the border to Israel multiple times and removed the sticker afterwards. They haven’t had any problems with it. Like Balerina said below: it seems to be just for security at the airport so they know how seriously to question you.

thanks for the clarification!

If I cross from Jordan directly into the West Bank to visit Ramallah, and then cross back to Jordan on my way home – this way there’s no incriminating stamp, right? I only want to visit the West Bank during a longer stay in Amman, will not put a foot in Israel. This would be okay, right, in terms of later being able to visit Lebanon?

Hi Kate, you’ll have the border crossing stamp, which says you used to Israeli-Jordanian border

Hi Dan, i have just removed my sticker from the cover of my passport 🙂 , i was lucky because it was actually not on the passport. I do not think it is something official, probably it just helps the guys working at the security at the airport to cathegorize you and treat you accordingly

Hello , im planning to travel to Israel, from Cairo to Tel Aviv by Air, will the immigration stamp my passport? Or tell them not to do so. by the way im working in Saudi Arabia.

no, they don’t stamp it

I emailed you, but just saw that I could post here. I need advice regarding travel from Saudia Arabia to Israel via Jordan and back again. My husband works for a large company in Riyadh and I live in Israel. Husband has several passports including one with a Saudi work visa. I know he will get an entry stamp from Jordan when he arrives at the airport, and he will need when when he leaves from the airport to return to Riyadh. The question is, how does he safely exit and re-enter Jordan at the Sheikh Hussein crossing? BTW – he will be entering and exit Israel on his Israeli passport.

Thank you for your assistance. This trip will be in a couple of weeks!

Hi Cathy, sorry but I don’t understand. What do you mean by re-entering to Jordan safely? What do you understand by safely? thanks

Without jeopardizing his return to Saudi Arabia. That is the main concern.

If he uses his U.S. Passport with the Saudi Work Visa to enter Jordan, he will get a stamp in it. (Or should he use his other U.S. passport?). Then he will be getting a taxi to Sheikh Hussein where he will get an exit stamp (?). He will then enter and exit Israel with his Israeli passport. He will return to Saudi Arabia via Jordan, and he will need to buy a second visa at the border. He will also need to get an exit stamp in or on something (which passport?) from Jordan. He can only get back into Saudi with his Saudi visa.

I am thinking that he only uses the Passport with Saudi Visa to leave Saudi, to check onto the Queen Aliyah passport for his flight back and when entering Saudi again. It would then only have an exit and entry mark from Saudi and nothing else in it. Would that work or will Jordan require a passport with an exit stamp when HEB first flies into Jordan?

I realize this is a very unusual situation!

Hola, acabo de encontrar tu página y me está resultando de mucha utilidad.En septiembre viajo con mi hija de 22 años a Jordania, 10 días por nuestra cuenta. Estamos barajando la posibilidad de visitar Jerusalem, ya que estamos muy cerca. Alquilaremos un coche para nuestro recorrido por Jordania. Mi pregunta es, dejar el coche aparcado en la frontera jordana, pasar a Jerusalem, visitarla y regresar a Jordania el mismo día. Es verdad que es un poco precipitado, pero no tenemos más tiempo, y supongo que en un día podriamos ver lo mas importante de Jerusalem. Lo ves posible? o es demasiado precipitado. Muchas gracias por tu información. Saludos

Hola Pedro, es un poco precipitado, pero podría ser factible si es que llegáis a primera hora de la mañana y al cruzar vais a Jerusalén en taxi, aunque puede que el taxi sea un poco caro. También ten en cuenta que la frontera cierra sobre las 7-9, más o menos, aunque no sé a qué hora exactamente

I just want to give a general follow-up comment to my original post regarding travel between Jordan and Israel when Passport Holder needs to return to Saudi Arabia for work.

I spoke with an official at the Jordanian Embassy in Israel and he advised that when exiting Jordan at Sheikh Hussein Border, tell him NOT to put an exit stamp on the passport and show him your return ticket to Saudi Arabia. There should be no problem. I know that Israel will not stamp either.

My husband will be using his U.S. passport with Saudi Visa for all entries and exits except for entering and exiting Israel, when he is required legally to use his Israeli passport.

thanks for the follow-up! So does this mean that you will only have one entry stamp for Jordan? Won’t this be suspicious at Saudi Arabia’s eyes? Or are you planning to come back to Jordan through the same border and exit through Saudi overland?

The only thing that will be in U.S Passport with Saudi Visa will be an exit and an entry from Saudi, and an exit and entry from Jordan at Queen Alia Airport.

The other alternative is to only use that passport to enter and exit Saudi Arabia; the same way we use our Israeli passport, and our U.S. Passport.

Yesterday though we were looking at our U.S. passports and noticed that neither of them had any U.S. entry or exit stamps in it. I have read there are a number of countries which don’t stamp anymore. I will update after he completes this trip!

I was planning to fly in to Tel Aviv, travel in Palestine before crossing into Jordan for a few days before flying to Lebanon. I’m a bit worried now that the lack of an entry stamp into Jordan will prevent me from entering Lebanon. Would it be better for me to avoid the overland crossing into Jordan and fly from Tel Aviv to Amman instead?

Yes. Unfortunately, that would be a risk, so it would be wiser to fly or just visiting Lebanon first

Just wanted to update everyone about it my husband’s recent travel from Saudi Arabia to Israel through Jordan via the Sheikh Hussein crossing. As I mentioned before, my husband, who is a dual U.S. /Israeli citizen arrived in Israel with no problem. He used his U.S. Passport with Saudi Visa only for exiting Saudi Arabia, his other U.S. Passport with Israeli visa for exiting Jordan, and his Israeli visa for the entering Israel.

He returned today but this time, when he entered Jordan, they told him he had to use his Israeli visa to enter and exit because he could only use one passport. He spoke with the Jordanian Commander who told him that Saudi Arabia doesn’t care about second passports; all they care is that he has a U.S. Passport with a visa to enter Saudi Arabia and they don’t look at anything else.

That proved to be the case. He said all they really did was check his fingerprint when he returned to make sure it was the same person coming in that had previously exited.

I am travelling to Israel in November and using Abraham tours to have 3 da tour of Jordan. My question is, if I were to ask the border officials to not stamp my passport will they abide? is this difficult or a relatively easy ask? If they do not agree and stamp my passport will I still be able to travel to countries like Dubai and Malaysia?

If you enter via Tel Aviv airport, they will never stamp it. That’s the rule

Hi I am Shakib, i am a Bangladeshi and i want to go to Jerusalem. Is it possible to enter Israel as a Bangladeshi passport holder? I know i can’t from Bangladeshi airport. But is it possible to another country with Bangladeshi passport? Please give me this information and Thank you so much for your information.

Thank you very much for your reply. My query is more around when I cross the border to visit Jordan for 3 days – will the Jordanian authorities stamp my passport and could I ask them not to?

Thanks in advance

Hi, If I enter Israel from King Hussein Bridge, will Jordan stamp my passport? Will Israel stamp my passport? Will Israel stamp my passport if I leave the country from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport? Also, when I enter to Jordon, can I ask the officer to not stamp my passport (I will enter from Aqaba and I don’t want just 1 Jordanian stamp on my passport)? Thanks

Hi, all your questions are answered here in detail but, in short, Israel doesn’t stamp and, at Aqaba, if you ask, jordan will not stamp either: https://againstthecompass.com/en/crossing-jordan-israel-border/

Israel stamped my passport entering at Aqaba and again departing at the Jordan River. I asked them not to at both locations and they did it anyway. I’m happy to send you a picture.

Hello. Yes, I would be happy to send you a picture. When did this happen by the way? Did this happen to other travelers as well?

Interesting. In 2017, the Israeli Side of the border crossing in Eilat was already completely equipped with the new system of blue/red entry/exit slips. I have not seen anyone running around with a stamp on the Israeli side and also have not heard that anyone else got a stamp. The Jordans stamp your passport, of course, if you don’t tell them not to.

Hi were travelling from India to turkey and then to Israel by airWe specifically requested the Israeli consulate to issue us a paper e visa instead of the regular sticker visa on the passport but sadly sadly they didn’t pay heed to our request and put a visa sticker on our passports.How much trouble will this cause in future travels is the question that haunts us now.We are frequent travellers but do not plan to travel to Lebanon,Syria, Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Kuwait, We may travel to Saudi Arabia,Iran,Lebanon in times to come but not really on our bucketlist/cardsAny advice will be more than welcome.

Hi, if you are traveling to Lebanon or Saudi Arabia and you have evidence that you’ever been to Israel then you should get a new passport. It’s as simple as that

I will be crossing at Taba into Eliat then taking the king hussein/alleby border crossing to Jordan. My main concern is that i have a return flight home with Saudi Air and a layover in Jeddah. So my question is will i face a problem taking my flight at either Jordan or Saudi Immigration? Note: 1. I only want to layover in Jeddah and not exit the airport. 2. My passport is expiring anyway so I do not really care about Israel stamp unless it will pose a problem for my return flight home. Your help is much appreciated!

Hi Nish, I don’t think you will have any problem, as you will not technically enter Saudi. Actually, I know from quite a few Israelis who have done layovers in Dubai and it was all right.

If I fly from Tel Aviv to Aqaba, then Egypt, then Lebanon, will there be any evidence in my passport of having been in Israel? (Starting from the US) I know they do not stamp passports at Ben Gurion airport anymore, but I’m a little confused about the entry stamp upon entering Jordan. I will be flying, so not crossing any of the land borders, but when I arrive in Aqaba and they stamp my passport, will there be any indication of where I came from? I assumed since Israel doesn’t stamp the passport, the first thing that would show up is an entry stamp for Jordan, then exit from Jordan, entry to Egypt, exit from Egypt. Would it just appear that I came to Jordan from the US, then went to Egypt, and then to Lebanon?

You can fly to Aqaba from many places, so I guess you will have a stamp from Aqaba airport which has nothing to do with Israel. However, this is a new situation for me, so I can’t guarantee 100%.

Hello Joan In your article, you mention that how to avoid a Jordanian stamp shows that you have been to Israel,but what about the opposite direction? For example, I will enter Amman two weeks later, and plan to leave Jordan at the Yitzak Rabin Border Crossing, how to avoid a Jordanian exit stamp? Looking for your reply. Fabio

Hi Fabio, you should just ask the authorities not to stamp. That’s it

just to add one information, for many countries (like India), citizen of which require a pre-approved visa to enter Israel (even for tourism), there is no option of getting rid of the visa stamp in your passport. This is my personal experience. Israel embassy gives a visa pasted in your passport. So for them (like us, Indians) there is no point whether the immigration officer stamp your passport or not.

Yep, so true!

I recently spoke to the Qatar Embassy (in the UK) and you are correct in saying the Israel stamp is not an issue for those wishing to enter Qatar.

A very helpful article on a confusing issue but I would still always advise ringing the appropriate embassy before making assumptions.

Great Francis, and thank you for double checking 🙂

Just a small correction, Lebanon is not a Muslim country and could only be considered as Arab. You could fix that in your article. Thank you.

Hi, I’m spending a couple of days in Tel Aviv before flying to Beirut via Greece. I was just wondering about the questioning when passing security. Should I just say that I’m planning to go to Beirut after my trip in Tel Aviv if they ask me about my itinerary? Or would that just cause problems for me?

Why should you tell them you go to Beirut if there is no way for them to know 🙂 ?

I went to Israel in 2015 but have renewed my passport this year. I am planning to go to Lebanon this year – will they be able to tell from scanning my passport that I’ve been to Israel??

i don’t think so 🙂

If I fly from Istanbul to Tel Aviv for two days visit then fly back to Istanbul, I assume my passport will be stamped by the Turkish immigration officers when leaving and flying back to Istanbul.

I am worried some smart custom officers from those countries which have issues with people visiting Isreal may work out I visited Isreal from the two Turkish exit and entry stamps.

What do you think?

They can’t know. They may assume but they have no proof that you flew to Tel Aviv and possibilities of flying somewhere else are endless. Also, if you are doing a layover in Istambul, they won’t stamp your passport.

Hi Joan! So is it more likely to get a Jordanian entry stamp if I do an overland border crossing from Israel to Jordan than a over air one? What is the best method/route to do so? Thanks!

Hi Diane, if you fly in, you won’t get any Israeli evidence, whereas if you overland you may do

Hello! In April, I will be flying in to Amman for 9 days. During that stay, I want to go to Jerusalem through the Allenby crossing. I understand that my Jordanian visa will still be valid because it will be under 2 weeks old, and I will be going through the same crossing going in and out of Jerusalem. I will be visiting Dubai and Kuwait afterwards (I will not be able to visit them before Jerusalem).

However my question is regarding the stamping. I will ask the Israeli authorities not to stamp my passport…how about the Jordanian ones? I do not want them stamping an exit and entry because this will show that I went out of the country by land during my stay. Can I simply ask them not to stamp both ways? Also, my Jordanian visa will show two-entries…will that not raise flags as well? Or do I toss out the Jordanian visa after I leave the country?

In our understanding, Allenby border (Jordan site) is not stamping by default, so you wouldn’t have any problem. Since you are coming back to Jordan, you have the entry and exit stamp from Queen Alia airport. The common issue people face is when they leave Jordan but don’t plan to come back, as then they only have 1 entry stamp, so it is clear that you actually entered from Israel 🙂

Hi Hana! Im planning a one day visit to Jerusalem from Amman, crossing the border by the Allenby Bridge. I’ve heard you need to get a VISA to enter Israel through that bridge, it that right? how can i get it? Or i can just get to the border and do all the paperwork there? Whats the easiest way to get to the border? I live in Kuwait so i will have Kuwaiti stamps, do you know if it will be a problem?

Thank you so much!

Hi Xavi, Israeli visas are issued at the border, no need for paperwork. As per the Kuwait stamps, you’ll definitely be questioned but you should be fine

I’ll be visiting the middle east soon Egypt, UAE and Saudi arabia in that order. I have friends in Israel that I would like to visit before I go to Egypt.

I will have a saudi visa stamp for “Umrah” which allows me to visit the holy sites.

Will this be a problem when visiting Israel? I am an arab with a muslim background.

Where is your passport from? I know that some Arabs with foreign passports have had some issues in Israel… so I can’t really tell. It all depends on the questioning I believe…

is worth a try? Are there any ways I could make the process easier so to speak? I can answer what ever questions and I am open for them to check my social media etc but not my messages which I heard they can sometimes ask for.

I also can provide the contacts of my Israeli friends.

If I had nothing to hide, I would definitely try

Hi, I intend to fly from Cairo to Amman and then exit via Aqaba (Wadi Araba). So, I will get an entry stamp but will I get stamped upon exit? Be it whether they are now stamping it on the passport or separately? Please advise, thanks!

Getting stamped at the Jordanian border is optional

Thanks however if I only have an entry stamp but no exit stamp that will be suspicious too. And if I get stamped at Aqaba, it will also be obvious where I went (Israel).

Yes. Your concern is also covered in the article. Please, read the respective section

just saying but one day I did a change of flight in Zurich, going to Canada, before they introduced their new taxes). I was coming from Brussels, nothing in my papers stated I was going to Canada. I did not even show my ticket. The security lady told me “safe travel to Canada”. So they do know where you go. And even when countries are worst enemies, they do exchange infos about travellers.

And your statement is based on what? Lebanon and Israel don’t exchange info about travelers

Hola,leo mucho to blog,tengo una pregunta,dispongo de 2 pasaportes(Italia y Argentina) y posiblemente en los proximos meses tenga el 3er (Usa) Tengo pensando hacer un viaje desde Filipanes para el oeste.Mi pregunta capaz que tonta pero es la siguiente,puedo usar los pasaportes a mi favor para digamos eludir visas o bajar costos de visa? Tambien un poco para eludir el tema del conflicto sello de Israel vs paises musulmanes?

Hola Luciano, claro, podrías viajar por Jordania e Israel con tu pasaporte italiano pot ejemplo, y después usar tu argentino para entrar en países que puedan entrar en conflicto

Does the problem work the other way? I.e. I have a Jordanian and Syrian Entry/exit stamp in my passport from 2009 ( passport expires 2023) and would really love to go to Israel. Will I encounter any border problems?

no, there is no problem

I travelled overland from Egypt to Israel (via Taba). I would like to visit Lebanon, but will they know—because I have the Taba exit stamp—I’ve been to Israel? Can I say I needed the stamp for a Red Sea cruise? Or will I be banned from visiting?

But Taba border is the landborder with Israel right? If you enter Egypt by sea from Jordan, would you get the same stamp? I don’t think so…

17, 2019 AT 3:14 PM Hi I am an Indian Passport holder, can you please guide me how can I get a B2 Visa out of my Pass Port.Since i am working in the Middle East an Israel visa in my passport will create issues.

for this kind of questions, you should contact your embassy

I have a US passport with Saudi work visa. I’ve traveled extensively throughout Israel on a previous passport with Israeli visa. However, I’ve never flown from KSA to ISR. My question is more specific as to how you would recommend flight routing from Riyadh to Tel Aviv. Would you book Riyadh to Amman, stay for a couple of days while booking Amman to Tel Aviv, and then fly to ISR? Or would it be possible to fly into and out of Amman on the same day? The problem I see with that is that I would have an entry and exit stamp in Jordan the same day…if that’s even a problem. Thanks!

Hi Rush, perhaps, if you do a layover you won’t get the stamp because you will go straight top transfers. In any case, I don’t see it would be a problem in having the same day Jordanian stamp. There is absolutely no proof that you had been to Israel

I am a Philippine passport holder and I am currently in Israel for vacation. I extended my visa for 1month and the Ministry of Interior unexpectedly pasted the B2 visa on my passport. Now my issue is ,I am travelling back to Dubai under tourist visa. I have been living and working in Dubai for 12 years and my contract was finished so i took vacation for awhile. Would I have a problem entering Dubai now? Hope someone can enlighten me.

traveling to Dubai with an Israeli visa is not a problem anymore

Hi I am a Pakistani Passport holder, can you guide me how can I visit Jerusalem, you must be aware of all the facts and questions I have in mind when I mentioned Pakistani passport. we will be traveling as a group of friends and family. any specific tour operator who can facilitate us? how can we avoid stamps on our passport?

Hi Yahya, I seriously doubt that Pakistanis can visit Israel

Your first problem is that the Pakistani government restricts visits to Israel – the Pakistani passport is not valid to Israel – as it is printed on it by the Pakistani govrnment. Secondly, once you acquired permission, you need to apply for a tourism visa to Israel in the nearest Israeli consulate to you (no Israeli consulates in Pakistan, as there are no diplomatic relations). But frankly, I don’t think you’d get permission from the Pakistani government in the first place.

Unfortunately I studied under a program in Jordan that needed visa renewal, so we had to show evidence of re-entry into Jordan, and the group that I was with chose to travel to Israel via the King Hussein bridge crossing. So I have King Hussein border crossing stamps in my passport.

I don’t have any Israeli stamps, but with the King Hussein stamps will that restrict me from entrance into all the Muslim countries that you listed (Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Iran*, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia), or will the King Hussein stamp only restrict me from Lebanon?

Well, if you the authorities recognize that stamp you will be banned, yes. If you are planning to travel to any of those countries you should make a new passport

Dear Joan, Thanks much for your information they are really helpful. Allow me to ask a few questions just to clarify.

1. I am planning to visit Jordan, Israel and Iran in May-June. I plan to fly in to Anman from Egypt, cross the border to Israel through King Hussein and fly out of Tel Aviv via Turkey to Teheran. I understand that I can try to manage not to get Jordan exit stamp at King Hussein and obtain a visa card for Israel instead of a stamp. This means I would only have entry stamp of Jordan. It seems not much of a problem for entering Iran, correct? I have also obtained an Iran visa already at a local Iran embassy.

2. I was stupid enough to mention that I may go to Iran in an email to a Jerusalem hostel i was planning to stay (though I sent a subsequent mail saying I changed my plan.) I am not sure how much of a secret service society Israel is, but would there be any possibility that the hostel may inform border officers that I am a dangerous person and stamp my passport instead of giving a visa card upon entering Israel at King Hussein?

3. When flying out of Tel Aviv to Iran, should I purchase the flights (Tel Aviv-Istanbul and Istanbul-Teheran) separately in order to avoid nuisance at the immigration at Tel Aviv airport, which I have heard is nightmarish to begin with? The thing is it would be cheaper to purchase a fly-through (Tel Aviv-Istanbul-Teheran), but I am not sure if the immigration would check my tickets and interrogate me.

Apologies for the trouble but your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Dear Sara, here my replies: 1 – If you already have your visa, it is quite unlikely that the authorities will check your passport notice that you only have an entry stamp for Jordan. I mean, it could happen of course but, if I was you, I would expect they don’t. 2 – I seriously doubt it and, in any case, they will know that you go to Iran because they will check your passport and see your visa, which may lead to additional questions, that’s it. Do go to the airport as early as possible upon your exit 3 – It is always better to buy them separetly but again, they will know that you are going to Iran because they will see the visa

I can`t thank you more for your quick and kind reply. It means so much to me as this would be my last chance to travel extensively due to physical reasons. Plus, I intend to go to South Africa after Iran and the flight from Teheran to Joburg is quite expensive that I did not want to purchase it unless I know for sure I can visit Iran. (Not sure if I can make a purchase from skyscanner in Iran using VPN – can I?)

I was really scared of the situation regarding Q2, because when I called one of the five-star hotels in Jerusalem to ask about Q3 (since I had no idea who to ask and that was my best bet to get a reply in decent English), the concierge immediately changed his attitude and hang up as if he was talking to a political criminal.

FYI, Iran visa now is given as a separate sheet of paper (e-visa, as they call it). At least that’s the case with the Iran embassy in Japan. I have seen a blog article by a Japanese guy who mentioned he got the same type of visa upon applying for arrival visa at Teheran airport recently. Not sure if it applies to all nationalities but Iran government may be working in a similar way as Israelis to attract more tourists by reducing their inconvenience after visiting Iran. So i will try to conceal that visa sheet as much as possible at the security check at Tel Aviv airport.

Hi Joan, My partner, our 6 year old son and I are starting quite an extensive trip around the Middle East in Israel. After Israel we are flying from Tel Aviv to Cairo directly with Air Sinai. When we arrive at Cairo Airport will our arrival stamp in our passport state that we have entered from Israel like the land border stamp does or is it just a generic arrival stamp ? If it does specify that we’ve come from Israel it would cause us major problems later in our trip. Thanks for your help and thanks for the web-site, it contains lots of great information.

Hey there, you will just get a regular Egypt stamp, so no problem at all

Wow, you really do respond fast! Thanks for the answer, you’ve put my mind at rest, much appreciated.

Hi Joan ! I’m french and i had troubles in the Israeli boarders because of my arabic stamps. I had an iranian stamp, three lebanese and i was coming from Egypt. I was interrogated for almost 10 hours. They were so suspsicious, I had to show everything, they checked all my navigation history and so on. They asked me really weird questions for exemple : why do you have a beard, why have you cut it recently ? (The funny thing is that all israeli in Sinai have got very long beard because of this hippy community there :D). Why do you go to Middle east (I travelled all around the wolrd but they focus only about that :P). They asked me also about my religion (i’m christian). That was so stressful because they were REALLY agressive to me. I havn’t do anything bad (i’m not an anti israeli activist for example). Then after 10 hours, they denied my visa and I couldn’t enter. I had to come back to Egypt..; And all that without any explanation ! So they do care a lot about stamps, i think it depends on your luck… I was maybe really unlucky !

Hey Jas, wow I am really sorry for what happened to you! I am also surprised somehow, as you are the first person who tells me something like that but thank you, I will let people know that there are some cases where your entry to Israel may be denied. Can I ask you when did this happen? And also, did they find anything when they checked your navigation history, or is there anything else you know that may be relevant?

It happens in Taba, last summer (June 2018). No they didn’t ! Maybe they were suspicious because i stayed in Egypt for two semesters in the Caire University (i made an exchange program with my university in France in the politcial science department there). Maybe they were suspicious because i’m learning arabic (but i want to work in the future for NGOs in the middle east in order to help refugees and so on…). Futhermore, normally there are no problem between Egypt and Israel… I tried to contact the Israeli embassy in France but i’v never got an answer. So i really don’t know why ! I’m a normal guy who loves moutains and different cultures haha, nothing strange :P. I found several people on internet which were denied but usually it is linked with an anti israeli activism. For instance if you support the bds campaign you won’t enter if they discover it.

At the boarder it was so stressful, i was interwiewed at least four times, and one time it was more than two hours.

Last but not least, they stamped my passport with an israeli stamp (and written entry denied) so they destroyed it :'(. That’s why i found your article because I’m coming back to the Middle east and i wanted to see in which country i can’t go with this shitty passport.

Hello, I would like to ask if you have problem travelling to Jordan if you have travel in Israel before. I have also Lebanon stamp to my passport. Thanks.

Please, read the article. It is clearly answered there plus in the many comments

I didn’t mention, my passport is italian.

Hello Joan, I am planning to go from Amman to Jerusalem through King Hussein Border Crossing and come back to Amman (flights will be a/r from Amman). Since I travel a lot in the gulf region for work (especially Dubai) I would rather avoid the Israeli stamps. Is it reasonable to expect to to avoid the exit stamp at the jordanian border, then the entry stamp to Israel and then again the exit from Israel and the entrance stamp to Jordan? Your opinion would be of great help to me. My passport is Italian.

Hi Dario, Israel doesn’t stamp your passport, so the only issue would be having an entry stamp from Jordan only (via airport). Id you are so worried about it, just fly in and out from Amman, it is that simple

I didnt explain myself well: I will be flying from Dubai to Amman, then I plan the overland trip to Jerusalem. I will cross Jordanian/Israeli border twice at King Hussain Bridge (to go to Jerusalem and to come back to Amman). Is it reasonable to avoid the 4 stamps involved in this border crossing?

OK, yes, it is possible. When I crossed the border, I asked the Jordanians not to stamp it and they didn’t and I know many travelers who also didn’t get the stamp, but you need to make sure to ask for it. However, if you don’t want to risk it, you would need to fly from Amman to Tel Aviv

Hi Joan, Thank you very much for your answers. Still something I wanted to ask you (maybe more delicate than the 4 border crossing): I am Italian, resident in UAE and I have 2 Iranian Tourist Visa on my passport (one in 2015 and another one in 2016) as well as 5 Omani Visas and 1 Qatari Stamp. I work for a company based in Dubai and operating in many arab countries (not in Iran). Do you think a rejection in Israel is highly probable?

Here the last question: in case I’d be rejected, is it preferable if it happens at the land border or at the airport? Someone told me that being at the border in that situation is preferable since I can easily re-enter Jordan, while at the airport is somehow more “traumatic”. What’s your thoughts on this? Is there any chance (in one of the two cases) that they don’t stamp the entry denial on the passport? Thank you again. Dario

Hi Dario, regarding your first question, there is a probability of rejection, yes, but, in most cases, you will be OK to go. This article has been read by thousands and thousands of people and very very few have reported me that their entrance was rejected, while the vast majority were OK to go.

I was also an expat living in Dubai for 3 years and, when I traveled to Israel, I also had several Omani stamps, Egypt, Lebanon etc. They questioned me for a long time but I was OK to get in.

You will never know but, if that helps, people I know who got rejected were regular backpackers who stayed for long periods of time in Lebanon and Iran. You are an expat living in Dubai, so they know your type of profile, which is less suspicious.

As per your second question, ALL travelers I met who got rejected were trying to cross overland. In fact, the land border is where you get the largest amount of questions and where they are more suspicious. If you got rejected, I don’t know where would be better, but at least, in the land border would be cheaper as you wouldn’t need to book a flight

Hi , I guessa silly question. I am just passing throught Tel Aviv Airport. I have ticket from DEL to YYZ with a stopover in Tel Aviv- without going out of airport. DO I still need Israel Visa? Thanks,

Most Western nationalities don’t need a visa. I don’t know your passport, but if you don’t come from Europe, North America, Japan, Korea, etc., you should check with your embassy

I m from India and not on the list of country which do not need visa. DO I need visa even for coming out of plane and taking another flight out of same airport..thanks

I don’t know specific visa requirements for Indians or other nationalities. Please contact the embassy

Got email reply.. India passport holders do not need visa if staying on airport for less than 24 hrs….unlike USA. Must hv onward journey visa.

Hello, Brilliant article, thanks for providing so much detail. Just to clarify (I’m being a bit paranoid): I visited Tel Aviv last year (they didn’t stamp my passport). Can I visit Lebanon without any troubles? There’s no proof that I visited Israel on my passport but this information might be stored somewhere as they scanned it…

Many thanks, Chloe

Hello, I’m wondering if you cross at King Hussein / Allenby bridge and are on a Jordan Tourist Visa (planning to cross back with the same visa) if you get any stamps in your passport? Can I do this and remain on the same Jordanian Visa without getting any stamps?

Hi. Im currently working here in Saudi Arabia and Im planning to visit Israel maybe end of this year. Is it ok to travel by air from Saudi to Istanbul to Tel Aviv and vise versa? What would you recommend? Thanks.

Hi there, yeah it seems like a feasible itinerary, I did the same one but from Dubai

Hi, Your blog is really useful, therefore I´d need information about coming from Cairo, by air, to Tel Aviv. I´ll be in Siwa doing a volunteering work and then head to Tel Aviv. I´m a solo female traveler and I´ve already been interrogated by the Israeli immmigration officer when she found out I was alone. I was coming from Brazil that time. I´ll have a letter of invitation from an Israeli friend. Tks a lot 🙂 Ana

thanks and best of luck!

Hi Joan! I’m planning a trip to Tunisia. I hope there would be no problem if I have an Israeli visa on my passport. I’m a bit concerned regarding people being sent away in the past. I’m an Indian citizen.

no problems in Tunisia, really 🙂 ! In fact, Israelis can even enter Tunisia, as there is an important Jewish community still living there

Thanks Joan…. I just returned from Tunisia… it’s not a problem if you have Israeli visa on your passport. The immigration just don’t care if you have one.

thanks for the update 🙂

Hi I’m a Malaysian citizen and my partner is Israeli. I’m holding Malaysian passport and have no other passport, I wonder how can I visit Israel with my Malaysian passport and enter without passport being stamp ? And which way would be safer for me to enter israel?

where do i get the slip ,is it in airport or in my country .i have apply in israeli embassy in nigeria and they stamp the back of my passport with black small stamp with letter that contain my details . is this visa approval ? explain to me . how can i send the image to you .

Joan, great work. You made clear the question. I want to add that Ovda airport and Eilat airport closed forever last year. Instead of them opened new big airport in Eilat Area named Ramon airport (ETM)

thank you so much for this amazing update 🙂 And do you know what are the rules regarding the Israeli stamp in that new airport?

Hi. Regarding Saudi Arabia, I have multiple dual page Israeli student visas in my US passport. Any data points to suggest this is no longer an issue? Thanks

Hello, thanks god you made this blog!!! I have a question for you: – i’ll travel by flight to Jordan – i’ll cross the border overland to israel – i’ll go somehow (maybe by cyprus) to Beirut where ihave my flight back to Italy. I know i won’t have Israel stamp, but i am wondering if i can skip the jordan stamps as well. Without those 4 stamps I should be fine going to Beirut from Cyprus or Istanbul. Thanks for you help!

Hey Gabriele, you can skip it if you ask for it beforehand but you will have an entry stamp, and not the exit one, which is kind of suspicious!

Hi Joan, i didn’t get the point: do they put the entry stamp in the passport even if i ask not to do that? Arriving in Aqaba from Italy if they don’t put any stamp would be perfect I guess. With the entry stamp i am screwed entering in Beirut…

Hi, Joan! Let me stop you by to discuss using the so called ”Israel” I have been always one of your followers and I appreciate your hard work reviewing the truth and spreading the real face of things around. I am surprised your kind with that ”Israel” and how do you believe its existence! I would like to wonder your point of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. After all, One should go over the reality to discover it. I have never been to Israel, but I went so many times to Palestine. Thanks for the precious information. Cheers!

They stamped my passport denied entry after hours of interrogation

Just one question: how can they stamp your passport and then deny your entry?

Hello Joan,

I am planning to fly from France to Tel Aviv and then cross in Aqaba into Jordann, and pursue my trip towards Syria and Lebanon after. If I manage my passport not to be stamped in Aqaba (on a separate sheet) do you think I could ask for a stamp at the airport in Aqaba or Amman, even if I did not enter through air ? Is it worth trying ?

I have two passports, France and Poland, is it of any help ?

Thanks for your answer and congrats for your excellent job !

Hi Stefan! Are you asking whether you can ask for the exit stamp to be in a separate piece of paper? I am not sure about it. I was in the same situation as you and they did stamp it, even though I told them not to do so, but it could depend on the authority. If they stamp it, it would be risky to go to Lebanon and, in that case, I’d use a different passport. cheers,

Hi All, I arrived a year ago in araba airport (with entry and exit stamp) would this be a problem for lebanon? I have no idea if this stamp is different form the Wadi Araba stamp?

Hello, thanks for tour guides they are vert usefull (and sorry for my english) Sorry i have a special question, i’m french ans my wife got an algerian passeport.

I want to Know if we go to Jordan and cross the bridge to visit East Jérusalem. Do we need an israeli visa (and pay) or Jordan one and stamp exit is enough ?? Especially for the algerian passeport. De don’t intend to enter the exclusif israelian territory just west bank and East Jérusalem.

Hi Ilias, if you cross from Israel to Jordan via the bridge, you will need to arrange your Jordan visa in advance. If you do it vice-versa, you don’t need an Israeli visa. I am not sure, however, about Algerian passport. You should contact the embassy. cheers,

Hi, what if I have a Canadian passport but it says I was born in israel? Can I still travel to Indonesia without a visa? How would I be treated as a Jewish person there? I would like to fly to Bali (from Toronto) but I am a bit nervous as it says I was born in israel on my passport

Hey Mel! Unfortunately, I don’t know… I just know about regular travel information but your case is very specific!

One question here, is this for Muslim countries or for other countries also?

sorry, but I don’t know what you mean

Quick Report Feb 2020. Jist exited from Wadi Arabia to Eilat and despite asking for a stamp on a separate paper, the border police just took my passport and stamped it. I checked with others crossing at the same time and they all got the exit stamp. So Yeah it may come down to the particular guy! Incide rally Jordanian border guards are the most arseholes ish I’ve came across in the Middle East, thr Saudi, Kuwait ones were all nice and the ones I met at Jo were the worst.

Not recommended to get into trouble with the Israeli security. They have new technological systems that detect stress and lies. Countries that hosted international sporting events received from Israel systems identifying irregular stress among people at the entries to stadiums

If I enter the West Bank through Amman/king Hussein bridge (USA is original departure country), would I be able to leave back to the states through Tel Aviv? I have an American citizenship and no Hawwia. Thanks

Yes, it should be fine

Your website is amazing really so helpful! My boyfriend and I are looking to travel to Israel and Lebanon and would be so grateful for your advice! We’ve been hearing a lot of rumours of Israel starting to stamp passports again since 2020. Is this true? Our plan was to fly to tel Aviv from London and then fly from Israel to Jordan and then from Jordan to Lebanon.

Given the fact that we’ll have an entry and exit stamp from Jordan will Lebanon still be suspicious/ deny ya entry?

Any help would be so much appreciated!

Best wishes, Emma

Hello Emma,I have never heard of Israel stamping stamps this year. As per the Jordanian stamp, they can’t be suspicious of anything because you are flying in, so you will just have the entry /exit stamp of Queen Alia airport

I plan to go to Jordan from Israel and then back after 4 or 5 days using the land borders. Do I need to use the same border for returning to Israel as the one I left with or can I go out of one come back using another. Can I get visa to enter Jordan at the land border. I think one of them you cannot and have to pre-arrange before leaving the UK. Is that right?

Be sure to check for Israeli security stickers on the back of your passport. The gentleman below learned the hard way. Fortunately, he was still allowed in. https://onemileatatime.com/israeli-sticker-passport/

I’m planning to travel to Israel from Jordan after having been to Lebanon and Syria next January.

Will I have problems at the land border in Allenby King Hussein while entering Israel ?

If I get a stamp at this border, I’ll lose my chance of getting a Iranian visa after.

I don’t want to unlock my phone, so maybe I’ll give it to a person of confidence in Amman (at my hotel for example) make a 3-day trip to Jerusalem and pick it back. I don’t want them to grab into my privacy.

Your stamps won’t be a problem,but border security can be a bad experience, I did a short trip to Ovda (Eilat) and took a picture of the airport sign to post on facebook, nicelly machinegun armed kids without uniform forced me to delete it this was 2017, apart from a first interogation, they check your passport, at least 6 times absolutly and with out exception every page, they actually will damage it or wear it down considerably. Security is at a whole diferent level, and done by very young people in military service age, so you will find troops in the street like on TV, including Merkava tanks on the road side, as well as other ununiformed clearly carying a gun under t-shirts. Exit is always a 20 -30 minute interview, and many stickers on your passport, green & yellow, one per security level cleared. Keep your bag with you at all times the day you leave, more than anywhere in the world, not a second away, that will be their first question. They didn’t check my phone, you just don’t want to take pictures in such a place. Don’t lie, they use techniques to catch you, repeating the same questions in different ways, facial expressions, odd ones like do you know your date of birth? wich is trick question to see your response. Just go visit what you intend, don’t talk about politics or Palestinians, common sence, enjoy the food, very good wines, party if you wish, people are nice generally and keep the pictures to monuments and yourself.

Your descriptions are a bit exaggerated. I think you may overlooked that Ovda airport is located inside a military base, hence the reason for seeing troops and Merkava tanks around it. Ovda airport was closed in 2019 when the Eilat’s brand new international airport was inaugurated. I’m sorry to hear that your passport was damaged or worn out, but that is definitely not the usual rule.

Troops in the streest / ununiformed people carrying a gun: in Israel, troops get a weekend off every couple of weeks (normally), so you’d be seeing them in the streets – either on their way home (if that’s before a weekend) or on the way out to their base (after the weekend). They are absolutely not on duty, as in Israel the IDF doesn’t have jurisdiction over local security, only over national security – along the borders on up in the air. Ununiformed people with guns – during the weekend vacation home, soldiers are not obligated to wear their uniforms, nor they are permitted to leave their gun home (so it won’t be stolen) – therefore they must carry it around. You see a civilian couple in the streets, but the male has a gun? a soldier on vacation having free time with his girlfriend.

Hi. I live in Israel for 33 years, only left it once to see where my gradparents’ family were murdered in Polland. I want your visitors to know that they should be proud to have an Israeli stamp in their passport, and the countries who see this stamp as a problem should be ashamed. Very soon many countries will join the international approval of the Jewish state, including the UAE, Baharain and probably Saudi Arabia too, which will probably cause Israel’s “eternal” enemies to do so as well (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq).

We Israelis love tourists and our stamp in your passport is an honor for you!!

Hi Shlomo, I TOTALLY agree! I first visited Israel in 2019 (from the US), and as I was entering through Customs, I asked the officer to stamp my passport. He looked at me as if I were crazy, and then I said: I am proud to be in Israel, and I have no intention of ever visiting any country that would not let me in with an Israeli stamp. He still thought I was crazy….but then he stamped it, and smiled and told me to have a good trip. I am very proud of that stamp.

Sorry to hear that your grandparents were killed when they went to Poland. Fortunately it is rare for these problem to occur when we travel….

I had major issues with Saudi Arabia because of entry stamp from Jordan, from land border crossing with Israel. I was denied entry and returned on next flight. Obviously I cannot blame Saudi for this position against enemy states, but having evidence in the passport of travel to Israel is not so good ultimately, it can cause problems. Israeli border force also do not treat international travellers respectfully or courteously, I was detained there for no reason for many hours arriving, and departing, and treated very poorly and strip searched. It may be an honour for Israeli citizens to have tourists come and spend their money there, but they sure have a depraved and warped way of saying thank you.

Important update, Israel has become friend of the UAE on August 2020. Therefore, Israelis can travel freely to the UAE and Emiratis to Israel. No more problems regarding these countries.

I have the entry stamp from Jordan, after coming overland from Israel. I forgot about this and arrived in Saudi Arabia (December 2021) with an evisa. They examined each page of my passport and refused me entry because of the stamp. Do not take it at word of the evisa service website that it is not a problem where you visited before. That is applicable for the visa application. The visa service and border force are two completely different agencies, with different approaches to this issue!

It was an oversight on my part, and I cannot blame the Saudis for their approach to Israel.

Hi Richard, very sorry to hear that, but thanks for your valuable feedback 🙂

Hey Joan, thank you for your posts, they are really helping and inspiring! I went to Iran in the end of 2019 and they never stamped our passports, we were just given a sheet of paper (same as in Israel). This is not about Israeli stamps but may be helpful when travelling to Israel.

I w wanted to know if one needed a tour company to get from Jordan to Israel by land or one could simply do it on their own? We are planning a trip to Jordan and thinking of doing Israel too but not sure how to make that journey

Hello Nausheen, you can do it on your own

Hi Joan, Would you say its easier to go to Israel via the Allenby crossing or to fly directly into Tel Aviv ? We went via Allenby a few years back and for no reason our passports were held for hours on end and we werent allowed to exit the country. Trying to avoid a repeat of that scenario.

Hey thanks for the Information! Do you know about anything when it comes to Egypt entry/exit stamp?

Iam right now in Israel and think about a trip to Sinan.

As far as I know there shouldnt be any problems because of Egypt stamps.

I want to visit Israel from UAE I have UAE visa , is that possible

We obtained a single entry Israeli tourist visa (B2). Is it possible to visit Jordan during our stay in Israel and come back to Israel with to & fro journey through Eilat border?

Yes of course, it’s possible, no problem

Thanks. I didn’t find any document in favor of re-entry to Israel from Jordan with a single entry tourist visa. Is any rule/doc available? P. K. Das

Hi, thanks for the information. Next month I’m planning to attend an academic conference in Tel Aviv, Israel. However, I accepted a work offer in Saudi Arabia to start in January next year. Do you think I could have any problem getting a Saudi Arabia work visa after visiting Israel? If Israel doesn’t stamp my passport, I suppose I will not have any problem, right? What do you think? Thank you!

Hi Joan! I just wanna say that in Erbil Airport the immigration did not want to let me get in because they tought I was jewish, it was has been a long talking before they changed mind. I think (not sure) it can be complicated to enter Ir. Kurdistan with Israel visa.

I have a question: If i visited Israel, then there is no proof on my passport and I visit an enemy country but unfortunately for any reason during the trip, authorities have to check my phone then they see Highlight story on IG about my trip in Israel or some pic in my phone, or my blog with Israel story… What’s next? Can I get ban definitively from the country or getting problems? Thank you. I read a lot and I don’t find any answer

Thanks for your comment an update!

Just one note: being a Jew is different from having been to Israel as a tourist but in any case, if they let you in, it means that all they were trying to do was perhaps bragging about their power, or trying to be annoying.

Anyways, regarding your question, if the authorities know that you’ve been to Israel, even if it’s through photos or whatever, you won’t be allowed to enter that country. There’s the practical example of a certain traveler who was banned from entering Syria because in his/her social media, you can read that has visited each and every country in the world, so they assumed that included Israel too.

Thank you for the quick answer!!

But, I meant, for exemple, I already passed the immigration. I travel like 2 weeks in Iraq (or other enemy country) then while I am traveling, authorities find that I lied at the immigration because they discover that I was in Israel, what happen in this case?

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to answer this question because it will always depend on the specific person who checked your photos.

Personally, I would not worry much since whoever checks your photos won’t be an immigration officer.

Thank you. My query was purely that I had been to Syria in 2008, six months before travel was stopped. Although I have had 2 new passports since then, would it still be on record that I had stayed there and if so whether it would affect my entry into another Middle Eaatern country. My new British passport has no stamps or visas yet.

Hello Vicky. To give you a practical example, when you try to apply for the USA ESTA, one of the questions is whether you have traveled to Syria after 2011, so any date before that isn’t an issue to travel anywhere and in any case, there aren’t any bans in any Middle Eastern country for having traveled to Syria, not even Israel, but you’ll certainly get a lot of questions, but only if you traveled there after 2011

I am currently planning to visit Lebanon. On my passport, I got Jordanian entry stamp at the airport (QAIA), but without any exit stamp because I travelled to Israel via King Hussein Bridge and Jodanian authority only stamped on a separate piece of paper, and of course no Israeli entry stamp too. I flew out from Israel in the end. Do you think it will be a problem for me to enter Lebanon in this case?

If they checked, very carefully, each and every page of your passport, it could be a problem yes but fortunately, this is rarely the case.

Hello Joan, Thank you for this very informative blog. My question is as a Canadian, will I be able to obtain a tourist visa from the Israeli side? planning to take King Hussein bridge from Jordan to go to Ramallah and then to Tel Aviv. Thanks in advance

Im from Philippines, i live in doha with working visa. Im planning to visit Israel,do it get problems in immigration coming back to Qatar? Thank you.

Hi Bea, you won’t have issues entering back to Qatar from Israel

Hi, than you for sharing all the Information. We are 2 Travelers from Germany on our Motorbikes. We are comming from Saudi arabia and whant to enter Joradanien from there. Than we whant also travel throu Israel and than we have to go back to Saudi Arabia than ship our bikes from VAE. How can we manage the Paspot problem? We have 2 Pasports maby that helps. But we also have a Carnet de Passage with our Bikes. How can we handle that? Thank you for your help.

I think I know the answer here but want to confirm if possible:

Looking to visit Syria. US passport. No Israel stamps in passport. Entry and exit stamps from flying into and out of Jordan, and then into and out of Lebanon on the same trip.

A potential Syrian guide told me they could somehow still recognize a visit to Israel through Jordanian airport arrivals and departures – is this possible at all? Would Syrian authorities somehow be able to access flight information outside of what is in my passport?

No. How could they know you’ve been to Israel if you have arrived and left through airport? Also, Israel doesn’t share immigration details with SYRIA

What I want to clarify is this: I have a Syrian visa stamped on a previous passport. My brand new passport has no visas in it at all so if I wanted to go to Israel, would my visit to Syria be recorded anywhere digitally?

No, there’s no way it’d be recorded

Thankyou!! Finally the answer I wanted!

Hi Joan are the any issues regarding South Africa amidst the recent legal proceedings at the international court? I have an Israeli visa stamped into my passport.

Kind regards and thanks in advance.

Honestly, I have no clue what are you referring to 😉

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Entry Requirements and Customs in Israel

All travelers entering Israel, Jordan, or Sinai must present a valid passport with an expiration date not less than 6 months from the date of entry into those countries. Travelers from western Europe, Canada, the U.S., Australia, and South Africa will receive a visa upon entering Israel. Visas for Israel are usually given for 3 months and can be renewed inside Israel at the Ministry of Interior in Jerusalem. 

Watch That Stamp!  If you plan to visit Arab countries, ask for your visa stamp to be placed on a piece of paper separate from your passport when you enter Israel (if your passport is stamped by Israel, that stamp will close the doors to many Arab and Islamic countries for the duration of your passport). Israeli passport control personnel are accustomed to this request and in most cases will cooperate, but an occasional ill-tempered clerk may decide to make extra problems for you by stamping your passport. With political conditions the way they are, even in relatively friendly places such as Morocco, Egypt, or even Bali (a Hindu island in Muslim Indonesia), Israeli stamps in your passport could cause problems should you find yourself in a local police station, or when you show your passport in banks, hotels, or post offices.

Visas are given free to U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens, without prior application, when they enter Israel at Ben-Gurion or Eilat International airports and show passports that are valid for at least 6 months beyond the time of arrival. The tourist visa is good for 3 months and can be extended for another 3 consecutive months at any office of the Ministry of the Interior (you may be asked to prove you have adequate funding for your extended stay). If you enter Israel at an overland crossing from either Egypt (Sinai) or Jordan, you may receive a visa valid only for 30 days.

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry.

Note that you cannot take antiquities or archaeological artifacts out of Israel unless you have a certificate identifying the object, which will be provided to you by any licensed antiquities dealer.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Getting an Israeli Stamp on Your Passport

Getting an Israeli Stamp on Your Passport: It is currently impossible to travel to Palestine, specifically the West Bank without encountering the Israeli authorities as Israel controls the borders. This can be a daunting prospect for anyone visiting Palestine, there are plenty of rumours, stories and varying accounts of what to expect. It is important to be prepared for the likely scenario of border security staff asking one or two questions but there is no reason to worry unnecessarily. 

Most visitors have no problems gaining entry to Israel or the West Bank. The most common concern for travellers is usually the possibility of receiving an Israeli visa stamp in their passport- we hope that the information contained within this article will help to alleviate your apprehensions. 

Getting an Israeli Stamp on Your Passport 

The implications of receiving an Israeli stamp in their passport is often of great concern to those who wish to visit Palestine or Israel. Many volunteers and students coming to the Excellence Center are aware of the complications related to having an Israeli stamp in their passport. Some have heard rumours that having this stamp will severely limit their travel options or make them a target for detainment or expulsion from certain countries.

To put a rest to rumours and provide potential volunteers and visitors with the facts, we will discuss here the visa policies of Israel and the impact of having an Israeli stamp in your passport .

Receiving an Israeli visa or stamp on a passport

For many years, visitors to Israel, whether entering via air from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv , or by one of the border crossings with Jordan or Egypt, would receive an Israeli visa or stamp on their passport, just as they would if they visited any other country.

The impact of this was the potential limiting of travel options for foreign visitors. Prior to the foundation of the State of Israel, the Arab League imposed a boycott of the Jewish community in the former Mandate of Palestine. This boycott was carried over and intensified after the founding of Israel and the wars that followed.

 One aspect of the boycott is that participating countries will deny entrance to their country for Israeli citizens and passport holders. A smaller number will deny entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport or evidence of entering the State of Israel. Sometimes this could include stamps from other countries, such as a Jordanian exit stamp at the Allenby Bridge (the Jordanian-Israeli border crossing) .   Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority signed peace agreements with Israel and no longer participate in the boycott, Mauritania never applied the boycott, and Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia do not enforce it. The UAE signed a peace agreement with Israel in 2020, normalizing relations with Israel. UAE and Israeli citizens may now travel freely between both areas.  However, other Arab and Muslim nations including Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and most of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members will still deny entry to travellers with an Israeli stamp.

Do I get a stamp or visa from the Palestinian authority? 

The Palestinian Authority does not control the state borders of Israel, it is not responsible for issuing visas or stamping passports. The visa that internationals receive upon arrival to Israel is all they’ll need to travel to or around Palestine and Israel.

Israeli visa on separate pieces of paper

Israel recognizes this dilemma and the inconvenience it can cause to visitors. Israeli visa slips issued on separate pieces of paper with entry and exit records and 2D barcodes were introduced in January of 2013 .

Those travelling through Ben Gurion Airport today can expect to receive one of these slips. The implementation of this process has been slower at border crossings. While Jordanian border crossings are supposed to issue the slips, volunteers have overheard stories of foreigners receiving stamps at these crossings as recently as 2015. If you exit via the land border of Jordan or Egypt and would rather not receive an Israeli exit stamp in your passport, it is possible to ask the Immigration Officer to stamp the blue slip issued by Israel instead of putting a stamp in your passport.  Remember to make your request before you hand the Officer your passport.

Our volunteers get their Israeli visa on a paper and not stamped on the passport

Volunteers, interns and students in Palestine at the Excellence Center as well as visitors to the West Bank and Israel receive a visa slip and do not need to worry about any impact on their future travel plans . However, if by some chance one should find themselves with an Israeli stamp in their passport there is a relatively easy solution: 

For a fee, most people can receive a new passport from their government, even getting an emergency one from their country’s embassy if travel plans necessitate it. Some nations, such as Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK and USA allow citizens to hold two separate passports, meaning one could simply keep one passport for traveling to and from Israel, and another for traveling to countries like Saudi Arabia or Lebanon. 

A Visitor’s Experience

Tara , from the UK ,visited Palestine in February 2020 and travelled through most of the West Bank. She says: “I had previously travelled to several Middle Eastern countries and I was anxious about the fact that stamps from places such as Jordan and the UAE might negatively affect my chance of being accepted upon my arrival at Ben Gurion. I was also keen not to receive an Israeli visa stamp in my passport in case this meant that I would not be able to visit other Arab countries in the future.  I need not have worried as there was no problem at all. I did not have my passport stamped , instead I was given the Israeli visa on a blue slip of paper, as were all the other members of the group travelling with me. I was granted entry by an Israeli border official after answering two simple questions, the first being about where I would be staying  and the second question asked was enquiring as to my job title. 

The return journey elicited more in depth questioning – such as why I visited Jordan, who I knew there, when I last spoke to them and what about- but I answered all the questions calmly and truthfully and was allowed to go on my way. I kept my passport and visa slip with me at all times during my trip to Palestine as it was often necessary to show both of these documents at the various checkpoints. There were never any problems for me in gaining access to anywhere in the West Bank.”

Final Remarks about Israeli Visa

There are a lot of rumours about travelling to Palestine or Israel and the effect of an Israeli passport stamp on future travel plans. It is important to  seek out correct and truthful information and disregard the falsehoods. While there have been problems travelling to Israel and Arab nations using the same passport in the past, the vast majority of today’s travellers should have no such issues. 

The Excellence Center will always endeavour to provide accurate and up to date information to potential visitors.

Important and related articles – Please click to read

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Can I visit Arab countries with an Israel passport stamp?

Good question. some arab countries have reasonably good diplomatic relations with israel and visiting these countries (listed below) after a visit to israel shouldn’t be a problem whatsoever. however, there are of course a number of arab countries that would rather curl up and die than have a visitor with an israel passport stamp (oh my allah) stepping through their immigration….

As many visitors to Israel often make short trips over the border to Jordan (and especially when there are some amazing, budget-friendly Petra tours to enjoy) as well as  Egypt/the Sinai Peninsula , the question of whether an Israeli stamp in your passport will limit travel to these countries is a very valid one.

Fortunately, the list of Arab nations that are more than happy to accept visitors with Israeli stamps in their passport include two of Israel’s immediate neighbors, Egypt and Jordan . It might not surprise you that the two other countries that share a land border (but not a crossing point) with Israel, Lebanon and Syria , do NOT permit visitors to their country if any trace of a visit to Israel is found in a passport.

And what is meant by “any trace of a visit to Israel”? Well, eagle-eyed immigration clerks are often on the lookout for indications of a visit to Israel, as they know it is standard practice for Israeli immigration to stamp entry and exit visas on a separate piece of paper (if requested).

What can give the game away and cause the end of your visit is Egyptian or Jordanian border control stamps if you popped across the border from Israel to Amman, Cairo or Sinai . This is evidence enough that you visited the evil state of Israel and you will be wished Bon Voyage right back to where you came from.

Even security check stickers and luggage tags issued at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport have been known to bring visits to an end, so get rid of all traces of these if you plan on visiting any of the countries in the list of “bad guys” below.

Arab/Muslim countries that accept visitors with an Israel passport stamp:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia (with the introduction of the e-visa (September 2019))

Arab/Muslim countries that DO NOT accept visitors with an Israel passport stamp:

For those of you with Israeli passports, the following list might be of interest.

Arab/Muslim countries that ALLOW entry for Israeli citizens:

Some tips on how to visit Arab countries after visiting Israel…

Our hot tip for avoiding any future issues when visiting Arab countries: get a second passport. Americans should find this is easy to do: you will have to answer a questionnaire as to why you need it, but then you’ll get a passport valid for two years. So use this passport for visiting Israel and your regular passport for anywhere else in the world.

If a second passport is out of the question, when arriving in Israel ask the immigration clerk to issue the Israel passport stamp on a separate piece of paper because you intend visiting Arab countries after your visit to Israel. It shouldn’t be a problem and has become standard practice for Israeli officials, who have become very familiar with the problem of travelers later visiting Arab countries. Apparently, if you have one of the new biometric passports, the Israeli officials have all your details on computer so won’t add that Israel passport stamp anyway.

Another hot tip: use Cyprus as your Middle Eastern gateway to Arab countries. Of course, immigration will know from which country (Cyprus) the plane has come from, but the plane before?

One last tip: always check with your embassy or tour operator about any visa restrictions. Things change all the time, so hopefully things will have changed for the better when you make your travel plans…

If you’re looking to visit Israel AFTER visiting/working in an Arab/Muslim country, check out our tips here . See also Israel Visa requirements .

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