B/2 tourist and visitor visa (eVisa-B2), and ETA-IL for visa-exempt nationals
Israel's B/2 visa covers tourism, visits, medical tourism, business meetings and short non-academic study. Nationals of visa-required countries can apply online for an eVisa-B2 through the Population and Immigration Authority; some may be asked to attend a consulate. Since 1 January 2025, nationals of visa-exempt countries must instead get an approved ETA-IL before travelling.
Visiting Israel
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
Ways to save in Israel
Free passes, discounts and programmes from official sources. Those you may qualify for come first.
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority sells two-week tourist cards for 3 sites (Blue), 6 sites (Green) or unlimited sites (Orange) at listed parks and reserves. They are intended for tourists only, the price is the same for all ages, and they are valid for two weeks from first use. Masada's cable car and City of David are not included, so check current prices.
EveryoneThis annual pass from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority gives repeat free entry to about 60 national parks and nature reserves for one year. The authority describes it as best value for families who visit often, so check current prices and conditions.
ResidentsNew permanent residentsFamiliesNon-citizen tourists can claim a VAT refund on purchases made during their current trip. The claim is made only on departure, at the Milgam VAT refund counters. For goods in checked baggage, get the documents and goods stamped at the counter before check-in. Retroactive claims for earlier trips are not accepted.
EveryoneStudents at institutions recognised by the Transport Ministry can load a student profile on a registered Rav-Kav and get discounted fares. Rav-Kav Online lists student contracts for 2026–2027 as on sale, with discounts of up to 50%. Proof of enrolment is required.
StudentsRiders aged 18 and under can get a discounted fare by loading a Youth profile on a personalised Rav-Kav. The profile is based on the date of birth in their ID document, and no extra documents are needed. Check the current discount rate.
YouthFamiliesResidentsRiders aged 67 and over can claim a senior profile through Rav-Kav Online and ride free on public transport across Israel. The profile has to be claimed; it is not automatic. Operator pages say senior discounts are for Israeli citizens and residents only, and tourists pay the full fare.
SeniorsResidents
Offers and conditions change; check the official page before you go.
Life in Israel
Money
3
Currency
Israeli New Shekel
ILS
Israeli New Shekel
Cost of living
106
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10–47%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18% · social security 12%
Plus a 3% surtax on income above ILS 721,560 a year (top combined rate on earnings 50%); the 2025 budget raised the surtax to 5% (reported by the IMF), and brackets are frozen for 2025-2027.
Living
1
Happiness
#8 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals visiting Israel for tourism, family visits, medical treatment or business meetings for up to 90 days.
Eligibility
Visit purpose
Your trip must be for one of the permitted purposes listed below.
- Tourism or visiting
- Medical tourism
- Business meetings
- Short non-academic study
Official wording
The trip must be for tourism, visiting, medical tourism, business meetings or short non-academic study.
Visa-required nationalityeVisa-B2
Only citizens of visa-required countries apply for the eVisa-B2.
Passport validityeVisa-B2
Your travel document must be valid at least three months beyond the visa's expiry.
- Applies to the eVisa-B2
- Validity must not end before your departure date
Official wording
Your travel document must be valid at least three months beyond the visa's expiry and not before your departure date.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementFunds
- Document checklistCopy of passport or travel document
- FeeseVisa-B2 handling fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 3 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Israel
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Visit & tourism in other countries
- Isle of ManIsle of Man visit
- Indiae-Tourist Visa (e-Visa) for tourism and visits, with the regular Tourist Visa from Indian missions
- IraqIraq visit visa for religious pilgrimage
- IranTourist visa (Type B) via the MFA e-visa portal, including visa on arrival at international airports
- IcelandSchengen tourist & business visa
- ItalySchengen tourist & business visa
