PASSPORT VALIDITY
Make sure you know where your passport is and check that it is not expired or close to expiring. If you are traveling on a non-Israeli passport, and your passport expires within 90 days of your last day in Israel, it must be renewed before the trip. You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or by the Israeli authorities if your passport expires within that 90-day period.
Use this calculator to determine if your passport will be valid:
Enter your departure date from Israel:
If your passport expires before this date, will need to get it renewed:
PROTECT YOUR PASSPORT!
Your passport is a very important document. We recommend taking a picture of your passport and storing it in the cloud and/or with a family member in case of emergency or in case your documents are lost/stolen.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
All travelers must obtain a valid electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) before entering Israel*. It only takes a few minutes, and you should select "Taglit Birthright Israel / Masa Israel" as the purpose of your visit. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and costs 25 NIS (~$7.00 USD).
Apply at least 72 hours before departure. A confirmation will be sent to your email. Upload your ETA-IL confirmation for our records. Carrying a copy of your confirmation during the trip is also a good idea.
To obtain your ETA-IL, go to https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il
*Israeli passport holders do not need an ETA-IL
VISA RULES
If you are traveling to Israel on a USA, Canadian, or EU passport, a visa is not needed to enter Israel as a tourist for up to three months. If you are traveling on a passport from another country, you may need a visa to enter Israel. Details are available here. Our office can provide you with a letter of support if you need a visa.
RULES FOR ISRAELI CITIZENS OR CHILDREN OF ISRAELI CITIZENS
- If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.
- The ETA-IL requirement does not pertain Israeli passport holders.
SPECIAL OBLIGATIONS
If you are an Israeli citizen or if either of your parents is a citizen, you may have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip. This may be the case even if you don't hold an Israeli passport.
If applicable, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. We recommend being cautious about these matters and contacting your regional Israeli consulate office with any questions.
GATE PASS
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be issued a small slip of paper called a "Gate Pass" which serves as your official entry permit. Israel asks visitors to keep the card on hand as proof of their status. It also proves that you are not required to pay certain taxes in Israel that only apply to Israeli citizens. We suggest taking a photo of your passport (the page with your photo) and the Gate Pass as a backup.
UPLOAD YOUR PASSPORT RECORD
You'll need to submit a copy of the inside cover of your passport – i.e., the page with your picture and passport number. If you haven’t done so already, upload your passport copy to the last section of your Birthright Israel Application. If you have difficulty uploading, email it to [email protected].
MORE BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU!
INTERNSHIPS
AGES 18-35 | 8 WEEKS
A resume-building internship program maching your skills and interests while experiencing the joy and adventure of a summer or winter in Israel
SKILL WORKSHOPS
AGES 18-35 | 4 WEEKS
Pick up a new skill, getting certified in bartending or learning essential culinary skills. Spend your free time enjoying the vibrant culture of Tel Aviv
VOLUNTEERING
AGES 18-50 | 8 DAYS
Lend a hand to the Israeli people where and when it’s needed most on this subsidized volunteer trip based in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem – optional flight
TEACHING FELLOWS
AGES 21-35 | 6 or 10 MONTHS
Teach English and volunteer on this rewarding paid fellowship opportunity, where you’ll pick up new skills and connect with Israeli society