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Israel Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

German citizens must obtain an Israeli ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before flying to Israel — apply online at the official portal; low fee, approval usually within minutes to 72 hours, valid for stays up to 90 days.

Guide last updated September 9, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the full intended stay in Israel (no strict 6-month rule, but airlines commonly ask for validity beyond the return date)
  • Confirmed round-trip or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address) for the first nights
  • A valid email address to receive the ETA approval
  • Sufficient funds for the stay
  • No biometrics required for the ETA itself; fingerprints/photo may be taken at Ben Gurion Airport passport control
  • Travel health insurance is recommended but not mandatory for the ETA

Visa types

  • Tourist/Visitor ETA — covers tourism, family visits and business meetings, single or multiple entries, valid up to 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), each stay capped at 90 days
  • Standard sticker Visa (B/2) — only needed if the ETA is refused or for purposes it does not cover (e.g. longer business assignments), applied for at the Israeli Embassy in Berlin

How to apply online

  • Apply at the official Israeli ETA portal at gov.il (Population and Immigration Authority) at least 72 hours before departure
  • Fill in passport details, travel dates and answer security screening questions
  • Pay the processing fee online by credit card
  • Most applications are approved within minutes; some are referred for manual review and can take up to 72 hours
  • Approval arrives by email as a PDF — print it or save it on your phone to show at check-in and passport control
  • The ETA is electronically linked to your passport number, no physical stamp needed

Fees & processing time

  • ETA fee: approximately ILS 6–10 (about USD 2), paid online by credit card
  • No separate service/agency fee when applying directly on the official portal
  • Total cost: under USD 5 in almost all cases
  • Standard processing: instant to a few hours; up to 72 hours if flagged for manual review
  • No expedited/priority option — apply as early as possible (up to 30 days ahead) to leave room for a review delay

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply at least 3–4 days before departure so a manual review doesn't jeopardize your flight
  • Common rejection/referral reasons: passport due to expire soon, incomplete travel details, or a name mismatch with the airline booking
  • Always apply directly via the official gov.il ETA site — avoid third-party sites that charge extra for the same government process
  • Israeli border control can still deny entry at their discretion even with an approved ETA, so carry supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket, funds)
  • The ETA does not extend automatically; overstays beyond 90 days require an extension from the Population and Immigration Authority before the visa-free period lapses

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.