Entry rules to Israel for Ukrainians

! A citizen of Ukraine entering Israel under the visa-free regime should be prepared to convincingly and with the help of documents justify the relevance of the purpose of his/her trip at the airport, since the authority to make the final decision on admission to the territory of the country belongs to the employee of the Border Guard Service of the State of Israel.

The following documents are required to enter Israel:

It is advisable for tourists to have a passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Israel, a return ticket, confirmation of hotel reservation and purchase of a tourist product, an amount of money sufficient for the planned stay in Israel, as well as a health insurance policy. Persons entering for the purpose of visiting or for medical treatment should have a personalized invitation with personal and contact information of the host/hospital. A return ticket and sufficient funds are also required.

For children:

• birth certificate;
  
• parental permission to travel.
  
  

PLEASE NOTE! Citizens under the age of 16 may leave Ukraine with the consent of both parents (adoptive parents) and accompanied by them or by persons authorized by them who have reached the age of 18 at the time of leaving Ukraine (in martial law, travel abroad is allowed without the notarized consent of the other parent (adoptive parent).

ATTENTION! In view of the cases of refusals to allow Ukrainians to cross the border or lengthy verification of the grounds for entry into the country, which makes Ukrainian citizens wait for hours for the results of the checks, the Embassy recommends that Ukrainians consider the following before traveling to Israel:
1. Israel does not accept temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens (refugees);
2. The Embassy calls on Ukrainian citizens to take this information into account and not to enter Israel if they have a negative visa history (for example, those who have previously been to Israel and violated the visa regime, i.e. stayed in the country illegally. Also note that if your relatives are currently in Israel illegally, you will also be denied entry).
3. In case of a refusal to enter Israel, a person has the right to appeal the decision of the Israeli Border Guard Service within 48 hours in a court of law. To do this, the person must authorize a local lawyer who will decide on the issue of lifting the ban in court. For the period of consideration of the case, such a person will be held in a special immigration center.

⚠️ Border control upon entry into Israel remains one of the most thorough. Tourists are often asked about the purpose of their trip, contacts in the country, financial security, and plans for return.

👉 A preliminary consultation with a Visit Ukraine immigration specialist will help you prepare explanations of the purpose of your trip and documents for passing through control without unnecessary delays.

Do I need insurance to enter Israel?

Yes, health insurance is a separate requirement for entering Israel, regardless of whether you are traveling from Ukraine or other countries.

What are the rules for crossing the border with pets for Ukrainians?

If you are going to transport a dog or cat to Israel, the animal must have an ISO standard chip implanted (under the skin) (#11784 and #11785).

For the attention of Ukrainian citizens staying in Israel as tourists:

Israel has extended the period of stay for Ukrainian citizens who legally stayed in the country until January 31, 2024. That is, if you have been in Israel as a tourist and plan to stay in the country until the end of hostilities in Ukraine, you do not need to visit the offices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to extend your tourist visa, as it has already been automatically extended until January 31, 2024. In the event that military operations in Ukraine continue, the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs will take additional measures to extend the period of stay of Ukrainian citizens, which will be announced on the Embassy's web resources.
All citizens who have been staying in Israel for more than 90 days are entitled to temporary employment in the country.

The Consulate has created a separate page with the most up-to-date information on consular services and other important issues. 

Are you planning a trip to Israel? Even if you do not need a visa, you should be prepared for possible legal issues that may arise during your trip. Our legal advice will help you prepare all the necessary documents, confirm the purpose of your visit, and resolve financial issues.

You can choose one of the following consultation options:

• Written consultation: get answers to your questions in writing.
  
• Introductory consultation (30 minutes): a short consultation to assess your situation and provide basic recommendations.
  
• Basic consultation (60 minutes): a detailed analysis of your issues and recommendations for further action.
  
• Legal support: legal support in matters of traveling abroad or obtaining a residence permit in another country.
  
  

With our professional support, you will be able to enjoy your trip to Israel without any worries. Trust our specialists to provide you with all the necessary information and assistance.

• Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of religious and historical significance,
• Explore the vibrant markets, 
• Experience the unique blend of traditions in this ancient city.

• Hike to the top for breathtaking views, 
• Explore the well-preserved ruins, 
• Learn about the heroic stand of the Jewish rebels during the Great Jewish Revolt.

• Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters, 
• Indulge in mineral mud treatments, 
• Take in the surreal landscape surrounded by desert mountains.

• Admire the meticulous gardens, 
• Enjoy panoramic views of Haifa and the Mediterranean, 
• Explore the spiritual significance of the Bahá'í holy places.

• Visit the biblical sites around the Sea of Galilee, 
• Explore the charming streets of Nazareth, 
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the region with its mountains, forests, and freshwater springs.

How to travel with a child to Israel?

According to the current legislation of Ukraine, the following rules apply to the departure of children during martial law:

• Children under the age of 16 can travel with one parent without the consent of the other.
  
• The child may also travel accompanied by a grandparent, adult brother or sister, stepmother, stepfather, or other persons authorized by one of the parents in a written statement certified by the guardianship authority.
  
• Children over 16 years of age have the right to cross the border independently in accordance with Article 313 of the Civil Code of Ukraine.
  
• The main routes of departure are currently via the land borders with Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova.

Documents for a child to travel to Israel

To travel to Israel, a child must have:

• An international passport.
  
• A birth certificate.
  
• Permission of one of the parents.
  
• Health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
  
• Return ticket (Israel strictly checks the intentions of entry).
  
• Documents confirming the purpose of the trip (invitation from relatives, hotel reservation, certificate from the place of study, etc.)

List of things for a trip with a child

Documents:

• Originals and copies of all required documents.
  
• Permission to travel.

For the child's comfort:

• A change of clothes and comfortable shoes.
  
• Personal hygiene products, diapers (if necessary).
  
• Medicines (antipyretic, antihistamines, digestive, etc.).
  
• Food and water for the road.
  
• Toys, books, gadgets for entertainment.

Legal nuances of traveling with a child

Rules for issuing a power of attorney for a child:

• If the child is traveling with relatives or other persons, a written statement of one of the parents certified by the guardianship authority is required.

📌 Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you to understand all the nuances of a child's travel abroad and prepare the necessary documents.

Staying in Israel

• Visa-free regime for Ukrainians is valid for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days.
  
• For a longer stay, it is necessary to obtain a visa or residence permit (grounds: study, parental work, family reunification).
  
• Upon entry, border guards may ask for documents confirming the purpose of the visit and financial solvency.

📌 Need help with paperwork?

Visit Ukraine lawyers will advise on the rules of entry and help you avoid mistakes.

Useful contacts in Israel

Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel

Address: Yirmiyahu St 50, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6259444

Phone: +972 3-627-33-02

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://israel.mfa.gov.ua

Consular Section

Phone: +972 3-627-33-02

Hotline: +972 54-667-67-02

Emergency numbers

• Police - 100
  
• Ambulance - 101
  
• Fire department - 102

Practical tips for traveling with a child

1. Keep your documents in an easily accessible place - Israeli border guards can thoroughly check your passport and other documents.
   
2. Make sure you have the contacts of the Ukrainian embassy and emergency services in Israel.
   
3. Take photos or make copies of all important documents (passport, travel permit, birth certificate) and save them in your phone.
   
4. For younger children, it is useful to have a bracelet with their parents' phone number in case they get lost.
   
5. Be prepared for strict control at the border - give your child simple answers about the purpose of the trip to avoid unnecessary questions.

What should you do before you leave?

📌 Take out health insurance before you travel!

If you visit a doctor without insurance, the costs can reach hundreds of dollars.

Where to get insurance? Buy a policy online at Visit Ukraine - it's fast, convenient and official.

✔ Payment for medical care and hospitalization

✔ Protection in case of an accident

✔ Quick registration in a few minutes

👉 Do not risk your health and budget - order insurance in advance!

Ukrainians do not need a visa to enter or transit Israel, and can stay in Israel for 90 days in one half of the year without a visa.

What can be brought to Israel by plane:

• Personal belongings (clothes, shoes, hygiene items, etc.) in an amount sufficient for one person
  
• cigarettes - no more than 200 pieces in one pack or 250 g of tobacco per adult passenger (over 18 years old)
  
• perfume - no more than 250 ml for each adult passenger
  
• photo and video cameras (except for professional video cameras)
  
• computers/laptops/tablets and other similar equipment for personal use
  
• equipment for active tourism, including a tent (no more than one per person), a bicycle (no more than one per person, without an engine) and sports equipment (except for scuba diving equipment)
  
• musical instruments
  
• baby carriages, baby food (in an amount not exceeding reasonable limits)
  
• jewelry for personal use
  
• any goods not prohibited for importation (it can be clothes, toys, electronics, etc.) in the amount not exceeding 200 USD
  
• strong alcoholic beverages - no more than 1 liter for each adult passenger (over 18 years old)
  
• low-alcohol beverages and wines - no more than 2 liters for each adult passenger (over 18 years old).
  
  

What is prohibited to bring to Israel

• Explosives, flammable and poisonous substances
  
• Drugs and raw materials for their manufacture,
  
• firearms and gas weapons of all kinds
  
• pneumatic weapons
  
• Cold steel, knives, except for pocket knives, knives for professional and sports activities, cutlery
  
• any goods and materials (printed or electronic) used to incite violence and terrorism or identify the owner as belonging to terrorist organizations
  
• Forged documents, certificates of conformity of goods, money, etc.
  
• tickets and promotional materials for lotteries and other gambling games (without documents authorizing their preparation and conduct)
  
• rare and dangerous animals, snakes
  
• pets under the age of four months
  
• plant seeds (without permits from the Ministry of Agriculture of Israel)
  
• used containers for plants and seeds, used beekeeping equipment
  
• dogs of fighting breeds (including bull terriers)
  
  

How much alcohol can be imported into Israel:

• Strong alcoholic beverages - no more than 1 liter per adult passenger (over 18 years old)
  
• Low-alcohol beverages and wines - no more than 2 liters per adult passenger (over 18 years old).