Israel visa requirements for Chinese citizens

Israeli missions in China: B/2 visa applications are lodged at the mission in the country of origin

Israel does not waive visas for Chinese citizens, but the visa they are entitled to is considerably more generous than an ordinary tourist one. The bilateral agreement on multiple-entry visas for holders of Israeli national passports and Chinese ordinary passports entered into force on 11 November 2016, and since then a Chinese national with an ordinary passport can obtain a multiple-entry B/2 visa valid for up to ten years. There are two separate limits, and they are worth not mixing up: each stay cannot exceed ninety consecutive days, and the total number of days in Israel cannot exceed one hundred and eighty per year. The visa's validity also cannot exceed the passport's, so renewing the passport shortly before applying is what lets you use the full ten years. Chinese applicants also complete an additional form at the consulate.

Authorization system

ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Mandatory since 01/01/2025 for all travelers from visa-exempt nationalities (including the Americas and Western Europe), replacing the old direct exemption. Applied for online through the official Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) portal, recommended at least 72 hours before the flight. Valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), with multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Fee

ILS 25.00

Fee of ILS 25 (approx. USD 7), non-refundable even if the application is denied. Paid online with a Visa or Mastercard card at the time of application.

Processing time

Applying at least 72 hours before the flight is recommended; most applications are resolved within that window.

Required documents

• Passport valid for at least 3 months from arrival (visa-exempt travelers with ETA-IL).

Vaccinations

• Yellow fever certificate if arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, a country with transmission risk.

Health insurance

Not mandatory for this destination.

Transit rules

ETA-IL valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), with multiple entries; maximum stay of 90 days per individual visit.

Customs limits

Cash

Declare when entering or leaving Israel with NIS 50,000 or more (NIS 12,000 at a land border), per Section 9 of the Prohibition on Money Laundering Law.

Alcohol

1 litre of spirits + 2 litres of wine, duty-free, only for those aged 18 or over.

Tobacco

250 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products, duty-free, only for those aged 18 or over.

Overstay penalties

Being refused entry at the border itself can lead to a re-entry restriction of up to 5 years; a formal deportation order can reach 10 years. Someone who leaves the country voluntarily after overstaying more than 30 days (but less than a year) typically faces a 2-year waiting period before being able to apply again for a visa or entry permit; between 180 days and 1 year of overstay, up to 3 years; over 1 year, up to 10 years. Figures per specialized Israeli immigration law firms — no official fee/ban schedule was found published on piba.gov.il.

Common reasons for denial

• Turning up without an approved ETA-IL when travelling from a visa-exempt country: it has been mandatory since 1 January 2025, and anyone arriving without it and without a valid visa is refused entry. Applying at least 72 hours before the trip is recommended.
• Holding a passport that does not meet the required validity: 3 months beyond arrival if you travel on an ETA-IL, and 6 months if you need an entry visa.