Israel has multiple border crossing points for travelers arriving by air, land, or sea – Ben Gurion Airport handles over 95% of international arrivals, but land crossings with Jordan and Egypt provide important overland routes. Knowing which entry points exist, their operating hours, and what documents you need helps you plan a smooth arrival.
This guide covers every official border crossing into Israel, from the main international airport to the land borders at the Jordan River and the Sinai Peninsula.
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
Ben Gurion Airport, located 15 km southeast of Tel Aviv, is Israel’s primary international gateway. Nearly all visitors entering Israel by air arrive here. The airport has a modern arrivals hall with dedicated immigration lanes for:
- Israeli citizens and residents – Israeli passport or Teudat Maavar
- Visa-exempt travelers – Passports from eligible countries plus a valid Israel ETA or ETA-IL
- Visa-required travelers – Valid passport plus a pre-arranged visa (B/2 tourist visa, B/1 work visa, or other category)
If you qualify for the ETA-IL, apply before your trip through the step-by-step application guide. The process is fully online and takes only minutes once you meet the ETA requirements.
Ramon International Airport (ETM)
Ramon Airport opened in 2019 near Eilat in southern Israel. It serves limited international routes, primarily seasonal flights from Europe. Some budget carriers fly directly to Ramon rather than Ben Gurion. Entry procedures are the same as Ben Gurion – you need a valid passport plus an ETA-IL or visa depending on your nationality.
Land Border Crossings With Jordan
Israel and Jordan share three land border crossings. These are the most commonly used overland entry points for travelers combining Israel with Jordan or other Middle East destinations.
Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge)
The Allenby Bridge crossing sits between Jericho in the West Bank and the Jordanian town of Karameh. It is the busiest land crossing between Israel and Jordan and the only one that requires a pre-arranged visa – you cannot get a visa on arrival here.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Jericho area, West Bank |
| Crossing direction | Both ways |
| Visa on arrival | Not available |
| Typical wait | 1-4 hours |
| Open hours | Sun-Thu, limited hours |
Travelers using Allenby Bridge need a valid Israeli entry permit and a Jordanian visa obtained in advance from a Jordanian embassy. This crossing is popular with Palestinians and travelers moving between Amman and the West Bank.
Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein Crossing
Located near Beit She’an in northern Israel, the Sheikh Hussein Bridge crossing connects to the Jordanian city of Irbid. It is the preferred crossing for tourists traveling between northern Israel and northern Jordan.
- Visa on arrival: Available for Jordan (most nationalities, fee applies)
- Open hours: Generally Sun-Thu, check seasonal schedules
- Best for: Travelers visiting the Galilee, Golan Heights, or northern Jordan
Yitzhak Rabin / Arava Crossing (Wadi Araba)
This southern crossing links Eilat in Israel with Aqaba in Jordan. It is the most convenient land route for travelers visiting both Eilat and Aqaba, and it offers visa-free entry to Jordan’s Aqaba Special Economic Zone for many nationalities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Eilat |
| Crossing direction | Both ways |
| Visa on arrival | Available for Jordan (Aqaba zone often free) |
| Typical wait | 30-90 minutes |
| Open hours | Sun-Sat, longer hours than northern crossings |
The Arava crossing is popular with travelers combining beach destinations – Eilat on the Israeli side and Aqaba on the Jordanian side are only 5 km apart.
Egypt Border Crossing
Taba Border Crossing
The Taba crossing sits at the southern tip of Israel, between Eilat and the Egyptian resort town of Taba. It is the only land border between Israel and Egypt.
- Visa on arrival: Available for Egypt (Sinai-only permit free for 15 days for many nationalities; full Egypt visa requires advance arrangement)
- Open hours: Daily, with seasonal variations
- Best for: Day trips to the Sinai Peninsula, reaching Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab
Travelers crossing into Egypt at Taba can often receive a free Sinai-only entry stamp that covers stays of up to 15 days in the Sinai Peninsula. This does not cover travel to Cairo or the Nile Valley – for that, you need a full Egyptian visa.
Sea Entry Points
Haifa Port
Haifa is Israel’s largest seaport and occasionally receives cruise ships and passenger ferries. Some Mediterranean cruise itineraries include Haifa as a port of call. Passengers disembarking at Haifa go through standard immigration and need the same documents as air arrivals.
Ashdod Port
Ashdod Port, south of Tel Aviv, is primarily a cargo port but also serves as a cruise ship stop. Ships docking at Ashdod typically offer shore excursions to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Passengers need valid entry documents – an ETA-IL for eligible nationalities or a visa for others.
What Documents Do You Need at the Border?
Regardless of which entry point you use, you need:
| Document | Air Entry | Land Entry | Sea Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months) | Required | Required | Required |
| ETA-IL or visa | Required | Required | Required |
| Return/onward ticket | Recommended | Not usually checked | Handled by cruise line |
| Proof of accommodation | Sometimes requested | Sometimes requested | Handled by cruise line |
| Travel insurance | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
Check the full Israel visa requirements for detailed document lists by nationality and visa type. If you hold a specific Israel visa type (work, student, religious), make sure it matches your purpose of entry.
Tips for Crossing the Israel Border
- Arrive early at land crossings – Wait times at Allenby Bridge can exceed 3 hours during holidays and weekends.
- Carry cash in multiple currencies – Land crossings may charge exit/entry fees in shekels, Jordanian dinars, or US dollars.
- No stamps in your passport – Israel now issues entry slips rather than passport stamps at most crossings. This helps travelers who plan to visit countries that restrict entry for Israel-stamped passports.
- Jordan River crossings close on Shabbat – All land crossings with Jordan close from Friday evening to Saturday evening and on Jewish holidays.
- Allenby Bridge has special rules – This crossing requires a Jordanian visa in advance and does not issue Israeli tourist visas. It is the only crossing that requires both documents pre-arranged.
- Taba hours vary seasonally – The Egypt crossing may close early during low season. Confirm hours before traveling.
FAQs About Israel Border Crossing
Can I enter Israel through a land border with an ETA-IL?
Yes, the ETA-IL is valid for entry through any official border crossing – air, land, or sea. You do not need a separate visa for land entry if your nationality qualifies for the ETA.
Which Israel-Jordan border crossing is best for tourists?
The Yitzhak Rabin / Arava crossing near Eilat is the most tourist-friendly, with shorter wait times and visa-on-arrival service. The Sheikh Hussein crossing in the north is best if you are traveling between the Galilee and northern Jordan.
Is there a border crossing between Israel and Lebanon or Syria?
There are currently no open border crossings between Israel and Lebanon or Israel and Syria. The Quneitra crossing on the Golan Heights with Syria was closed in 2014. The only operational land borders are with Jordan and Egypt.
Do cruise ship passengers need a visa to visit Israel for a day?
Cruise ship passengers who are from visa-exempt countries can enter Israel with just their passport and a valid ETA-IL. Passengers from countries that require a visa should check with their cruise line, as some cruise operators arrange group visas for shore excursions.
Can I walk between Eilat and Aqaba at the Arava crossing?
Yes, the Arava crossing is open to pedestrians. You can walk across the border between Eilat and Aqaba. There is also a duty-free zone at the crossing point on both sides.
What happens if I arrive at a border crossing without an ETA-IL?
If your nationality requires an ETA-IL and you arrive without one, you may be denied entry or required to apply on the spot (if available). It is strongly recommended to apply for the ETA before traveling. The ETA processing time is typically very fast, but last-minute applications at the border are not guaranteed.
Is the Sinai-only entry stamp at Taba free?
For many nationalities, yes. The free Sinai-only permit allows stays of up to 15 days in the Sinai Peninsula only. If you plan to travel beyond Sinai (to Cairo, Luxor, or the Nile Valley), you need a full Egyptian visa, which requires advance arrangement or a visa on arrival at certain entry points.
