Israel recognizes dual citizenship, but dual nationals holding Israeli citizenship must enter and exit the country on their Israeli passport – not on a foreign passport or ETA-IL. If you hold both Israeli and another nationality, Israeli law treats you as an Israeli citizen at the border, regardless of which passport you prefer to use.
What Is Dual Citizenship in Israel?
Dual citizenship means a person holds legal nationality in two countries simultaneously. Israel has permitted dual citizenship since the founding of the state in 1948. The legal framework rests on two key laws:
- Law of Return (1950) – Grants every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel and acquire citizenship
- Citizenship Law (1952) – Governs citizenship by birth, descent, marriage, and naturalization
Unlike many countries that require new citizens to renounce prior nationalities, Israel does not impose this requirement on Jewish immigrants under the Law of Return. This means millions of people worldwide hold both Israeli citizenship and the citizenship of another country.
Who Can Hold Dual Citizenship With Israel?
Israel allows dual citizenship in several scenarios:
| Category | Dual Citizenship Allowed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish immigrants (Law of Return) | Yes | No renunciation required |
| Children born to Israeli parents abroad | Yes | Automatic Israeli citizenship by descent |
| Children born in Israel to at least one Israeli parent | Yes | Citizenship at birth |
| Non-Jewish spouses of Israeli citizens | Varies | May need to renounce previous nationality upon naturalization |
| Naturalized non-Jewish citizens | No | Must renounce previous nationalities |
The critical distinction is between citizenship acquired through the Law of Return (which permits dual nationality) and citizenship acquired through naturalization as a non-Jew (which requires renunciation of prior citizenships).
How Dual Citizens Must Enter Israel
This is where the rules get strict. Israeli citizens – including dual nationals – are legally required to enter and leave Israel using their Israeli passport. You cannot use your US, UK, Canadian, or any other foreign passport to enter Israel if you hold Israeli citizenship.
Key rules at the Israeli border:
- Present your Israeli passport at passport control, not your foreign passport
- The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) is not required for Israeli citizens – it is only for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries
- If you attempt to enter on a foreign passport and border authorities discover your Israeli citizenship, you may face delays or complications
- Israeli citizens cannot obtain a visa or ETA-IL on their foreign passport for entry to Israel
This rule exists because Israeli law does not recognize its citizens as foreigners. Even if you have lived abroad your entire life and never used your Israeli passport, if you are an Israeli citizen, you must use that document at the border.
Israeli Citizens Living Abroad
Many Israeli dual citizens live permanently in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and other countries. If you fall into this category:
- Entering Israel: Use your Israeli passport. If it has expired, renew it at an Israeli consulate before traveling.
- Leaving Israel: Use your Israeli passport at Israeli exit controls. Then use your other passport when arriving in your country of residence.
- Returning to your country of residence: Use your non-Israeli passport. Most countries require their citizens to enter on their own passport.
The two-passport system is straightforward once you understand which document to present at which border. The key rule is: Israel always sees your Israeli passport; other countries see theirs.
What If Your Israeli Passport Has Expired?
An expired Israeli passport does not mean you have lost your Israeli citizenship. Citizenship is permanent unless formally renounced. However, an expired passport will prevent you from boarding a flight to Israel or passing through border control smoothly.
Options for dual citizens with expired Israeli passports:
- Renew at an Israeli consulate – The fastest option. Israeli consulates in major cities can issue a new passport, usually within 2-4 weeks.
- Laissez-passer (temporary travel document) – In urgent cases, an Israeli consulate can issue a temporary travel document valid for a single trip.
- Renew upon arrival – Not recommended. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid passport, and Israeli border control will identify you as a citizen regardless.
Renouncing Israeli Citizenship
Some dual citizens wish to formally renounce their Israeli citizenship to avoid military service obligations or simplify their travel. Renunciation is possible but requires:
- Filing a formal request with the Israeli Ministry of Interior
- Demonstrating that you hold citizenship in another country
- Settling any outstanding military service obligations (for males under a certain age)
- Approval by the Minister of Interior
Renunciation is irreversible in most practical cases. Once renounced, regaining Israeli citizenship requires going through the full immigration process again, even if you qualify under the Law of Return.
Military Service Obligations for Dual Citizens
Israeli dual citizens face unique obligations that other dual nationals typically do not. Males and females with Israeli citizenship may be subject to mandatory military service (IDF), even if they have lived abroad most of their lives.
Key points:
- Males aged 18-26 who are Israeli citizens may be called for military service upon entering Israel
- Exemptions exist for those who emigrated before age 16 and have lived abroad continuously
- Extension of stay beyond a certain period in Israel may trigger service obligations
- The Ministry of Interior and IDF coordinate on enforcement at border crossings
Dual citizens planning extended stays in Israel should consult with an Israeli consulate or military service advisor before traveling, especially males aged 18-26.
Dual Citizenship and the ETA-IL
The ETA-IL system applies to foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries who do not hold Israeli citizenship. If you are a dual citizen with Israeli nationality, you do not need an ETA-IL – you need your Israeli passport.
However, if you are a dual citizen of two non-Israeli countries (for example, a US-UK dual national with no Israeli citizenship), you still need an ETA-IL or visa to enter Israel. You can apply using whichever passport gives you the most favorable entry conditions.
For US citizens specifically, see our guide on Israel ETA for US citizens. For EU nationals, see Israel ETA for EU citizens.
Common Questions About Israel Dual Citizenship
Does Israel allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Israel permits dual citizenship, especially for Jewish immigrants under the Law of Return. Non-Jewish naturalized citizens, however, must renounce their previous nationalities.
Can I enter Israel on my foreign passport if I am also an Israeli citizen?
No. Israeli law requires citizens to enter and exit Israel on their Israeli passport. Using a foreign passport when you hold Israeli citizenship can cause problems at the border.
Do I need an ETA-IL if I have Israeli citizenship?
No. The ETA-IL is only for foreign nationals. Israeli citizens must use their Israeli passport to enter the country and do not need any visa or travel authorization.
Will I lose my Israeli citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?
No. Israel does not revoke citizenship when its citizens acquire a second nationality. Your Israeli citizenship remains valid unless you formally renounce it.
What if my Israeli passport is expired?
An expired passport does not end your citizenship. Renew it at an Israeli consulate before traveling. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid passport.
Do dual citizens have to serve in the Israeli military?
Male Israeli citizens aged 18-26 may be subject to military service, even if they live abroad. Exemptions apply for those who emigrated before age 16. Consult an Israeli consulate before traveling.
Can I renounce my Israeli citizenship?
Yes, but it requires formal approval from the Ministry of Interior and is effectively irreversible. You must also settle any military service obligations before renunciation is approved.
Related Resources
Understanding your citizenship status is just one part of planning your trip to Israel. For complete visa requirements, including who needs a visa and who qualifies for the ETA-IL, see our comprehensive guide. If you are exploring different visa types for longer stays, work, or study, our visa types overview covers all available options.
