Ben Gurion Airport travel benefit for Israeli citizens extended until December 31, 2026
The Population and Immigration Authority is extending the framework that allows Israeli citizens holding a foreign passport to enter and exit the country without an Israeli one. These guidelines remain in effect at all border crossings.
Significant news for Israelis with dual citizenship planning to travel in the near future: The Population and Immigration Authority has announced another extension of the framework that allows Israeli citizens holding a foreign passport to exit and enter the country using it. According to the new decision, this policy will remain in effect at least until December 31, 2026.
It is important to emphasize that when flying back to Israel, travelers must present their Israeli passport at check-in abroad, even if it is expired, or alternatively, obtain an ETA authorization.
This decision is a direct continuation of a policy intended to ease the heavy workload at the Population and Immigration Authority offices and address difficulties in renewing Israeli passports. As a rule, Israeli law requires citizens to enter and exit the country using only an Israeli passport. However, due to the need to provide a flexible response to the traveling public during periods of peak demand and scheduling disruptions, it was decided to allow the use of a foreign passport as a temporary and acceptable alternative.
This directive is valid at all of Israel's international crossings, primarily at Ben Gurion Airport. The Population and Immigration Authority emphasizes that this solution is intended to serve the public and prevent unnecessary delays in travel plans. At the same time, it is recommended that citizens whose Israeli passport has expired take advantage of the extended period to arrange their official travel documents in advance, as this is a temporary order limited in time.
This announcement is expected to provide peace of mind to tens of thousands of families and business travelers holding dual citizenship, especially ahead of upcoming travel seasons and holidays. The combination of the current framework and ongoing technological efforts to improve service should lead to a further decrease in pressure on the national passport issuance system.
