Import restrictions for Israel 🇮🇱
Updated: July 2026
Customs rules can change. Before sending a parcel or travelling, check the current requirements on the customs authority's website. This material is for reference only and is not legal advice.
General information
These rules are useful both for people carrying items across the border themselves and for those sending a parcel with a fellow traveller. Used personal items (clothing, laptop, tablet, camera, phone) are imported duty-free. Other personal goods and gifts — up to a value of USD 200 per person (aged 2 and over); this includes up to 3 kg of food (no more than 1 kg of any one item). The allowance may not be combined with other passengers. Clothing and footwear are assessed by quantity, not by value.
✅ Allowed with restrictions
💰 Cash
You may bring in any amount, but for amounts of ILS 50,000 or more (ILS 12,000 when entering across the land border with Egypt or Jordan) you must file a declaration. Other currencies are converted into shekels at the exchange rate on the day of crossing the border. Any means of payment are counted: cheques, promissory notes, shares, gold bars, etc.
🍷 Tobacco and alcohol
Duty-free (persons aged 18 and over) you may import tobacco and alcohol:
- spirits — up to 1 L;
- wine — up to 2 L;
- tobacco in any form — up to 250 g (no more than 200 cigarettes).
💻 Personal items
Perfume may be imported duty-free in a volume of up to 250 ml. Some personal items, for example scuba gear and electric bicycles, must be declared.
🍕 Food
Food may be imported with a total weight of up to 3 kg (each item — no more than 1 kg). Meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables may not be imported.
💊 Medicines
Medicines for personal use may be imported with a valid prescription issued in the name of the person carrying the medicine. For products containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, a prescription in English and a signed doctor's letter are mandatory. For large quantities or medicines not registered in Israel, a permit from the Ministry of Health may be required.
🐶 Pets
Without special permits, you may import only dogs, cats and ferrets older than 4 months. The animals must have an ISO 11784 chip.
The pet must be vaccinated against rabies between one year and 30 days before the trip; as confirmation, a rabies antibody blood test taken at least 30 days after vaccination is required. The maximum is 3 animals. Entry only through Ben Gurion Airport and the ports of Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat; in advance, you must submit an application for exemption from an import licence.
The import of dangerous dog breeds is prohibited: American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, Dogo Argentinos, English Staffordshire terriers, Rottweilers, pit bull terriers.
🌸 Plants
Any plants may be imported only after obtaining an electronic phytosanitary certificate; plant products are subject to control by the Ministry of Agriculture.
❌ Prohibited without special permits:
- bladed and firearm weapons;
- drones, walkie-talkies and radio-frequency equipment (for security reasons — may be confiscated);
- counterfeit and imitation coins, forged documents;
- lottery tickets and gambling advertising;
- radioactive and explosive substances;
- narcotic medicines, etc.
This service provides information for reference purposes only, is not a customs authority, and does not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Responsibility for complying with customs rules and for the contents of the goods being moved lies with the person importing or exporting them. Before moving goods, check the current requirements in official sources.
Sources:
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