CUSTOMS

IMPORT REGULATIONS

Pets

An import licence is required for the import of animals into Israel.

Import Requirements

• Up to two dogs or cats.
• The pet arrives with its owner on the same flight.
• The pet was under personal supervision of its owner for at least 90 days prior to departure.
• Health requirements must be met (see the health section below)
• A breed of dog or cat that is not restricted for entry into Israel.
• The pet will stay with its owner, who will arrive with them on the same flight and will not be handed over to another individual.

Health Conditions

Every pet is required to meet all of these health conditions

• Aged four months or older on the day of arrival, except for those who wish to come from rabies-free countries.
• Identified by a microchip or tattoo. The microchip must be compatible with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 and be inserted before a rabies vaccine and blood test.
• Vaccinated against rabies at the age of three months or older not more than a year and not less than 30 days before arrival. If the animal has been vaccinated against rabies more than once, there is no need to wait the 30 days, but not more than a year.
• A rabies antibody test which has at least 0.5 IU/ml in a blood sample, which should be taken at least 30 days after the vaccination by a veterinarian in a laboratory approved by the WOAH and/or European Union. If the animal has been vaccinated more than once and more than 30 days have passed since at least the first vaccination, only a 14-day wait is required.
• A veterinary health certificate must accompany the animal in accordance with the Israeli certificate model, signed and certified by a Government veterinarian from the country of origin. The certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to departure and declare that the animal has been tested and does not show signs of infectious or contagious diseases.

Health conditions for those coming from rabies-free countries

If the animal is born in a rabies-free country (Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, Japan, UK or Republic of Ireland), they must meet the following health conditions for importation:

• Can be imported at three months or older.
• Identified by a microchip or tattoo. The microchip must be compatible with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.
• If dogs have not been vaccinated against rabies, they must do so within five days of arrival.
• A veterinary health certificate must accompany the animal in accordance with the Israeli certificate model, signed and certified by a Government veterinarian from the country of origin. The certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to departure and declare that the animal has been tested and does not show signs of infectious or contagious diseases.

For further information, please visit The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Free to Import

Tobacco (restricted to travellers 18 years and over)

• 250 grams of any tobacco product (maximum 200 cigarettes).

Alcohol (restricted to travellers 18 years and over)

Both of the following:

• 1 litre of spirits;  and
• 2 litres wine.

Currency

• Funds of ₪50,000 Israeli New Shekels (ILS) or higher must be reported.
• If entering Israel from Gaza, funds of ₪12,000 Israeli New Shekels (ILS) or higher must be reported.
• If entering Israel from the land borders of Egypt or Jordan, funds of ₪12,000 Israeli New Shekels (ILS) or higher must be reported.

Other Goods

• 250mL of perfume.
• Goods for personal use, such as clothing and toiletries.
• Other personal goods or gifts up to a value of US$200. This can include up to 3kg of foodstuff, but no more than 1kg of one type of food. This exemption may not be combined with other travellers to import goods exceeding the value of US$200. This exemption is only applicable to passengers above 2 years of age.

Prohibited

The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.

• Meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.
• Offensive or indecent goods.
• Counterfeit currency and documents.
• Tickets and advertising materials for lotteries and gambling without permits.
• Forged or counterfeit invoice forms, preference documents, or certificates of origin.
• Used sacks that were used for packing plant material.
• Knives, excluding knives intended for use in a profession, trade, business or for household purposes.
• Laser speedometer disruptor.
• Pen-like or gun-like shooting devices.
• Tear gas container in the shape of a shooting device.
• Prohibited games.
• Explosives and flammable materials.
• Live creatures such as poisonous snakes.
• Used equipment for bee keepers.
• Utensils used in the preparation or use of dangerous drugs.
• Goods used to incite violence, terrorism, or racism.
• Goods aligned with, or showing sympathy towards, terrorist groups.

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

• Plants and plant products.
• Drones.
• Communication products (such as baby monitors, remotes).
• Weapons and weapon parts.
• Helmets and auto parts.
• Laser markers.
• Motorised scooters/electric bicycles.

EXPORT REGULATIONS

Free to Export

• Funds of ₪90,000 Israeli New Shekels (ILS) or higher must be reported.

Prohibited

The following are goods which cannot be taken out of the country.

• All items on the prohibited import list.

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to departure.

• Pets are subject to certain export restrictions. For further information, please visit Flying Animals.
• All plants and plant products are subject to inspection by the Ministry of Agriculture to verify their compliance with the phytosanitary standards of Israel.

For further information, please visit the Israel Tax Authority.