Belarusian citizens are increasingly being denied entry to Israel. This was reported by Belarus’s embassy in Israel. The diplomatic mission also published clarifications of Israeli entry requirements and listed circumstances most often taken into account by the receiving side when deciding whether to allow entry at the border.
The visa-free regime between Belarus and Israel allows stays of up to 90 days within each 180-day period. Travel is permitted only for tourism, private visits, or short-term business purposes.
“Before travelling, it is necessary to obtain authorisation through the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization system (ETA-IL) of Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority. It should be borne in mind that this authorisation does not guarantee entry, but only confirms the right to arrive at a border crossing point. The final decision on admission to the country is taken by the border service,” the embassy said.
The statement stressed that all information must be filled out carefully and accurately when completing the application, as any discrepancies between previously provided information and answers given at the border may serve as grounds for refusal of entry.
The embassy reminded that employment in Israel is permitted only with a work visa. Attempts to use a tourist trip to seek employment are among the main reasons for refusal.
The embassy recommends preparing in advance confirmation of accommodation booking and payment, a return ticket, medical insurance, sufficient financial means for the entire period of stay, as well as a clear understanding of the purpose of the trip, itinerary, and length of stay. Financial means must be proportionate to the duration and nature of the declared trip. In the case of a private visit, it is advisable to have a written invitation from the host party, a copy of their identity document, and their contact details. Israeli border guards may also request information on permanent employment or studies in Belarus and other ties to the country.
“In this regard, it is recommended to be able to confirm the existence of such ties (certificate from place of work, confirmation of studies, property documents, information on family status, and others). The absence of stable ties to the country of permanent residence may be regarded as a factor of increased migration risk,” the embassy said.
It was also noted that border guards pay particular attention to cases of frequent travel and prolonged stays in Israel. This may prompt additional questions about the real purpose of the trip.
“A citizen of the Republic of Belarus arrived to visit an acquaintance. During the inspection, the status of the host party, the address of residence, and the circumstances of the acquaintance were clarified. Discrepancies identified between the information provided in the ETA-IL application and the answers given during border control became grounds for refusal of entry, despite the presence of an invitation. In a number of cases, until the host party’s status is formally established, entry is possible only with special permission from the competent authorities of Israel, including in cases involving the entry of minors,” the embassy said.
Similar approaches are applied in cases of dual citizenship. Until official status is formalised in Israel, a Belarusian citizen is not entitled to invite family members or friends.
The embassy also recommends that for pilgrimage trips, travellers contact the Pilgrimage Department of the Minsk Diocese or the Pilgrimage Department of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Israel.