What can and cannot be imported into Israel. What can you bring to Israel? Rules for the import of tobacco products and alcohol

The import of fresh vegetables and fruits is sometimes prohibited, sometimes allowed. In addition, there are bans on the import of fruits and vegetables from certain countries or regions. Our advice: it is better not to try to transport fruits and vegetables at all unless you have a permit from the Israeli Plant Protection Authority;

Milk and dairy products are prohibited from import. Only with permission from the Ministry of Industry and Trade;

All other products can be imported, but do not forget about the weight limit.

We would like to note once again that customs officers rarely enforce these strict prohibitions. They treat baby food very kindly.

Money

According to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Regulations of 2000 and 2001, large amounts of cash must be declared to customs.

Amounts starting from 50 thousand Israeli shekels are required to be declared. For the current shekel exchange rate, see our article “”. When crossing the border in the Gaza or Taba regions, the amount to be declared is from 12 thousand shekels.

You need to declare not only cash shekels, but also: coins and banknotes of other currencies, traveler's and bank checks, bills and any debt documents, securities. Theoretically, the law also obliges people to declare amounts on payment cards, but now this measure is clearly outdated, and cards are not checked.

The declaration procedure is simple and quick, you just need to fill out a short form and the declaration will be stamped in your passport.

Large amounts of cash must be declared. If you do not spend money while in Israel, you must present it when you leave, and you must prove its legal origin. The entry declaration stamp is proof that you brought the money with you and did not obtain it illegally. We wrote about this in the article “”.

Items for personal use can be imported without paying duties. These include:

Clothing, shoes, personal cosmetics and toiletries;

Please note that the import of perfumes containing alcohol is limited - no more than 250 milliliters per person;

Jewelry for personal use;

Personal electronics, on the website of the Israeli Tax Service (taxes.gov.il) there is even an exact list: tape recorder, camera, computer, television, radio;

And also: a stroller, a musical instrument, binoculars, a tent and other camping equipment, a bicycle and other sports equipment.

We pay special attention that all this must be in quantities corresponding to the phrase “for personal use.” That is, you cannot go through the green corridor with three laptops; a declaration is required.

Personal items must be used. For example, if you bought a new camera for vacation, then bother to unpack it and take a few pictures. Items in unopened packaging are already required to be declared.

What needs to be declared, what is not necessary

All other items (not tobacco, not alcohol, not personal items) can be brought into Israel without duty and without declaration, if the total value of these items does not exceed 200 US dollars.

The amount is calculated individually for each passenger aged 2 years and older. That is, you cannot carry one TV worth $350 for two passengers.

All expensive items must be declared with applicable fees. Unfortunately, customs duties in Israel are significant.

Have a nice trip to Israel, and read our interesting articles about this country ( list of articles below).

An amazing country that attracts tourists not only with a favorable climate and the presence of three seas at once, but also with a rich culture, ancient cities, as well as places of pilgrimage, because this country is the cradle of three religions:

• Christianity;
• Islam;
• Judaism.

Tel Aviv is a city on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel.

Due to the high volume of traffic in the country, strict Israeli customs regulations apply when entering and leaving the country. At passport control, passengers present their passport and entry forms; when checking documents, an arrival stamp is affixed (if you do not want this stamp to be affixed, you must notify the border guard in advance).

The system of rules involves passing through one of two corridors, “green” or “red”, and which one you should go through will directly depend on the things you are transporting.

This corridor is intended for the passage of people whose luggage does not contain items that require declaration and are prohibited for import or export of a particular state. Below is a list of items allowed for import that do not require filling out a declaration and paying a tax fee:

• Clothes and shoes.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Strong alcoholic drinks with a volume of no more than one liter.
• Low alcohol and wine of no more than two liters.
• Eau de parfum with a volume of no more than a quarter liter.
• Personal goods and gifts in an amount not exceeding $200; This can include products weighing up to three kilograms, taking into account that each individual product weighs less than a kilogram.
• Tobacco and cigarettes.

Duty-free import of the following items is also allowed:

• Baby stroller.
• Camera, projector.
• Sporting goods without motor.
• Musical instruments.
• Radio receiver and voice recorder.
• One tent.
• Vinyl record player.
• Jewelry (personal).
• Binoculars.

Persons over 17 years of age may import alcohol!

If you are bringing items into Israel that are not on this list, or if you have even the slightest doubt about bringing this or that item, then you should go through the “red” corridor.

If you pass through the “green” corridor with items that are subject to declaration, you may be required to pay double the fee.

In addition, your luggage will be subject to a more thorough search and, perhaps, you will be asked questions (did you pack your things yourself? is there anything here that does not belong to you? did they ask you to hand over something? did you leave things in the storage room? And so on). They may ask all family members about this, and if the answers are not clear, they may take you to different rooms and repeat the questions.

To avoid these difficulties, it is better to play it safe and not try to sneak through the “green” corridor with items that require payment of duty.

“Red” corridor - things for which you need to pay a fee

This route to clearing customs is for those whose belongings are not listed on the first two lists.

List of things that require payment of duty:

• Personal Computer.
• Camcorder.
• Tools.
• Scuba diving equipment.
• Video recorder.

In addition, if you want to remove antiques from Israel as imports whose production date is earlier than 1700, you will need special permission from the head of the Antiquities Authority. You also need to have a receipt with you indicating the cost for which you purchased this item, because you will be required to pay a tax of 10% of its value.

• Drugs and any psychotropic substances.
• Weapons, gunpowder and cartridges.
• Flammable substances.
• Materials for adults.
• Materials of extremist propaganda.
• Fake money, documents.
• Dangerous and poisonous animals.
• An animal under 4 months of age.

Some items require special import permission. These include:

Before going through customs in Israel, you need to familiarize yourself with the lists of things allowed for transportation without filling out a declaration, with a list of what is strictly forbidden to be imported into the state, as well as items that require special permission.

All lists can be found directly at customs or on the Internet on specialized websites.

When staying in Israel, customs requires the fulfillment of one more obligation: all things imported without declaration must be exported; sometimes, to reinforce this requirement, a deposit is taken, which is returned upon departure with previously imported items.

When passing through customs, just as in the case of a cat, the dog must be vaccinated and a copy of the veterinary passport must be sent to the veterinary customs department. If you have questions about transporting your pet, contact the customs department of the country of arrival in advance to find out how dogs of your breed go through customs.

But unlike European countries, Israel does not require healthy animals to be quarantined, which is a significant advantage, because in some countries, such overexposure of animals ranges from 1 to 18 months, and the maintenance is carried out entirely at the expense of the pet owner.

Rules for leaving Israel

If you are leaving the country by land, expect to pay an exit tax of US$24, and if your destination is Jordan, you will have to pay US$41. All taxes are paid in local currency - shekels. Children under two years of age are exempt from taxation.

If you are going to leave the country by air, then you do not need to worry about departure tax, since its cost is already included in airline fees: the passenger does not pay tax when passing through customs.

And due to the fact that visas for entry into Israel have been canceled in Ukraine and Russia, tours have gained even greater popularity and demand. There is a lot to see and learn in Israel, there are interesting historical biblical sites, modern resorts, and excellent shopping.

But, when entering the country, there are certain rules and regulations, in particular regarding the transportation of various luggage and things to this country. So, what can you bring to Israel?

At Israeli customs, in particular at Israel’s international airport in Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, there are so-called “red” and “green” corridors, and the same corridors operate in the international seaports of Haifa and Ashdod.

What are these corridors? Corridors are divided into what is transported through them, what objects and in what quantities. That is, one group of objects in a certain quantity is transported through the green corridor, and another group through the “red” corridor. Passage through these corridors is implied as a declaration that the person is carrying those items that are permitted for import and in those quantities that are permitted for duty-free import.

At Ben Gurion International Airport there are information boards on the walls with a list of items that can be transported to Israel. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the list of these items before the customs procedure. If it is difficult to choose which corridor to go through, you need to go through the “red” one.

Through the “green” corridor you can bring into Israel duty-free a list of the following items: clothing and shoes, as well as toiletries, which are usually found in hand luggage, wine and other alcoholic beverages, but the quantity of their import is strictly limited - wine can be carried up to 2 liters, and other strong drinks - up to 1 liter. Moreover, the transportation of alcoholic beverages is permitted only to persons over 17 years of age.
Through the “green” corridor, what else can you bring to Israel? These are perfumes containing alcohol, but not more than 250 ml, these are tobacco products and tobacco, the weight of which does not exceed 250 grams. However, tobacco and tobacco products are allowed to be imported only by persons over 17 years of age.

Customs in Israel will also allow other items intended for personal use, and it is also possible to transport gifts, the total amount of which does not exceed $200. Moreover, this applies to everyone entering the country over 2 years of age. This amount includes no more than three kilograms of food, and each type of food product cannot exceed 1 kilogram. And it should be noted that this is a personal benefit. That is, if a group of people entering Israel wants to unite and import products worth more than $200, such a scheme is not permitted.

What else can be brought into Israel through the green corridor?

This could be items such as a camera, typewriter; a movie camera cannot be carried in the green corridor. Through the “green corridor” you can bring a radio or television receiver, as well as any sound recording device. The Israeli Customs Service allows duty-free transportation of binoculars, personal jewelry, musical instruments, baby strollers, a tourist tent, as well as any other tourist accessories, sports equipment, including bicycles, if they do not have motors.

If you try to smuggle things through the “green” corridor that, according to Israeli law, are subject to duty at customs, then immediately prepare for the fact that for such an operation you will be charged double duty for the items.

All items that require declaration when transported through customs are transported to Israel through the “red” corridor.”

At an international airport, you need to go through the “red” corridor in the following case of doubt whether certain items that you are going to import into the country allow you to go through the “green” corridor, that is, whether they are subject to duty or not. And also if you are bringing a video camera or diving equipment to the country - diver equipment, a laptop or computer, or a VCR, various working tools, and so on. Duty-free items that you brought to Israel must be taken out when you return from the country.

At Israeli customs, in some cases, service employees may require guarantees from incoming tourists that the conditions will be met; these guarantees can also be monetary.

All things and objects that were transported to Israel along the “green” corridor, that is, without duty, should be intended only for the personal use of the tourist.
It seems clear what can be transported to Israel. What can’t be brought to Israel?

It is strictly prohibited to import counterfeit coins, money, and documents into the country. As well as gaming machines and other equipment for organizing the gaming business and gambling, drugs, pornography.

Some items require special permission to import into Israel. For example, for the import of animals, fresh meat, raw materials, weapons, equipment for wave transmission, plants and medicines. In order to bring a dog or cat into Israel, in addition to a special permit, you need a card of the animal on its vaccinations, and most importantly a certificate stating that the animal is vaccinated against rabies. It is not allowed to import animals into Israel that are no more than three months old. As for funds, you can import and export any amount, that is, there are no restrictions here.

Israel has very strict and thorough customs controls. And passengers must check-in for a flight to the Promised Land at least 2 hours before the flight. And let us remind you once again that in Israel there are very strict restrictions at customs - you cannot transport psychotropic drugs and ammunition, weapons, explosives and potent drugs. It is prohibited to import objects of historical or artistic value without a special permit. But, in principle, these customs rules are true for all sovereign countries.

But there are rules that apply only to Israel. For example, lottery tickets, as well as advertising of various lotteries, are prohibited from being imported into the country. You cannot bring knives to Israel, although penknives and professional knives, for example, kitchen knives, are allowed. Israeli customs are very strict about explosives; even holiday crackers may not be allowed through.

Israeli law enforcement agencies are very vigilant and take the security of the country very seriously, and therefore carefully and thoroughly search the personal belongings of all those who come to Israel. At first glance, this may seem too much, but given the specifics of Israel, it is actually simple vigilance.

Many of our fellow citizens have to visit Israel at one time or another. Some people have relatives or friends living there. Someone works there. Someone goes to the Promised Land as a tourist. One way or another, representatives of all of these categories sometimes have to bring cigarettes or alcohol to Israel. Therefore, to avoid unpleasant situations at customs, you need to know the permissible amount of alcohol and cigarettes.

Rules for importing goods into Israel

The abolition of the visa regime with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic countries has significantly affected the number of residents of these states visiting Israel. The Jewish state has become a popular tourist destination. For whatever purpose you are going to Israel, you must know what and in what quantities can be transported to this country.

The customs inspection procedure upon arrival into the territory of the State of Israel may take an indefinite period of time. This is due to the fact that increased attention is paid to security issues here - the country almost constantly maintains a high level of terrorist threat. Therefore, it is recommended to come to registration with a certain amount of time (2-3 hours). The inspection itself is very thorough.

Israel has a system of “green” and “red corridors”. The “Green Corridor” is intended for citizens who do not have items in their luggage that need to be declared. A list of such items must be indicated at customs. If among your things there are those that are on the list, you need a “red corridor”.

Through the “green corridor” you can transport clothes, shoes, things for personal use, souvenirs and gifts (worth no more than $200), a camera (one), a tent (one), and sports equipment. All things that were imported through the “green corridor” must be exported through it. Currency can be brought into Israel without restrictions.

• narcotic substances;
• counterfeit money and documents;
• equipment for gambling and gambling business;
• pornographic products;
• wireless telephones operating in the 900 MHz band.

Rules for the import of tobacco products and alcohol

The maximum amount of tobacco that is allowed to be imported into the Jewish state (for all types of transport) is 250 grams. You can import up to 250 cigarettes into Israel. That is, if there are 20 cigarettes in a pack, then up to 12 packs are allowed.

If these norms are violated, all tobacco products are subject to confiscation, and the violator will face punishment as provided by law.

Important! Tobacco products are allowed to be imported into the country only by persons over 17 years of age.

Limits for importing alcohol into Israel as of 2018 (per person):

• drinks with a strength over 22 degrees (cognac, vodka, whiskey, etc.) - 1 liter;
• drinks with a strength of less than 22 degrees (wine, beer, etc.) - 2 liters.

Alcohol products purchased in Duty Free stores must be packaged in plastic. The packaging must have a store seal. Alcoholic beverages are permitted to be transported by persons over 18 years of age.

The export of alcoholic beverages from Israel is not limited. Restrictions apply only to drinks purchased in Duty Free stores. Alcohol must be packaged in transparent bags with a store seal.

Penalties for smuggling

The number of cases of smuggling of tobacco and alcohol products in Israel has increased sharply. Therefore, in 2017, the authorities of the Jewish state paid more attention to this problem. The punishment for smuggling depends on several factors: the volume of smuggling, the identity of the offender, etc. Basically, smuggling of alcohol and tobacco products is subject to a fine, and in rare cases, arrest.

The fine for smuggling can reach 8 million shekels (142.5 million rubles). Persons found to have committed such violations are blacklisted. In the future, such citizens will receive increased attention when visiting Israel. If the person is caught doing this again, the fine will be increased.

So, having the above information, you can safely go to visit relatives and friends in the Promised Land, taking cigarettes and alcoholic drinks with you. It is only important not to violate the import rules and remember the dangers of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

When traveling to another country, you need to study its culture, traditions and customs. Often, ignorance of the rules becomes the beginning of serious problems already at the border.

Each country has regulations for the carriage of goods in luggage, as well as declaration rules and a list of goods prohibited for import and export.

The importance of compliance with regulations when transporting certain groups of goods

When preparing for a trip to Israel, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules for importing goods, cash and luxury items.

If you are carrying an amount of money exceeding 20 thousand dollars or 25 thousand euros, then it must be indicated in the declaration.

If undeclared funds are detained at customs, there are three ways of development of events:

• Imprisonment for 6 months to clarify the origin of the funds and the motive for import; (with possible subsequent long-term arrest)
• confiscation of the entire amount
• a fine many times greater than the undeclared amount.

How to transport personal belongings, clothing, equipment?

A common question for travelers is about the rules for transporting personal belongings.
It is important to understand that outerwear, if it is not new and the same size (travelling size), can be placed in a suitcase. But, if the clothes have new tags or labels, then such clothes cannot be processed, since customs will charge them with transporting goods for the purpose of sale, which is prohibited by law.

If you need to bring your own fur coat or fur cape, then these goods must automatically be included in the declaration.

Customs will have questions if your suitcase contains a large number of new clothes of different sizes, with tags not cut off - these could be dresses, shirts, or shoes. Therefore, you should not put 5 new dresses in your suitcase if you are going on vacation for 10 days, so as not to attract unnecessary attention at the border.

All jewelry must be declared. If you are bringing a fashion accessory or haberdashery as a gift, then the amount of all imported gift items should not exceed $200. This amount also includes new goods allowed for import.

Equipment can only be transported when it is used. It is not allowed to transport equipment in packaging and with labels (indirect confirmation of a new product.) If at customs there is a suspicion that the equipment is being transported for sale, then a deposit in the amount of customs duty may be taken from the traveler. And on the return flight, if this equipment is available, the deposit payment receipt will be returned. Those. it is important to demonstrate that the technical devices have not been sold.

Rules for transporting food and cosmetics

For travelers, there is always a big question related to the transportation of cosmetics and food products.

Cosmetics in liquid forms - gels, shampoos, lotions in 250 ml bottles. will not raise questions at the border. And for all other products of larger volume you will need to pay an additional duty.

Perfume and eau de parfum can only be carried by adults, as the product contains alcohol. With creams and other skin care products, it is necessary to use a reasonable amount and adhere to the norm recommended for transportation.

Medicines must be transported only in their original packaging, and it is advisable to have a prescription (with notarization). Dressings, antipyretics, antiseptics, anti-allergy medications - all this can be transported without problems if carefully packaged.

To avoid questions from customs, you need to put medicines in your suitcase, and carry small amounts that you may need on the plane by hand. It is strictly prohibited to transport narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs.

Food can be carried in quantities of no more than one kilogram for each type of product. And no more than three kilograms of food per person (in luggage.) All sausages, meat and fish products must be well packaged so as not to spread odors or leak.

Tobacco products can only be transported in quantities of 200 pieces. cigarettes or the equivalent of 0.25 kg of tobacco. Strong alcoholic drinks - no more than one liter per person, and wine and liquor - two liters.

Groups of goods prohibited for import. List of items allowed for export with special permission.

It is prohibited to carry:

• drugs and psychotropic drugs;
• plants' seeds;
• counterfeit documents, currency, certificates, prescriptions, checks (anything that is a false document);
• pornographic materials on any media (discs, phones, computers, magazines, calendars, photographs);
• weapons and explosives;
• pets under four months of age (carriage of animals with a passport);
• gambling and paraphernalia for any games for money;
• dangerous animals.

In some cases, it is allowed to transport seeds, animals and special equipment (walkie-talkies, antennas) with a special permit.

What can you take out from Israel?

Restrictions apply to any currency equivalent to or exceeding 20 thousand dollars or 25 thousand euros. Amounts greater than this figure must be declared.

It is prohibited to export antique valuables made before 1700.

If an antique purchase was made in Israel, then at customs, in addition to the receipts, you must attach a permit from the Antiquities Management Organization. At customs you will also have to pay a 10% duty on the price of the antique product.