Israel - Clearance

ALERT: Due to on-going conflicts in Israel a state of emergency has been declared across the whole country. Mariners report GPS blocking and unreliable satellite GPS  coordinates between Israel and Cyprus. Foreign yachts wishing to enter Israel at this time would have to get permission from the Navy when they are 25 miles from shore. There are new electronic forms to complete in advance of arrival. Once the situation is under control, we will be updating these formalities with the latest info.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Advance Notification:

Yachts must call the Israeli Navy (this is their call sign) when 25 to 50NM out on Channel 16 or 2182 kHz to advise of arrival off the coast. It is imperative to follow the procedure and all subsequent instructions. If you don't get a reply, you will probably be approached and shadowed by a patrol boat and should comply with all their requests. This can be a little intimidating at night with the powerful searchlight. Having an AIS means you will be easily identified. Be prepared to answer a number of questions on the VHF such as where you have come from, where you are bound, who is on board etc. Sometimes the yacht is boarded for inspection while still offshore.

All yachts should e-mail the marina they intend to visit in advance.

Ports of Entry:

Yachts must proceed to a port of entry at Ashkelon, Eilat, Haifa, Herzliya for clearing in.

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs have a list of all border crossing points.

If coming from Cyprus, Haifa is the normal Port of Entry. From Cyprus, Ashkelon is more convenient.

All marinas monitor VHF Channel 16 but use different working channels: 11 at Herzliya, Ashkelon and Eilat, 10 at Tel Aviv and 9 at Ashdod (The Blue Marina). Channel 16 must be monitored permanently.

General Process:

On arrival, yachts are met by Customs and Immigration. The yacht will likely be searched (for arms or explosives) and numerous questions asked, probably some of them quite personal.

It is advisable to plan your arrival at the marina during working hours. Border Control normally operates during weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) and working hours (09:00-16:00). There are substantial overtime charges for clearing-in or out outside these days and hours.

Note: there is no public transport during "Shabat" (Friday evening until Saturday evening).

If cruising onwards to any middle-east countries where an Israeli stamp in your passport might be a problem, request to have your stamp put on a separate piece of paper and inserted in your passport.

See Immigration and Customs sections for more details.

CLEARING OUT

For clearing out you should notify authorities 72 hours before departure.

The costs are the same as for clearing in (see Fees).

After clearing out a yacht must leave the teritorial waters of Israel immediately.

On your departure a few miles from the shore, you will be called by the Israeli Navy who will validate your particulars and intended course.

Note: No yacht may proceed from Israel to Lebanon.

Last updated:  November 2021