Israel at a glance
| Entry | ETA-IL · NIS 25, valid up to 2 years |
|---|---|
| Retiree visa | None · Law of Return or family |
| SSA office | Jerusalem · Federal Benefits Unit |
| Time zone | UTC+2 · Currency: new shekel |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 3,000–4,000 a month. |
| Money · language · time | Israeli new shekel (ILS) · Hebrew and Arabic, English common · UTC+2 (summer UTC+3) |
Entering Israel
U.S. citizens need an ETA-IL before flying. Apply only on the official site. The fee is NIS 25, and approval lasts up to 2 years or until your passport expires. Visits are usually up to 90 days.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- No retirement visa.
- Law of Return (aliyah): people with Jewish heritage and their spouses can immigrate and get citizenship.
- Spouses of Israeli citizens follow a staged family process.
VA care and benefits in Israel
No VA medical facility. FMP reimbursement. VA doesn't list an FMP toll-free number for Israel. The Social Security Federal Benefits Unit is at the U.S. Consulate General / Embassy in Jerusalem. Israel is on VA's international direct deposit list.
Vets in Israel are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Excellent. Residents and citizens join a health fund (kupat holim). Others need private insurance.
Where veterans live
- Jerusalem: Embassy, Social Security office.
- Tel Aviv: Coastal and expensive.
- Haifa: Port city, lower cost.
- Netanya / Ra'anana: Large English-speaking communities.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 3,000–4,000 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
Foreigners can buy. Most land is leased long-term from the Israel Land Authority rather than owned outright.
Watch out for
State Department advisory: Level 3, reconsider travel (October 2026), due to terrorism and unrest. Gaza is Level 4, do not travel, and parts of the West Bank and northern border areas carry higher risk. Learn your shelter locations and keep the Home Front Command app.
Veteran organizations
None confirmed. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Do Americans need an ETA-IL?
Yes. Apply on the official site before you fly. It costs NIS 25 and lasts up to 2 years.
Can VA pay benefits into an Israeli bank?
Yes. Israel is on VA's international direct deposit list.
Where do I get Social Security help in Israel?
The Federal Benefits Unit in Jerusalem.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
