WHO
IS THIS GUIDE RELEVANT FOR
This Guide is Relevant to the Following Visitors
- Those who enter Israel on a laissez-passer permit
or on a type B/2 visa (visitor).
- Those who enter Israel according to a decree or
permit.
- Those who enter Israel according to a type A/2
visa (student).
- Those who enter Israel according to a type B/1
visa (foreign worker) or A/3 visa (clergy), and who do not maintain
a residence in Israel; the terms given in this guide concerning
motorized vehicles however do apply also to those maintaining a
residence in Israel.
Note: Those who enter according to type A/2, A/3, or B1 visas
who do maintain a residence are entitled to bring in household effects
as detailed in the Customs Guide for the Oleh and
Foreign Resident (Guide no. 10 - in Hebrew, Guide no. 4 - in English).
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- THE OBLIGATION TO REPORT THE TRANSFER
OF MONEY
INTO OR OUT OF ISRAEL
A. General
Beginning on February 17, 2002 – reporting the transfer of money
into or out of Israel is required by law, as described below:
–
The term “Money” refers to cash, bank checks and travelers’
checks.
- The amount of money that must be reported is
80,000 New Israeli Shekels (NIS) or higher (combined sum in
reporting person’s possession, whether entering or leaving the
country).
- A new immigrant first entering the country
must report an amount of NIS 1,000,000
or higher (combined sum in the reporting person’s possession).
B. Method of Reporting
- Reporting shall be done on Customs
Form 84.
The Form is available at all Customs Houses and Customs Units
located at border stations;
In addition the Form will be mailed or faxed to persons contacting
the “National Reporting Center” at phone number: 02-658 7777.
- In cases when money is taken into or out of
the country as accompanying luggage:
Upon leaving Israel – the passenger
should fill out the Form and submit it to a Customs Official
at the exit lounge.
In exits where there is no Customs
post – the Form will be filled out and submitted to the Customs
Official stationed at the entrance into Israel.
Upon entering Israel – where the dual “Red/Green” channel system
is used – the passenger should contact a Customs Official stationed
at the red channel, complete and submit the Form.
In other entrances – the passenger
should fill out the Form and submit it to the Customs Official
stationed on site.
Passengers should submit the Form to a Border Control Official
at the following Places: Sde-Dov Air Port, Asheklon Marina,
Hertzelia marina and Tel-Aviv Marina.
- In cases when money is taken in or out of Israel
by mail or dispatched by any other delivery method:
The Form will be submitted to the
Customs Official at the receipt /sending of the delivery/postal
site.
If there is no Customs Official on site, the completed Form
will be sent by registered mail (with a delivery confirmation)
to The National Center for the Prohibition of Money Laundering,
as follows:
When money is taken out of Israel
– the Form will be sent prior to the time of withdrawing the
money from the sender’s possession.
When money is taken into Israel
– The Form will be sent no later than 72 hours since the time
of receiving the shipment.
The Form will be sent to the following address:
| The National Center for the Prohibition
of Money Laundering,
Customs and VAT Directorate,
5 Bank of Israel St., The New Government Complex,
Jerusalem ,Israel.
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ITEMS EXEMPTED FROM TAX
- THE GREEN CHANNEL
General
At most points of entry, the two channel Red/Green system is used,
allowing for quick clearance through Customs.
After claiming your luggage, you will exit the Arrival Hall via one of
two channels marked by either a red or green square. You may use the Green
Channel if you are only bringing in items of the types and in quantities
as detailed below.
Note: Your entering the Green Channel is considered to be a declaration
that you are bringing in only the objects listed below.
Before you decide which channel to pass through, please refer to the information
poster located at the entrance to the channels. This information should
help you decide which channel is right for you.
If you have difficulty deciding which channel to use, then you should
pass through the Red Channel.
The Green Channel - Items and Quantities Permitted
Goods brought into Israel may require the payment of Customs duty
and other taxes, however the following goods may be brought in duty and
tax free if accompanying you at the time of entry:
- Clothing, footwear, and personal toiletries - of
the type and quantities that would normally be brought in a person's
hand luggage.
- Alcohol/spirits and wine - for each entrant age 17
and above, 1 liter of alcohol/spirits and 2 liters of wine.
- Alcoholic perfumes - for each entrant, up to ¼ liter.
- Cigarettes and other tobacco products - for each
entrant age 17 and above, up to 250 grams of tobacco products.
- Other items not detailed above may be brought in
as long as they are for your own personal use or intended as a gift
for another person. The total value of such items should not exceed
US$200. Included within this amount, each entrant may bring in up
to 3 kg. of foodstuff, provided that the weight of each kind of foodstuff
does not exceed 1 kg.
This is an individual exemption for each entrant age 2 and above, and
may not be combined with that of another entrant. (i.e. this exemption
will not be granted for one item which exceed US$200, even if a number
of people enter together.)
Used Portable Items which May be Brought Through the Green Channel
The following items may be brought through the Green
Channel if they are used and portable:
- Camera
- Movie camera
- Radio receiver
- Television receiver
- Tape recorder
- Binoculars
- Personal jewelry (in reasonable amounts)
- Musical instruments
- Stroller/baby carriage
- Tent (only 1 allowed) and other camping equipment
- Sports equipment
- Bicycle (only 1 allowed, and without a motor)
- Similar travelers equipment
THE RED CHANNEL - ITEMS
WHICH MUST BE DECLARED
You Should Enter the Red Channel
If:
1. You have any doubts as to which channel you should enter.
2. You are bringing in items that are not specified in either of the Green
Channel lists.
3. You are brining in portable work tools, diving equipment, a new video
camera, a new VCR machine, any type of personal computer, similar type
items.
Note:
- If you enter the Red Channel, you must declare all
items in your luggage.
- If you bring in any of the items mentioned in this
section, you must export them with you when you leave Israel.
- When bringing in certain items, you may be asked
by the Customs Collector to deposit an amount equal to the tax that
would be due on an item. This amount will be refunded to you when
you show you are leaving the country with that item.
PAYMENT OF TAXES AND GIVING
OF GUARANTEES
General
The Department of Customs & VAT determines the value of items you
want to bring in on the basis of price lists that it has complied and
refers to for the setting of prices, and not upon the presentation of
purchase invoices/receipts.
If you want to bring in items, which are not exempt from taxes, you must
pay the relevant taxes before they will be released from Customs.
If you are bringing in a personal computer, new VCR machine, new video
camera, or any other similar type item, you will be required to leave
a guarantee equal to the taxes due on the item. A guarantee must be made
in foreign currency, either by cash or through the use of one of the following
credit cards: Visa; EuroCard; American Express; and, Diners' Club.
The deposit guarantee will be refunded or canceled, if you export the
items from Israel by the required date. If the items are not exported
by the required time, the deposit will be forfeited.
It is recommended that you insure all belongings at their full value,
including all taxes. This will ensure that the taxes will be covered if
you are unable to meet your obligation to export items you have made deposit
guarantees on (i.e. if your items are stolen or destroyed).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- All your belongings should be insured - for their
full value (including all applicable taxes)
- Only goods arriving with you at the time of your
entry may be eligible for an exemption. Unaccompanied goods, including
those arriving via parcel post, are not eligible for exemptions.
- If you are found to be importing items that are not
exempt from taxes (as detailed in this guide) and you do not pass
through the Red Channel, you can be held liable for double-rate taxation.
- Using discretion, a Customs Collector is authorized
to demand a guarantee deposit (in cash or other forms), to ensure
compliance with the conditions of an exemption.
- Belongings, brought into the country with your rights
to a tax exemption, are for your own personal use only.
- The exportation of the citron fruit ("Etrog"), all
antiquities, and certain maps and photographs, is subject to special
authorization.
- If you intend to change your status from that of
a tourist, please inform your Customs Housed prior to the change.
** The following items either require approval for importation or are
completely prohibited from entry:
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WHO IS THIS GUIDE RELEVANT FOR
