Do Nepali citizens need a visa to visit Israel?

Yes. Nepal is not on Israel's ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorisation) eligible countries list, which covers approximately 96 visa-exempt nationalities. Nepali passport holders are required to apply for a B/2 Tourist Visa through the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu before travelling. The B/2 visa is a standard tourist and visitor visa; it is not the same as the ETA-IL that most European or North American citizens use. Apply well in advance of your travel dates — processing typically takes 5–15 working days but can be longer during peak periods or when the embassy is closed for Israeli public holidays. Always verify the current requirements, fees and appointment process directly with the Embassy of Israel in Nepal at embassies.gov.il/nepal, as procedures may change.

What documents do I need to apply for the Israel B/2 Tourist Visa from Nepal?

Standard required documents typically include a valid Nepali passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining beyond your planned return date, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photograph, proof of confirmed accommodation in Israel (hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter), a confirmed return airline ticket or itinerary, bank statements covering the past 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip, and travel insurance covering the full duration of your stay. Some applicants are also asked for a cover letter stating the purpose of the visit. Always confirm the current document list directly with the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu at embassies.gov.il/nepal — requirements can change and the embassy's list is authoritative.

Are there direct flights from Kathmandu to Tel Aviv?

No direct flights currently operate between Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV). Nepali travellers connect through Middle Eastern hubs: Dubai (DXB) with Flydubai or Emirates is the most frequent routing (total journey approximately 9–11 hours including connection time); Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways is another well-priced option; Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Etihad is a third alternative. Expect a total journey of 9–12 hours from Kathmandu to Tel Aviv depending on your connection point and layover duration. Check current routes and fares at Skyscanner or Google Flights — availability and pricing vary significantly by season. See the [cheap flights to Israel guide](/cheap-flights-to-israel) for broader fare-finding tips.

What is the best time of year for Nepali travellers to visit Israel?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable seasons for most visitors to Israel. Spring offers mild temperatures (18–24°C in Jerusalem, 22–26°C in Tel Aviv), wildflowers in the Negev desert, and daylight hours well-suited to sightseeing. Autumn is similarly mild and marks the end of the busy Jewish High Holiday season (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, typically September–October). Summer (June–September) brings intense heat — up to 35°C in Jerusalem and 32°C at the coast — and Passover (March–April) and the High Holidays (September–October) bring peak domestic Israeli travel and higher hotel prices. December–February is Israel's coolest and wettest season but works well for the Negev and Eilat. For Christian pilgrimage focus, Christmas (December 24–25) at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a profound experience but requires accommodation booked many months in advance.

Which pilgrimage and religious sites in Israel are most significant for Nepali visitors?

For Nepali Christian visitors (predominantly Catholic and Protestant evangelical communities): the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem (the site of Christ's crucifixion, burial and resurrection — one of Christianity's holiest sites), the Via Dolorosa (the 14 Stations of the Cross through the Old City), Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity (approximately 10 km from central Jerusalem; easily visited as a day trip), the Yardenit Baptism Site on the Jordan River (a popular baptism location near Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee), and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth are the most significant. For Nepali Buddhist visitors: Israel does not have major Buddhist shrines, but the Old City of Jerusalem — a city sacred to three Abrahamic religions — carries deep resonance for Buddhist pilgrims interested in comparative spiritual traditions. The Dalai Lama has visited Israel and spoken publicly about the sacred importance of Jerusalem, and a number of Tibetan-associated Buddhist pilgrims visit the city in a spirit of interfaith peace. Several international Buddhist retreat and peace-pilgrimage organisations include Jerusalem in multi-faith itineraries. See the [Christian pilgrimage Holy Land guide](/christian-pilgrimage-holy-land) for a detailed itinerary.

What currency should Nepali travellers use in Israel?

Israeli currency is the New Israeli Shekel (₪ / NIS). The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is not exchangeable in Israel — Israeli banks and exchange bureaux do not trade NPR. Before departure, convert Nepali Rupees to US Dollars (USD) at Tribhuvan International Airport or in Kathmandu money-changers, then exchange USD to New Israeli Shekels on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport or in central Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Alternatively, withdraw shekels directly from Israeli ATMs using a Nepali Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card — when prompted, select 'charge in local currency (NIS)' to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. Check your Nepali bank's international transaction fees before travel, as some rural cooperative and development banks charge high foreign ATM fees.

Do Nepali citizens need a visa to visit Israel?

Yes. Nepal is not on Israel's ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorisation) eligible countries list, which covers approximately 96 visa-exempt nationalities. Nepali passport holders are required to apply for a B/2 Tourist Visa through the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu before travelling. The B/2 visa is a standard tourist and visitor visa; it is not the same as the ETA-IL that most European or North American citizens use. Apply well in advance of your travel dates — processing typically takes 5–15 working days but can be longer during peak periods or when the embassy is closed for Israeli public holidays. Always verify the current requirements, fees and appointment process directly with the Embassy of Israel in Nepal at embassies.gov.il/nepal, as procedures may change.

What documents do I need to apply for the Israel B/2 Tourist Visa from Nepal?

Standard required documents typically include a valid Nepali passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining beyond your planned return date, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-size photograph, proof of confirmed accommodation in Israel (hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter), a confirmed return airline ticket or itinerary, bank statements covering the past 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip, and travel insurance covering the full duration of your stay. Some applicants are also asked for a cover letter stating the purpose of the visit. Always confirm the current document list directly with the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu at embassies.gov.il/nepal — requirements can change and the embassy's list is authoritative.

Are there direct flights from Kathmandu to Tel Aviv?

No direct flights currently operate between Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV). Nepali travellers connect through Middle Eastern hubs: Dubai (DXB) with Flydubai or Emirates is the most frequent routing (total journey approximately 9–11 hours including connection time); Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways is another well-priced option; Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Etihad is a third alternative. Expect a total journey of 9–12 hours from Kathmandu to Tel Aviv depending on your connection point and layover duration. Check current routes and fares at Skyscanner or Google Flights — availability and pricing vary significantly by season. See the [cheap flights to Israel guide](/cheap-flights-to-israel) for broader fare-finding tips.

What is the best time of year for Nepali travellers to visit Israel?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable seasons for most visitors to Israel. Spring offers mild temperatures (18–24°C in Jerusalem, 22–26°C in Tel Aviv), wildflowers in the Negev desert, and daylight hours well-suited to sightseeing. Autumn is similarly mild and marks the end of the busy Jewish High Holiday season (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, typically September–October). Summer (June–September) brings intense heat — up to 35°C in Jerusalem and 32°C at the coast — and Passover (March–April) and the High Holidays (September–October) bring peak domestic Israeli travel and higher hotel prices. December–February is Israel's coolest and wettest season but works well for the Negev and Eilat. For Christian pilgrimage focus, Christmas (December 24–25) at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a profound experience but requires accommodation booked many months in advance.

Which pilgrimage and religious sites in Israel are most significant for Nepali visitors?

For Nepali Christian visitors (predominantly Catholic and Protestant evangelical communities): the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem (the site of Christ's crucifixion, burial and resurrection — one of Christianity's holiest sites), the Via Dolorosa (the 14 Stations of the Cross through the Old City), Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity (approximately 10 km from central Jerusalem; easily visited as a day trip), the Yardenit Baptism Site on the Jordan River (a popular baptism location near Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee), and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth are the most significant. For Nepali Buddhist visitors: Israel does not have major Buddhist shrines, but the Old City of Jerusalem — a city sacred to three Abrahamic religions — carries deep resonance for Buddhist pilgrims interested in comparative spiritual traditions. The Dalai Lama has visited Israel and spoken publicly about the sacred importance of Jerusalem, and a number of Tibetan-associated Buddhist pilgrims visit the city in a spirit of interfaith peace. Several international Buddhist retreat and peace-pilgrimage organisations include Jerusalem in multi-faith itineraries. See the [Christian pilgrimage Holy Land guide](/christian-pilgrimage-holy-land) for a detailed itinerary.

What currency should Nepali travellers use in Israel?

Israeli currency is the New Israeli Shekel (₪ / NIS). The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is not exchangeable in Israel — Israeli banks and exchange bureaux do not trade NPR. Before departure, convert Nepali Rupees to US Dollars (USD) at Tribhuvan International Airport or in Kathmandu money-changers, then exchange USD to New Israeli Shekels on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport or in central Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Alternatively, withdraw shekels directly from Israeli ATMs using a Nepali Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card — when prompted, select 'charge in local currency (NIS)' to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. Check your Nepali bank's international transaction fees before travel, as some rural cooperative and development banks charge high foreign ATM fees.

Israel Travel Guide for Nepali Visitors (2026)

Nepal and Israel are separated by thousands of kilometres, but they share a profound connection for the significant Christian and Buddhist communities in Nepal who make the Holy Land one of the world’s most meaningful pilgrimage destinations. This guide covers everything Nepali passport holders need to know before travelling to Israel — particularly the B/2 Tourist Visa process (the most critical planning step, since Nepal is not on Israel’s ETA-IL eligible list), flights via Middle Eastern hubs, pilgrimage sites, currency, power adapters and health insurance.

For the broader trip-planning picture, see the complete first-time visitor guide and the is Israel safe guide.

Entry requirements: B/2 Tourist Visa for Nepali passport holders

This is the single most important section of this guide. Nepal is not on Israel’s ETA-IL eligible countries list.

The ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is an online pre-clearance system used by approximately 96 nationalities — primarily European, North American and some Asian countries. Nepali citizens are not eligible for the ETA-IL and cannot apply through the iaa.gov.il portal used by eligible nationalities.

Nepali passport holders must apply for a B/2 Tourist Visa through the Embassy of Israel in Nepal before travelling.

The B/2 Tourist Visa application process

Item	Detail
Where to apply	Embassy of Israel in Nepal, Lazimpat, Kathmandu (verify current address at embassies.gov.il/nepal)
Visa type	B/2 Tourist and Visitor Visa
Processing time	Typically 5–15 working days; allow more time during Israeli public holidays
Validity	Typically single-entry or limited-entry; confirm with the embassy
Recommended lead time	Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel

Documents typically required

Valid Nepali passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your planned return date
Completed visa application form (available from the embassy)
Recent passport-size photograph
Confirmed hotel booking or accommodation invitation letter
Confirmed return airline ticket or flight itinerary
Bank statements for the past 3 months showing sufficient funds
Travel insurance covering the full duration of stay in Israel
A brief cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit

Honesty note: Visa requirements, fees and document lists can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Embassy of Israel in Nepal at embassies.gov.il/nepal before submitting your application. This guide reflects publicly available information but is not a substitute for the embassy’s official guidance.

On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport

Israeli immigration officers may ask about your travel purpose, accommodation and return flight. Have your hotel booking, return ticket and visa approval accessible on your phone or as printed copies. Israel generally does not stamp foreign passports — you receive a small entry card instead. Keep this card throughout your stay.

For a full overview of Israel’s entry process, see the visa and entry requirements guide.

Flights from Nepal to Israel

There are no direct flights between Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV). All Nepali travellers connect through a Middle Eastern or South Asian hub.

Route	Carrier	Approximate Total Journey Time
Kathmandu (KTM) → Dubai (DXB) → Tel Aviv (TLV)	Flydubai / Emirates	~9–11 hours
Kathmandu (KTM) → Doha (DOH) → Tel Aviv (TLV)	Qatar Airways	~9–12 hours
Kathmandu (KTM) → Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Tel Aviv (TLV)	Etihad Airways	~10–12 hours
Kathmandu (KTM) → Bangkok (BKK) → Tel Aviv (TLV)	Israir (summer) / El Al via Bangkok	~12–14 hours

Journey times are approximate and depend on connection duration. Check current routes and fares at Google Flights or Skyscanner — seasonal availability and pricing vary significantly. Fares are typically most competitive when booked 6–10 weeks in advance. The Dubai routing via Flydubai or Emirates tends to offer the highest frequency and flexibility.

See the cheap flights to Israel guide for broader strategies on finding competitive fares to Tel Aviv.

Pilgrimage and religious sites for Nepali visitors

Nepal has a significant Christian community of approximately 2 million, predominantly Catholic and Protestant evangelical, for whom Israel and the Holy Land represent the most sacred pilgrimage destination in the world. Nepal also has a substantial Buddhist community with growing interest in peace-pilgrimage visits to Jerusalem.

Christian pilgrimage highlights

Jerusalem (3–4 days minimum):

Church of the Holy Sepulchre — built over the site identified as Golgotha (the crucifixion) and the tomb of Christ; shared by six Christian denominations including Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian; open daily, free entry; one of Christianity’s holiest sites
Via Dolorosa — the 14 Stations of the Cross through the Old City’s Muslim Quarter; the Franciscan Order leads a public procession every Friday afternoon (approximately 15:00); an intensely moving experience for Christian pilgrims
Garden Tomb — an alternative site venerated by Protestant denominations as the possible tomb of Christ; a quieter, more contemplative site than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; free entry
Mount of Olives — the Garden of Gethsemane (where Jesus prayed before his arrest), the Church of All Nations, and the panoramic view of the Old City walls from the hillside

Bethlehem (day trip from Jerusalem):

Church of the Nativity — built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus; approximately 10 km south of Jerusalem in Palestinian-administered Bethlehem; accessible by taxi or organised tour from Jerusalem; the grotto beneath the altar is the site of the nativity manger; admission free but queues can be long
Jerusalem–Bethlehem tours are a standard day trip for pilgrims; see the Christian pilgrimage Holy Land guide for a full multi-day pilgrimage itinerary

Galilee (2 days):

Yardenit Baptism Site — on the Jordan River near Tiberias; the most popular baptism site in Israel; robes available to rent; open daily; a deeply meaningful experience for Christian pilgrims
Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth — where the Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary; the largest church in the Middle East; Nazareth is approximately 1.5 hours by car from Jerusalem
Sea of Galilee — where Jesus carried out much of his ministry; boat trips from Tiberias; the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha (multiplication of loaves and fishes) and Capernaum are all nearby

Buddhist pilgrimage and peace visits

Israel does not have major Buddhist temples or shrines in the traditional sense, but Jerusalem holds significant resonance for Buddhist pilgrims from a number of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist traditions. The Dalai Lama has spoken publicly about Jerusalem as one of the world’s most sacred cities — a place of shared spiritual gravity across traditions. Several interfaith peace-pilgrimage organisations that include Buddhist communities offer guided visits to Jerusalem’s holy sites in a spirit of compassionate witness and intercultural encounter.

Nepali Buddhist pilgrims visiting Israel typically include Jerusalem’s Old City as the focal point, with visits to the Old City’s multiple places of prayer, contemplative walks on the Via Dolorosa, and visits to the Mount of Olives overlook.

Payments and banking

Nepali Rupees (NPR) cannot be exchanged in Israel. Israeli exchange bureaux and banks do not trade NPR.

Before and on arrival

Convert Nepali Rupees to US Dollars (USD) in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport, Thamel money-changers or your bank before departure
Exchange USD to New Israeli Shekels (₪) at Ben Gurion Airport exchange counters on arrival, or at change bureaux in Jerusalem’s city centre or Ben Yehuda Street
Withdraw ₪ directly from Israeli ATMs using a Nepali Visa or Mastercard — select “charge in local currency (NIS)” when prompted to avoid dynamic currency conversion markup
Inform your Nepali bank in advance that you will be using your card internationally

Payment method	Works in Israel?	Notes
Visa / Mastercard (Nepali banks: Himalayan Bank, NIC Asia, Nabil, etc.)	✓ Usually	Verify international availability with your bank; some cooperative/rural banks restrict international use
Cash USD / EUR	✓ Exchangeable	Easiest pre-departure option
Nepali Rupee (NPR) cash	✗ No	Not exchangeable in Israel
eSewa / Khalti / IME Pay	✗ No	Not supported on Israeli terminals

Carry approximately ₪200–400 in cash for markets, shared sherut taxis, entrance fees and smaller establishments. For the current NPR/ILS exchange rate, check xe.com before travel — this guide does not quote a fixed rate.

Power adapter

Israel uses Type H sockets — a unique three-pin flat-blade configuration found almost exclusively in Israel and is not standard elsewhere.

Nepal uses Type C and Type D sockets (round two-pin or round three-pin). Nepali plugs do not fit Israeli sockets without an adapter.

Voltage is compatible: Nepal operates at 220–240V/50Hz and Israel at 230V/50Hz — the same voltage range. Modern phones, laptop chargers and camera chargers are typically rated “100–240V” and require only a plug adapter, not a voltage transformer. Check the label on each device before relying on this. Type C-to-Type H or Type D-to-Type H adapters are available in Thamel electronics shops in Kathmandu and at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals (airport prices are considerably higher).

Health insurance

Nepal does not have a reciprocal health insurance agreement with Israel. Medical treatment for uninsured tourists in Israel can be expensive — an emergency room visit or overnight hospitalisation may cost several thousand shekels (several hundred US dollars or more).

Take out an international travel insurance policy with emergency medical cover, hospitalisation, medical evacuation and trip-interruption benefits before departure. Confirm that Israel is explicitly listed as a covered destination in the policy wording. Travel insurance providers popular among Nepali and South Asian travellers include SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (affordable monthly plans popular with budget travellers), World Nomads and Allianz Travel.

Mobile connectivity

Nepali SIM cards (Ncell, Nepal Telecom) have limited international roaming agreements. Verify your carrier’s Israel roaming rates before departure — roaming charges can be high and may not be available at all.

Better options for Israel connectivity:

Israeli tourist SIM — available at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals from Golan Telecom and Hot Mobile kiosks (typically open around the clock). A 30-day unlimited-data SIM costs approximately ₪50–90; your Nepali phone must be SIM-unlocked to use it
eSIM — providers such as Airalo, Nomad or Holafly offer Israel data eSIMs; activate before leaving Kathmandu on compatible handsets (iPhone XS or later, many Android flagships)

Embassy contacts

Embassy of Israel in Nepal (Kathmandu) Lazimpat, Kathmandu Website: embassies.gov.il/nepal Verify the current address, phone number, opening hours and appointment requirements directly with the embassy before visiting — consular office details can change.

Embassy of Nepal in Israel (Tel Aviv) Verify the current address and consular contact details at nepaliembassy.org or through the Government of Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nepal maintains diplomatic representation in Israel; contact the embassy for emergency consular assistance during your trip.

Quick reference for Nepali travellers

Item	Detail
Entry requirement	B/2 Tourist Visa required — apply through the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu (iaa.gov.il/nepal); not ETA-IL; allow 4–6 weeks
Flights	No direct flights — connect via Dubai (Flydubai/Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), or Bangkok; approximately 9–12 hours total
Currency	New Israeli Shekel (₪); NPR not exchangeable — bring USD or withdraw NIS from Israeli ATMs on arrival
Payments	Visa/Mastercard from Nepali banks (verify international access); eSewa/Khalti not accepted
Power	Type H socket; 230V/50Hz — same voltage as Nepal; plug adapter needed (Type C/D → Type H)
Health insurance	No Nepal–Israel reciprocal agreement; purchase international travel insurance with Israel coverage
Mobile data	Israeli SIM (₪50–90) or eSIM recommended; Ncell/NTC roaming limited — verify rates
Embassy of Israel	Lazimpat, Kathmandu — verify current details at embassies.gov.il/nepal
Emergency numbers	100 (police), 101 (ambulance), 102 (fire), 112 (national emergency)

Planning your Israel trip from Nepal

A 7–10 day pilgrimage itinerary from Kathmandu covers the main Christian Holy Land sites comfortably: 3–4 nights Jerusalem (Old City, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial); 1–2 nights Bethlehem area (Church of the Nativity day trip or overnight); 2 nights Galilee / Tiberias area (Yardenit baptism, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Church of the Annunciation); and an optional Dead Sea afternoon (the lowest point on Earth, about 1 hour from Jerusalem).

Most Nepali Christian pilgrimage groups travel to Israel with an organised tour operator based in Nepal — this provides visa assistance, group visa support, guided access to Christian sites and Nepali-speaking group leaders. Independent travel is possible but requires more planning, particularly around the B/2 visa process.

For the complete Christian pilgrimage itinerary, see the Holy Land pilgrimage guide. For budget planning, see the Israel cost and budget guide. For the latest safety situation, see the is Israel safe guide.