What can you bring through customs in Israel?

Its own customs territory

Israel gives travellers a personal allowance, requires a declaration for goods above it, and controls food, plants and animals for health reasons.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Travellers have an allowance for goods carried for personal use and gifts, and goods above it are taxed.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults have allowances for alcohol and tobacco for personal use.

Food, plants and animals

Food, plants and animals are controlled by the agriculture ministry and may need certificates or be refused.

Cash and valuables

Cash above a set amount must be declared on entry and exit.

Medicines and banned items

Bring medicines in original packaging with a prescription. Weapons, illegal drugs and counterfeit goods are banned.

What to watch for

Check the customs authority's current rules before you travel; allowances and banned items change.

Understand the legal system first

Israel belongs to the Mixed: civil and common law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the Israel legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

Government of Israel: customs and taxes

TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.