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Editor’s Note: This editorial draws on more than 25 years of independent travel, first-hand experience and publicly documented evidence and regulatory changes. Many of these editorials were written years before the issues became mainstream, and have been updated to reflect current developments while remaining true to their original arguments.
Updated late 2026: Security procedures have become even more visible following the ongoing regional conflict. While waiting times and screening levels can vary depending on the security situation, the overall process described below remains broadly the same.
If you’re flying to Israel for the first time, there’s a good chance you’re feeling at least a little apprehensive about Ben Gurion airport. Or to be more accurate, the airport security.
Perhaps you’ve read stories online about travellers being detained for hours, missing flights after lengthy questioning or having every item in their luggage searched. Maybe you’ve heard rumours of intimidating interrogations, strip searches or security staff looking for any excuse to pull you aside. Spend long enough reading travel forums and it’s easy to convince yourself that passing through Ben Gurion Airport is going to be one of the most stressful parts of your entire trip.
The reality is that, while Ben Gurion is undoubtedly one of the most security-conscious airports in the world, and security is absolutely heavy, it’s also remarkably professional, organised and far less intimidating than many first-time visitors expect.
Security in Israel is taken really seriously, there is absolutely no doubt about that. The visible presence alone is more than you would be used to going through many other airports around the world, and that’s just the parts you can see.
Thanks in part to a partly overblown reputation of being a dangerous country and a history of tension in the region, these guys make the TSA in America look even more like rank amateurs just after their afternoon nap. What catches most first-time visitors by surprise, though, isn’t simply how strict the security is. It’s that it works differently.
Unlike many airports that rely almost entirely on scanners and technology, Ben Gurion combines physical screening with interviews, behavioural assessment and multiple layers of security designed to identify genuine risks long before passengers ever reach the aircraft. That means you should expect more questions, more checks and a much slower process than you might be used to, but not necessarily a more intimidating one.
That was certainly my experience. Even after travelling around the world multiple times I wasn’t immune to the constant barrage of negative press and I arrived expecting something far closer to the horror stories I’d read online, but what I actually found was a process that was undeniably slow and incredibly thorough, yet also consistently polite, professional and nowhere near as intimidating as the rumours had led me to believe.
So if you’re wondering what actually happens when you arrive in Israel, what to expect when you leave through Ben Gurion Airport and whether all those stories are really true, here’s what you can realistically expect.
Arriving In Israel
For most visitors, arriving in Israel is much less dramatic than its reputation suggests. Immigration officers may ask a few more questions than you’re used to at other international airports, but for the overwhelming majority of travellers the process is straightforward, professional and surprisingly routine.
That was certainly my experience. Ben Gurion Airport applies some of the most stringent security standards in the world, and that becomes obvious almost as soon as you arrive. Unlike many airports, where security relies primarily on technology and random screening, Israel places a much greater emphasis on interviews, behavioural assessment and multiple layers of security.
That doesn’t mean security staff are trying to catch you out or trick you into saying the wrong thing. Quite the opposite. The questions themselves are usually very ordinary, covering things like why you’re visiting Israel, where you’re staying and how long you plan to be there. Security staff are simply building a picture of who you are, whether your journey makes sense and whether there’s anything genuinely unusual that requires a closer look. For the overwhelming majority of travellers, it’s little more than a short, polite conversation.
One of the first things you’ll probably notice is the sheer security presence. Uniformed security staff, police and military personnel are much more visible than they are at most international airports, alongside many others working discreetly behind the scenes. If you’re not used to seeing armed security carrying rifles, that can feel slightly intimidating at first. It’s a perfectly natural reaction, especially if you’ve rarely encountered it before.
Personally, having served myself, I barely gave it a second thought. If anything, I found it quietly reassuring. But whether you find it reassuring or slightly unsettling, after a few minutes it simply becomes part of the airport environment. Everyone is just getting on with their day, and before long you’ll probably be doing exactly the same.
Your experience at immigration may be quicker or longer than mine. Some travellers are through with barely a conversation, while others are asked a few more questions or invited to continue the interview elsewhere. That’s entirely normal and doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. The process is designed to assess each passenger individually rather than treating everyone exactly the same.
When I reached passport control, things certainly moved a little more slowly than I was used to. I’d heard plenty of stories beforehand about travellers being taken aside for lengthy interviews, so I was expecting something far more intimidating than what actually happened. Given my background, the number of countries I’d travelled to in a relatively short period of time and my unfortunate tendency to treat subtle diplomacy like a long-lost relative I’d rather not speak to, I was convinced something in my passport would raise an eyebrow. The immigration officer did pause over a couple of pages in my passport for a little longer than the others, flicking backwards and forwards as I quietly wondered which stamp had caught his attention. Eventually he handed it back without another word. That was it.
Walking away from passport control, I felt like I’d just gotten away with something I shouldn’t have. I hadn’t, of course. I’d done absolutely nothing wrong, but there was still that strange feeling that somehow I’d got away with something. Maybe it was all those childhood memories of standing outside the headmaster’s office waiting to be told off. Whatever it was, it was completely irrational.
As I wandered towards the taxi rank, I realised I’d spent far more time worrying about arriving in Israel than I ever needed to. The security was undeniably thorough, but it was also calm, professional and entirely routine. If anything, the biggest surprise wasn’t how strict it was, but how ordinary it all felt.
Does Israel Stamp Your Passport On Entry?
One of the questions I still get asked most often about travelling to Israel is whether immigration stamps your passport.
The simple answer is no.
That is good news for many travellers because, just as Israel may pay closer attention to passports containing stamps from certain countries, a number of countries in the Middle East and elsewhere have historically viewed evidence of travel to Israel with equal suspicion. In some cases that could lead to additional questioning on arrival, while in others it could create genuine difficulties entering the country.
To avoid those issues, Israeli immigration no longer routinely stamps foreign passports. Instead, visitors arriving through Ben Gurion Airport are normally issued with a separate blue entry card, which you should keep safely with your passport throughout your stay. It serves as proof that you entered Israel legally and you may be asked to present it alongside your passport during your visit, when claiming a VAT refund or when you leave the country.
Don’t lose it. It isn’t the end of the world if you do, but it is an unnecessary hassle. If your blue entry card does go missing, speak to the Population and Immigration Authority at Ben Gurion Airport before you leave the country so they can advise you on the appropriate procedure. It’s far easier to deal with proactively than to wait until you’re standing at passport control ready to fly home.
It’s a small detail, but one that removes one of the biggest worries many travellers have before visiting Israel. You can enjoy your time there without wondering whether an Israeli passport stamp will complicate wherever your travels take you next.
Can You Be Taken Aside For More Questions?
Although most travellers pass through immigration with nothing more than a few routine questions, some people are invited to continue the conversation in a separate interview room or undergo additional checks.
If that happens to you, don’t panic. Being asked more questions doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done anything wrong or that security staff suspect you of anything. Israeli airport security is designed to assess each traveller individually, and some passengers simply require a little more clarification than others based on their travel history, itinerary or other factors.
The best advice is simply to stay calm, answer honestly and remember that the process is designed to be thorough rather than intimidating. For the overwhelming majority of travellers, even additional questioning is simply an inconvenience that adds a little time to the journey rather than anything more serious.
Leaving Israel
If arriving in Israel is generally straightforward, leaving is where you’ll really notice the difference.
The departure process at Ben Gurion Airport is far more thorough than most travellers are used to, and the first thing you should expect is questions. Quite a lot of them. That’s completely normal and simply part of how Israeli airport security operates.
Exactly how many questions you’re asked, how many times you’re asked them and how detailed those conversations become varies from person to person. Security staff assess each passenger individually, so your experience will depend on a wide range of factors, including your travel history, itinerary and the information you provide during the interview. You may be spoken to before you even enter the terminal building, and you’ll almost certainly be interviewed again before reaching the check-in desk.
The important thing to remember is that this isn’t an interrogation in the way most people imagine it. There are no floodlights shining in your face, no chain-smoking officers playing good cop, bad cop and no aggressive attempts to intimidate you into confessing to something. The atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed and conversational. Security staff aren’t looking for rehearsed answers or trying to catch you out; they’re simply building a picture of who you are, why you’ve been travelling and whether anything about your journey requires a closer look.
Don’t be surprised if you’re asked the same question more than once, sometimes in slightly different ways. That’s a normal part of the interview process and isn’t a sign that you’ve said anything wrong. Equally, don’t feel like you need to memorise every detail of your trip or rehearse the ‘perfect’ answers beforehand. Ironically, trying too hard to give the perfect answer is often more stressful than simply answering honestly and naturally. If you’re truthful about where you’ve been, why you’re travelling and what you’ve been doing, the conversation usually takes care of itself.
That was certainly my experience.
The security officer who interviewed me was exceptionally good at his job. He was polite, friendly and immediately put me at ease, making the whole conversation feel more like an informal chat than a formal interview. At the same time, it was obvious he wasn’t simply making small talk. As we spoke, his questions changed naturally depending on my answers, occasionally returning to something we’d already discussed or exploring an unexpected tangent before moving on again. It was subtle, methodical and very professional.
His eyes only left my face occasionally to glance at my passport before asking about some of the countries I’d visited. There were quite a few.
I was just grateful some of the more ‘interesting’ stamps were safely tucked away in my old, full passports back home.
One destination he was particularly interested in was Indonesia. He asked why I’d visited several times and whether I still kept in touch with anyone there. I honestly have no idea why that particular country caught his attention, and there’s no point trying to second-guess the reasons. The important thing is that the questions remained friendly, conversational and entirely professional throughout.
He asked what I did for a living, why I had been visiting Israel and plenty of other questions you might reasonably expect. He also threw in the occasional unexpected question and revisited topics we’d already covered. None of it felt confrontational or intimidating. It simply felt like a thorough conversation conducted by someone who clearly knew exactly what they were doing.
The Infamous Security Stickers
If you’ve spent any time researching Ben Gurion Airport before your trip, you’ve almost certainly come across the infamous security stickers. They seem to have acquired an almost mythical status amongst travellers, with endless forum discussions and blog posts all claiming to know exactly what the different colours and numbers mean.
After my interview I was given a small yellow sticker with a barcode and a long string of numbers. Mine started with the number five. It looked completely ordinary, but knowing it had just been attached to my passport by Israeli security immediately made me curious about what it actually meant.
While I was waiting, I found myself probably not too discreetly looking at everyone else’s stickers. Then I noticed the woman in front of me had a white one instead of a yellow one like mine, and my imagination immediately went into overdrive. Had she somehow been judged less of a security risk than me? Or more of one? Was she a diplomat? An undercover intelligence officer? An international spy quietly making her way through Ben Gurion Airport without anyone noticing?
I really shouldn’t have watched Jason Bourne at the hostel movie night.
The truth is that none of us really know what those stickers mean. They are clearly part of Israeli security’s internal process, allowing staff further along the airport to immediately identify what level of screening has been assigned to each passenger, but beyond that everything else is speculation. Israeli authorities have never publicly explained exactly what the different colours or numbers represent, which means anyone claiming to know the entire system is, at best, making an educated guess.
That’s also why I think people worry about them far more than they need to. The sticker isn’t there for your benefit, it’s there for Israeli security. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, it doesn’t mean you’re about to be dragged into a back room, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’ve somehow failed the interview. It simply determines how much additional screening you’re likely to receive as you continue through the airport.
In my case, it meant a few more questions and a thorough search of my luggage. Nothing more dramatic than that. A friend travelling separately received a different number and underwent a more detailed search than I did, which simply reinforced the point that every passenger is assessed individually. Whatever criteria Israeli security use, they clearly aren’t applying exactly the same process to everyone, and there is very little to be gained from trying to second-guess a system that only they fully understand.
Luggage Screening And The Security Checkpoint
After your security interview you’ll be directed to the appropriate screening lane, and this is where the waiting really begins.
If you’ve been worrying about the security search itself, don’t. The actual procedures are remarkably similar to what you’ll experience at airports all over the world. You’ll place your bags through the X-ray machine, empty your pockets, walk through the metal detector and, depending on the level of screening you’ve been assigned, your luggage may be searched by hand and swabbed for traces of explosives or other prohibited substances.
The difference isn’t really what they do.
It’s how incredibly, painstakingly, unapologetically pain in the arse thorough they are.
Israeli security have absolutely no interest in rushing passengers through to keep the queue moving. They take exactly as long as they believe they need, and if that means everyone waits a little longer, then everyone waits a little longer. It very quickly becomes obvious why every piece of advice about Ben Gurion Airport tells you to arrive earlier than the usual three hours.
Apart from this though there is no real difference than waiting in any other security queue. I even had to suppress a growing sense of frustration watching the two women in front of me who had somehow managed to arrive at one of the most security-conscious airports in the world without ever considering they might have to prepare for airport security. As soon as we got to the front of our queue and they were called forward, they spent the next ten minutes separating electronics, rummaging through handbags and generally looking surprised that this whole security thing was actually happening.
I mean c’mon, it isn’t really rocket science, people.
When I was called up I’d already emptied my pockets, separated my electronics into their own stuff sacks and had everything ready to go. I walked up and put my stuff in the trays. For the benefit of the two ladies in front of me, this took approximately five seconds.
Years of travelling have taught me that a little organisation goes a very long way at airport security. My bergen or carry on is packed in sections using waterproof stuff sacks, with electronics, chargers, toiletries and anything likely to be inspected all grouped together. If somebody wants to search my bag, I can unpack and repack the whole thing in a matter of minutes instead of emptying half my belongings onto the floor. At Ben Gurion, where thorough bag searches are far more common than at most airports, that small habit makes the whole experience much easier for both you and the security officer.
Then time stopped. My bag disappeared into the X-ray machine where it stayed, far longer than it usually does going through any other airport and receiving more doses of radiation than the Incredible Hulk. The two officers studied the monitor with the kind of intense patience normally reserved for binge-watching an entire season of Game of Thrones. It certainly felt like it took that long.
Surely my underwear wasn’t that interesting?
Eventually though my bag emerged from the other side, I walked through the metal detector without setting anything off and was then asked to step aside while my hands and shoes were swabbed. Again, nothing particularly unusual. Airports all over the world carry out exactly the same checks.
The officer then politely asked me to take a seat while she searched my bag. At least I got to sit down.
And searched it she did. Every compartment was opened, every pocket inspected and almost everything inside was swabbed before being carefully placed back exactly where it had come from. The search was carried out completely in the open, alongside several other passengers having their bags checked, and at no point did anyone appear remotely interested in hurrying the process along. Thoroughness was clearly far more important than speed.
It was at that point I became very glad I’d arrived at the airport early. I wasn’t being made late for my flight, but I wouldn’t have enjoyed the feeling of thinking I might be. While I had been in the queue earlier I did notice security staff occasionally escorting individual passengers out of the line and straight to a separate and much quicker screening area or straight to the front of the queue I was in. I assume to get them onto impending flights. Israeli security deliberately builds enough flexibility into the system for passengers who need more detailed screening without risking flights being delayed for everyone else.
Personally, though, I’d still give yourself an extra hour on top of that three hour recommendation if you can. In the worst-case scenario you’ll find yourself sitting comfortably in departures with an overpriced coffee and an hour to spare. That’s a far better outcome than spending the entire journey to the airport wondering whether you’re going to make your flight.
Regardless, the whole thing didn’t take all that long. Thanks again to my sectioned and planned pack. She had everything out, looked through and put back really quick. The only thing that really caught her attention was my first aid kit. Given my background I always travel with a fairly comprehensive one, so I wasn’t particularly surprised when she wanted to have a closer look inside. After checking everything, she smiled, complimented me on how well stocked and organised it was, carefully packed it back into my bag and wished me a pleasant journey.
That probably sums up my entire experience of Israeli airport security better than anything else.
It was incredibly slow. It was annoyingly meticulous. But from the moment I arrived until the moment I boarded my flight, every member of staff I dealt with was calm, professional, courteous and quietly reassuring.
So, Is Israeli Airport Security Really That Bad?
Having now been through the process myself, I’d honestly say no.
Is it slower than most airports? Absolutely.
Is it more thorough? Without question.
Will you probably be asked more questions than you’re used to? Almost certainly.
But does it deserve the almost mythical reputation it has amongst travellers? I really don’t think so.
The biggest difference between Ben Gurion Airport and most other international airports isn’t that the security is dramatically more intimidating. It’s that nobody seems to be in any great hurry. The officers take the time they believe they need, they ask the questions they think are necessary and they search what they feel needs searching. If that means the queue moves more slowly, then so be it.
To be honest, I’ve spent longer waiting in security queues elsewhere in the world. I distinctly remember standing at Denpasar Airport in Bali while the security officer seemed far more interested in chatting up every attractive woman passing through than he was in keeping the queue moving. Whatever you think about Israeli security, you certainly won’t find that sort of unprofessional behaviour here.
Could you be selected for additional screening? Of course. Some travellers are asked more questions than others and some bags receive a more detailed search. That’s simply part of the process. In every case I witnessed, however, it was carried out calmly, professionally and respectfully. Even my friend, who underwent more extensive screening than I did, was simply asked a few extra questions, had her luggage searched in a private room and joined me not long afterwards.
My advice is simple. Arrive at the airport three or four hours before your flight, keep your passport and entry card handy, answer every question honestly and don’t overthink the process. The overwhelming majority of travellers pass through Ben Gurion Airport with nothing more than a little extra waiting and a story or two to tell afterwards.
Ben Gurion has developed its reputation over decades by prioritising security above almost everything else. That approach won’t be for everyone, and there will always be people who think it goes too far. Personally, I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with that. But it is what it is and we have to deal with it, so since we do, the truth is that it isn’t as bad as people say at all.
So yes, Israeli airport security is meticulous. Yes, it’s slow. And yes, at times it can be a bit of a pain in the arse.
But after all the rumours, horror stories and internet myths I’d heard before arriving, what I actually found was something very different: calm, professional people doing a difficult job with remarkable thoroughness.
Go and enjoy Israel. It’s a truly amazing destination. Just don’t leave packing your electronics until you reach the front of the queue.
Michael Huxley
Michael Huxley is the founder of Bemused Backpacker, a travel writer, published author, international speaker and former nurse who has spent more than twenty-five years travelling independently through over 150 countries. He helps readers travel with more confidence, safety and perspective.
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101 responses to “What To Expect At Israel’s Airport Security”
This is so reassuring for anyone wanting to travel to Israel, I’ve never been myself but I have heard the reputation of the security services and have to say it did put me off. I’l definitely think again now.
Thank you Alice! I’m glad to hear that. 🙂
He says “no flight at the airport has ever been hijacked and they haven’t had a major terrorist incident in almost 50 years”.
So Mr Bemused BackPacker, you’ve left me a little bemused as to what other airports have had hijacks and terrorist incidents? No many. Maybe Berlin and Nice should have speed barriers to slow trucks down and security checks for all trucks every time they pass an area with huge crowds. Sure, have some checks, but these tactics are beyond the pale.
After reading reports like these, I’m surprised anyone with half a brain ever visits Israel, I sure won’t be.
I’m sure you will be heartily missed.
I’ve always heard rumours about how tough it is to travel through Israel, thanks for the actual truth of what it is like.
You are welcome, I’m always happy to temper rumours with a bit of fact. 🙂
It’s definitely needed in todays climate!
I have to say I didn’t have a problem, like you I got asked a ton of questions but none that I would really consider over the top, and like you say they were really professional about it. I’m glad you are dispelling the myths about the security in Israel.
Thanks John, I hope I’m doing a fair job at that.
Wow, that is not how I had imagined it at all. So would you say that the security situation in Israel in general is okay?
Absolutely! In fact I’m heading back there soon and have no fear in the slightest. 🙂
Brilliant article and very thorough. I an genuinely understand people’s worry and concern about going through security like this (even though like you say a lot is overblown) but at the end of the day they take security seriously for a reason and it obviously works.
Thanks Glen. It definitely does.
I went to Tel Aviv a few years ago and went through security too. I can honestly say it wasn’t anything too severe … a lot of questions and a very thorough x ray and bag search. The security and customs people were just doing there jobs and doing it very well.
Exactly Jack.
Well I have to say it sounds like a major improvement on the TSA here in the US!
To be fair that isn’t hard! No offence! ;D
I live in Israel so come in and out so this is nothing new for me, but thanks so much for putting it together. Its nice to see how others look at what happens here and Im sure this puts peoples minds at ease.
I certainly hope so, I know Israel has a tough reputation for security and whilst that reputation has some merit I wanted to show travellers that it isn’t anything to worry about. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I think the American TSA are starting to take lessons from Israel airports!
Haha I think the TSA are getting worse!
Thanks for such an in depth look at the process, it doesn’t seem so bad now, but I wonder if it would have been a different story if they had decided to detain and question you?
Thanks for reading and yes that is an excellent and very fair point. I can only imagine it probably would have been, I do know people who have gone through it and they did not enjoy the experience, but if it happened my only response could have been staying calm, polite and answering their questions until they let me on my way.
Thanks for this, I’d got excited about planning a weekend trip to Tel Aviv until I heard about the heavy security, so it isnt as bad as everyone makes out?
Not at all Michelle. Security is strict, yes, but it is better handled than in most cases (especially the god awful TSA in the US) and is certainly nothing to be afraid of.
Thank you for this, it is great to hear they don’t stamp your passport as I have been dreaming (and planning) of a bit of a tour of the middle east for a long time and wasn’t sure if I would have to leave Israel off the itinerary. Thank you so much for all your practical advice.
You are very welcome! You should definitely add Israel to that list! ;D
Just go to Israel at the end of your middle-eastern travels then you won’t have to go to the added hassle of making sure immigration don’t stamp your passport.Other countries are no so forthcoming – Algeria for example refuses entry to anyone with a Taiwanese stamp in their passport yet Taiwan immigration insist on stamping your passport!
As I said Guy, they don’t stamp your passport, they give you a stamp on a separate piece of paper.
What if I want my passport stamped – will/can they do that?
No, and it really isn’t worth asking. And why would you want to? Just save yourself the hassle?
I went to Israel back in 2009 and also had a “5” on my sticker which I didn’t even notice it had been put there at the time.To speed things up I would suggest to go when you have a new passport (less hassle with explaining stamps from what Israel regards as “enemy countries”), have a guide-book to hand (being a tourist without one would look highly suspect), smile (they LOVE it when people get angry), never say you are going to the west bank and try to get a flight which arrives late in the day when things are quieter.To get into the county for me it took an hour whilst leaving took almost twice as long: serious questioning by three people at the same time, endless bag rechecking and a final interview which went on so long I was thinking of the financial consequences of missing my flight.Israel is well worth a visit – just be prepared for the airport onslaught.
Well I don’t think not having a guide book would be suspect (most travellers don’t use them now, they use much better blogs instead!) ;D But I do agree about leaving plenty of time and just being nice and polite.
What about a tiny bit of hash oil in what looks like a tiny cosmetics cream jar? What about a pill capsule with a little bit of ex inside mixed in with other pills? Do they individually inspect and open each item in the toiletries bag?
I’m sure they do, so it’s not exactly a good idea to try is it? And if someone does try that and gets caught I have no sympathy for them.
bonjour à tous, je vois cet article par hasard et il est excellent. bravo à l’auteur !!!
Merci!
Good article but could be beefed up by more detail on entering the country. Even before the passport control there are security agents eyeballing everyone. I’ve been nabbed after deplaning and walking the long corridors before passport control. If you are asked at passport control where you are going, and you mention any Palestinian city, or use the word ‘Palestine’, then you will have raised a red flag and more likely to be invited to the proverbial back room.
I have had clients forced to open their Facebook and email accounts so that security can take a look. Refusal means no entry to Israel. Security is mainly looking for political activists who want to work with Palestinians. Supporters of BDS can be legally summarily rejected.
However don’t worry. 99% of visitors pass through without serious questioning. It helps to wear a Christian or jewish religious pendant, smile and say ‘Shalom’ to the passport officer.
Thanks Fred, with so much security it should go without saying that you are being observed pretty much every step of the way, and I’ve heard of people being asked to show their social media too. I wouldn’t wear any religious symbology at all though, just smile, be polite and be non committal.
Toda raba! 😉
Baruch haba!
We at several times had been traveling to Israel, by plane and,by car. Last time in April 2018. It’s highly recommended to be at the airport 3,hours in advance, until your plane,starts. We never had any bad,experiences with th controls. The security questions always some way had been special, always unexpected. “Ask your wife in your language about she packed all by herself.” – “What’s the meaning of your given name”. The,answers didn’t seem to be interesting for them, much more your reaction on it at all, how fast one,replied.
They are highly trained to read a lot of signals. 🙂 But you are right, leave enough time for potential questions and security and you’ll be fine.
I received a 6 on a trip to Tel Aviv recently and, aside from the hour long interrogation and strip search, they completely unpacked my check-in, stole an item, and my bag didn’t arrive to my final destination until a day later. Upsetting – to say the least.
Well long interrogations and thorough seraches are relatively normal Rafiki but if you think they stole something (was it anything that was on their banned list of items?) then you need to take that up with the authorities. I have to say they were more than thorough searching my bag as well (inspected everything) but they were more than polite and professional about it.
I just arrived back from traveling for a weekend trip to see the special places. I received a 6 and was thoroughly searched. I got this designation because I work in middle eastern countries. What bothered me the most was going through the x-ray body scan being subjected to radiation. No need – I was wearing minimal clothing. Could I have just had a strip/body pat down instead? I also don’t understand the heavy security when you are leaving – why when you go out? and not when you come in. Coming in was a walk in the park.
Sorry to hear you got a 6 and was put through heavier searching Helena, but I wouldn’t worry about the radiation from the X ray, it is minimal. You can actually request a pat down though if you wish.
Thank you for your thoughts. Yes, I will ask for a pat down next time. I do want to go again. Completely worth the visit. And I appreciate that the Israelis protect the special places and keep it safe to visit.
Actually I got a 2 when traveling with my grandmother and I’m a 23-yo male from Europe, so it is possible to get a 2 even for non-Israelis if you look really non-threatening – the guy literally asked us if we packed our bags while sticking 2 on our passports :D. I believe my dad got 2 as well while in TLV on a business trip (with a clean passport). I was surprised I got a 2, even though I got a 6 just 3 months earlier after having hitchhiked in from Egypt.
Oh anything is always possible, just not common. It is often all down to the security on duty, specific threats and specific feelings/instincts of the guards on the day.
I am just back from Israel yesterday, agree with your description. The entrance to the country was easy peasy, one question for a reason for my visit… I was with a friend, we’re 2 40yo ladies, blondes, Polish, nothing really out of standard. We were told before going that the ladies from Eastern Europe are not very welcome, but no issues at all at entry. Leaving the country it is all quite ridiculous though, security staff were all very very young, like right after the army or something, no one looking more than 25yo in view. They were totally bored and kind of Sleeping beauties. Hated the guy walking away with my passport in his hand. Almost 2 hrs of this circus. I’m still fuming from the experience. I don’t get the exit security and grilling, what’s the point? If I am a threat, don’t let me in, what’s the point of not not letting the threat out??? If I was to do something illegal, I would have done in while IN the country and not when left… Anyone knows logical explanation for this??
Other than that, lovely country. Grumpiness is Israeli’s second name though…
In or out they may be reacting to different situations at different times, it isn’t specifically harder on exiting the country. Yes it is thorough and frustrating but it isn’t as horrific as many make out.
Many irrelevent questions by Israeli immigration like my grandfathers name and why didnt i travel overland from egypt to Jordan when there is no overland. They kept me waiting for 2 hours waiting.
Those questions aren’t irrelevant Khalil, even if they seem so. They are designed that way very specifically.
We flew to Israel from Mumbai and the Israeli security guards at the airport in India asked us to walk down a particular lane. I later realized they had sensors along this lane or hidden cameras that could detect hazardous materials even in very small amounts.
Really? Wow! That’s efficient.
I just arrived in Israel on a direct flight from Hong Kong, where Israeli security delayed several Australians for questioning and additional security checks. These Australian guys looked nervous to me too. They didn’t carry any large bags, just regular size handbags.
After the security check they were led away by local police. Security there must have some kind of sensors that can detect a combination of a nervous passenger and suspicious substances even in small amounts. (Yan, Hong Kong)
Maybe it was just good training and observant staff?
fuck israel. Its most disgusting dumbshit fake jew zionist country on earth. Go visit every Muslim nation on earth and none of them will treat you like the Imperialist do
Israel is the last country on earth I’d ever visit. I’d rather bag 65 year old prozzies than set foot in that white dominated nation.
Go to Iran and you can drink Vodka with a jewish antique owner in Tehran and he will let you visit the Synagogues
You are so ridiculous I can’t even take you seriously! As if any respectful Iranian, or anyone for that matter would waste a second on you!
It is a privilege as a Christian to visit the special places in Israel. These places belong to the world and I am grateful that the Israeli’s are protecting them. Naturally, we go through rigorous security when we want to visit. It is inconvenient but necessary. I am okay with it because the alternative – of special places being unprotected – is unthinkable.
Dear (Hasbara) Helena – oddly enough my late grandmother went to Jerusalem back in the early 1960’s before the complete Israeli military conquest of that city and strangely enough all “the special places” were open to tourists without any need of “protection” by anyone as the Jordanians were doing a good enough job on their own – so your unthinkable was in fact reality.Jerusalem does not belong to the world – it is owned by Israel and they can and do whatever they want with it – just ask the declining Arab population of that city for further details regarding the “Judification” policies of the current Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat.
I know what you mean, the fact that we can see and be around these amazing religious and archaeological sites.
Iran does have a very vibrant and active Jewish community.
Hi, does anyone know if it can cause a trouble to possess Palestinian products (food) in the bag when leaving Ben Gurion? I plan to bring back dates, olive oil and herbs (package written in Arabic and clearly from Palestine) as a gift for family and friends. They will be in my suitcase to check but the staff at airport may open my suitcase. Would it lead to the maximum level of search/questioning (‘6’)? Would the staff take these products away?
I would always err on the side of caution.
I got mine out, but they will give you grief for doing so.
Indonesia has the highest Muslim population in the world, more than any Middle Eastern countries. It’s no surprise why Israel doesn’t like Indonesia. I’m surprised you don’t know this if you are a world traveller.
Don’t be spreading hate.
I have never had a problem going through Israeli security, sure they ask questions and can be thorough but not more than i have been asked coming back to the US or going through the UK? Not a big deal at all for most people I should imagine.
Exactly, all airports have security, some are just stricter than others.
I’m surprised they allowed you to take photos if they are so strict!
I was very quick! ;D
If you’re patient, polite and relaxed and just answer the questions they ask which are, for the most part pretty standard then 99% of the time you will go through without any problem whatsoever. Just like any airport in the world
Exactly.
Thank you for the reassurance on this issue, I had been previously worried about security in Israel.
Glad I could help Omo
Such a straightforward and informative article, thank you. I have to admit I have heard some real horror stories, especially from women, about being told to strip and getting basically sexually assaulted in pat downs and it has honestly put me off.
I’ve heard a lot of horror stories too Gerri but honestly that has not been my experience nor the experience of anyone I know. I have only ever seen the security there be ultra professional. Yes there are occassions where people will be asked to strip off in exceptional security circumstances, like there are in any airport, and some people will get patted down as well as using the scanners from time to time, again, just like in any airport in the world. This won’t be the experience of most travellers though and if it does happen I am sure it will be nothing but professional.
So, Bemused Backpacker–
You never printed my ordeal where I was sexually assaulted by security and where several other women were too.
I wonder why.
Because there are legal ramifications to just making accusations online, especially with zero proof or evidence. If a crime occurred, I strongly suggest you (or anyone else you claim to speak for) go to the police and the authorities. This isn’t a place for trial by media.
It doesn’t sound like it is as bad as I have heard, thanks so much for this.
You are very welcome
Interesting post, thank you for this, it has really made me think again about coming to Israel. I had dismissed it in the past (admittedly without all that much thought or research) because of the horror stories I heard about getting in through the airport security.
Great to hear Julian, Israel is such an amazing country
Some very salient points here and what you say about scaremongering is very true. Best to not listen to it.
Very true.
Traveling to Israel next week. I need to take medicine (B-12) which I need to inject. Are there any issues with name/proper labeling, etc….taking medication through customs ?
Hi Sam, there are issues yes. Always travel with the proper labelling, the original packaging and all letters/scripts etc from your GP and you should be fine. Please feel free to contact me on my travel clinic to discuss specific issues with specific meds in more details.
Me and my wife will be travelling to Israel in the summer of 2020. Tel Aviv, Jeruzalem, the Dead Sea and all the regular stuff. We can’t wait!!! There is one thing that worries me: me myself I speak English quite well but my wife doesn’t speak any English at all. I’m worried that she won’t be able to answer the questions asked by the Israeli security agents. Off course I’d love to translate, but will they accept that?
Can you comfort me a little bit on that?
Hi Michael, you should be absolutely fine, it depends on the language of course but security will speak multiple languages or be able to get someone if it is necessary. They will be used to travellers from all over the world coming through every single day so don’t worry.
I had one of those nightmare experiences at Ben Gurion airport- it was back in 2009, so perhaps (hopefully) security protocols have changed since, as what I experienced was extreme. I was not aware of the security sticker system, am guessing that I was a 6 as I was detained and questioned by multiple people in a private room for several hours, was strip searched and had my computer, luggage, and carry-on, even my coat confiscated. Just for additional info- I am a white female and was traveling alone from NYC to visit a friend in Tel Aviv and at the time was in my early 30’s.
I luckily did make my flight and was escorted directly onto the plane by security being the last person to board with only my phone, keys, wallet and passport in hand.
I received my computer, luggage and coat 10 days later- mailed to my apartment in New York City, some of the items in my luggage were broken. However, the fact that they kept these things- especially my computer for several days is terrifying and still a mystery to me, as I was never given an answer to why I was singled out for enhanced and honestly humiliating interrogation.
Sadly, as much as I would love to visit Israel again- am still shaken by this experience.
Oh man that is extreme and honestly don’t blame you for being shaken, I think anyone would be after that! I wish I knew why they singled you out too
I am very concerned about a strip search. I have two hip replacements and one knee replacement. Do they make you take everything off!?
If they do it yes, but the chances of that are extremely low and I’m sure they will have discretionary procedures for such eventualities. Honestly it isn’t something that is common enough for the average traveller to be concerned about.
Very interesting, thank you. I’ve heard so many scare stories about coming through security in Israel I didn’t know what to believe.
That’s the problem, everyone hears all the scare stories and then get scared and don’t visit.
I very much agree with you, rules are strict but they seem to on the whole do it very well. Much better than the UK
The UK doesn’t set a very high bar to be fair ;D
I am.half jewish i fly back from israel to amsterdam
got a 5 on my stamp for some reson i asked them about it and they were nice and whene they saw i was relaxed and even.happy they checkt me the hole situtation changed form tens to relaxed and open he litterly told me.they do random check ups even with israelis he even joked with me beceus i said i want to have a israeli paspoort he said it probley maked the hole.way easyer and not to worry about it was random.check.up what they do all the time
Of course ;D