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Information for Ukrainian refugees in Israel

No temporary protection: 90 days on entry; no deportations until 31 December 2026 or the end of the war, whichever is earlier

Information checked in October–November 2026.

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Important to know

Israel has no protection status for Ukrainians: they stay as tourists under a no-deportation regime (until 31 Dec 2026 or the end of the war). Those who attended PIBA refugee-status interviews are often refused extension of the 2A5 "blue paper" and told to leave, but for now the regime still protects them from deportation. Leaving Israel usually means losing this regime. No state benefits or health insurance without status. People eligible under the Law of Return can make aliyah. ETA-IL (PIBA)

Status and documents

How long protection lasts
90 days on entry. For Ukrainians already in Israel a no-deportation regime applies until 31 Dec 2026 or the end of the war, whichever comes first (renewed several times); tourist (B/2) visas have been extended automatically.
Documents
No asylum or temporary-protection scheme. Entry: Ukrainian passport + approved ETA-IL (since 2025, NIS 25); up to 90 days visa-free, border officers decide on entry. Aliyah (Law of Return): original apostilled documents + Nativ consular check.
Where and how to apply
ETA-IL online before travel (israel-entry.piba.gov.il). No application is needed for the stay policy; check status and update contacts via PIBA's online "Registration of Ukrainians" form. Aliyah: PIBA office in Israel + Nativ consular check.
Processing time
ETA-IL: most applications are processed within 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before booking. The stay regime is automatic, with no individual decision.
When protection ends
The regime lasts until 31 Dec 2026 or the end of the war if earlier (so far it has been renewed). Leaving Israel after 90 days of stay ends it in practice: re-entry is often refused or requires a bond. Entry can be refused individually.

Travel, pets and language

How to get there
Only by plane, via EU airports: e.g. Warsaw–Tel Aviv (LOT, El Al, Wizz Air, approx. 3 h 50 min).
Pets
ISO microchip, rabies vaccine 30 days to 1 year before arrival, rabies antibody (titer) test for dogs and cats, vet health certificate issued ≤10 days before the flight; pets under 4 months and dangerous breeds (pit bull, Amstaff, Rottweiler etc.) are banned.
Languages
Hebrew (official); Arabic has a special status. About 20% of the population speaks Russian; English is taught at school, but proficiency varies.

Work, healthcare and education

Right to work
No formal permit, but PIBA does not sanction employers of Ukrainians who hold a Ukrainian passport and have been in Israel over 90 days (until 31 Dec 2026). Olim (Law of Return) may work freely.
Jobs in demand
Construction, agriculture and caregiving (elderly care): sectors that rely heavily on foreign workers.
Healthcare
No: without status there is no public health insurance; you need private insurance for foreigners. Olim become residents and are covered by national insurance.
Kindergarten
Municipal kindergartens (gan) from age 3 are almost free (one-time municipal fee approx. NIS 300–700); children of Ukrainians in Israel attend them. Under 3: paid daycare.
School
Yes: education is compulsory and public schools are free (up to grade 12); parents pay annual fees for extras of approx. NIS 500–1,150.

Benefits

Housing support
None for Ukrainians without status (no state housing). Olim receive the absorption basket (see below).
One-time payment
None without status. Olim (from 1 Jan 2026): absorption basket NIS 21,694 for a single, NIS 41,359 for a couple, paid at the airport, on opening a bank account and in 6 monthly instalments.
Monthly allowance for adults
None for Ukrainians without status. Olim: basket instalments for 6 months (single: NIS 3,150/month).
Monthly allowance for children
None without status. Olim: basket supplement per child, in total NIS 12,831 (age 0–4) or NIS 8,521 (age 4–17).

Cost of living

Average rent
1-bedroom flat approx.: Tel Aviv $1,430–1,940/month; Haifa $700–950; Be'er Sheva $570–650 (livingcost.org, 2026).
Groceries per person per month
Approx. $660–830/month per person for food (Haifa – Tel Aviv; livingcost.org, 2026, partly crowdsourced).
Kindergarten fees
Private gan approx. NIS 1,500–2,000/month (half day); daycare/preschool in Haifa/Tel Aviv approx. $1,200–1,760/month (livingcost.org).
Private school fees
Public schools with extra programmes approx. NIS 2,500–10,000/year; international schools in Tel Aviv approx. $27,000/year (livingcost.org).
Health insurance cost
— (no reliable average: private insurance for foreigners is expensive, there are no cheap plans; price depends on age and insurer).
Documents, consulates, legal helpThe same in every country: e-Consul, Diia, free legal aid, a psychologist.

All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.

If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.