Legal Rules for Bringing Cash into Israel

The declaration requirement

There is **no upper limit **to how much money you may bring into or out of Israel. However, if you are carrying **50,000 ₪ or more **(or its equivalent in any foreign currency), you are **legally required to declare it **to customs upon entry or departure.

This declaration applies to all forms of money, including:

ï           Cash

ï           Traveler’s checks

ï           Bank checks

ï           Bearer securities

ï           Negotiable instruments

ï           Prepaid or stored-value cards

When you arrive in Israel, you must fill out Customs Form 84a, available at the airport or border. It’s a straightforward declaration form stating how much you are bringing and in what form. You will receive a stamped copy to keep as proof.

Failing to declare large sums can result in confiscation of the money, heavy fines, or **criminal charges **under Israel’s anti-money-laundering laws.

 Special Allowances for Olim (New Immigrants)

Olim are often transferring their life savings or sale proceeds from abroad, so there are additional practical guidelines:

ï           An oleh is permitted to bring **up to 1.25 million ₪ **in total as part of their Aliyah financial transfer benefits.

ï           However, **any portion of that total above 50,000 ₪ must still be declared **to customs.

ï           The “1.25 million” allowance simply means customs will not object to that amount being imported; it does **not **exempt you from the declaration rule.

ï           The **50,000 ₪ threshold **applies per family unit. If you are a family of two or more people, it still counts as one combined declaration.

If you have more than 50,000 ₪ or its equivalent, go through the **red line **at customs and declare it. In almost all cases, this is a formality — officers understand that olim commonly transfer savings as part of resettlement.

 Other Relevant Israeli Cash Regulations

ï           Within Israel, cash transactions are restricted.

◦           Businesses (“dealers”) may not accept more than **6,000 ₪ **in cash for most payments.

◦           Private individuals are limited to **15,000 ₪ **for personal transactions or gifts.

ï           Banks are legally required to report deposits or withdrawals of **50,000 ₪ or more **to Israel’s Money-Laundering Authority.

These limits don’t affect how much you can bring in, but they influence how you can **use **or

**deposit **large sums once you’re in Israel.

 How the Process Works at the Airport

**1.        Prepare in advance: **Keep your funds organized and ready for inspection if requested.

**2.        Choose the red channel: **If you have ≥ 50,000 ₪, enter via the red customs lane.

**3.        Fill Form 84a: **State your total amount and currency.

**4.        Provide documents if asked: **Customs may ask for evidence of the funds’ origin (bank statements, property sale documents, etc.).

**5.        Receive confirmation: **Once cleared, you’re free to proceed. You keep your copy of the form as proof of lawful declaration.

Usually, olim who declare are not questioned further unless something appears suspicious or inconsistent.

 Precious Metals and Valuables

If you bring gold, silver, or other precious metals, these are treated as imported goods, not money.

ï           You must declare them separately.

ï           You will be charged **VAT (Value Added Tax) **based on the assessed value at entry.

ï           Keep receipts or appraisals to prove the items’ worth and ownership.

These items do not count toward the “cash” limit but are subject to customs taxation.

 Risks and Penalties

ï           **Failure to declare **when required can lead to seizure of the money, fines, or even imprisonment.

ï           **Lack of documentation **proving the funds’ source can trigger suspicion or delays.

ï           Carrying very large sums in cash poses theft, loss, and safety risks.

ï           Some banks may freeze large deposits until proof of origin is supplied.

 Safe and Practical Ways to Bring Money

 Essential Preparation Checklist

Before your flight:

1.        Gather documentation:

◦           Bank statements and withdrawal slips

◦           Sale contracts (if funds come from property or business)

◦           Proof of inheritance or transfer letters if applicable

**2.        Print and carry copies **of any forms you might need (Customs 84a template if available).

**3.        Notify your bank **in advance if you plan to transfer large amounts so they can flag the transaction as legitimate.

**4.        If carrying cash, keep it discreet **and insured if possible.

**5.        Store declaration receipts **safely once you arrive in Israel — you may need them for opening an Israeli bank account or explaining source of funds later.

 Summary for Olim

ï           You may bring **any amount **of money into Israel.

ï           You **must declare **if you carry **50,000 ₪ or more **(cash or equivalent).

ï           As an oleh, you can legally bring up to **1.25 million ₪ **as part of your Aliyah benefits — but you must still declare it.

ï           Always carry proof of origin, fill out Form 84a, and **use bank transfers **for safety and convenience.

ï           Once in Israel, respect **domestic cash limits **and deposit rules to avoid compliance issues.

Updated on: 01/02/2026