Israel

Official information confirms that Herzliya Marina has a border-control point where the Population and Immigration Authority provides border services for yachts arriving in or leaving Israeli territorial waters. Contact the marina to coordinate before arrival. The page confirms Herzliya Marina only; it does not say this is the only port where clearance is possible or confirm that other ports are currently open.

The Israeli government services directory lists a yacht border-services point at Herzliya Marina. This confirms that service point only and does not mean other ports can clear private yachts. Make arrangements and confirm availability in advance.

Pre-arrival notification

Boat Almanac says vessels approaching Israel must make early identification contact with the navy on VHF 16 and follow its security instructions. Confirm current navigation and reception arrangements in advance.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Arriving by Boat in Israel (2026): Entry, Clearance & Fees

Israel provides yacht border services at Herzliya Marina. Crew visa eligibility, entry permission and length of stay remain decisions for the immigration authority based on each person's nationality and circumstances. Confirm the required passenger/crew list and documents before arrival.

As of 28 February 2026, Israel Shipping and Ports Authority Notice 037/2026 requires yachts sailing to or from Israel to complete a security identity check with the Navy Navigation Liaison Unit before departure and submit vessel details, crew list and route: [email protected]; WhatsApp contact accepts text messages only, at +972-52-948-4030. International yachts may enter or leave only through Shavit Marina in Haifa, Herzliya Marina or Ashkelon Marina. Coordinate in advance with customs, immigration and security authorities and confirm berth availability and officials' hours. The notice does not set out complete customs rules for temporary import guarantees, permitted stay or declarations of goods aboard visiting yachts. Before departure, also check the latest navigational notices and confirm arrangements with the marinas.

Pets, plants and food entering Israel must meet the applicable import requirements of the responsible authorities. The Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary Services says dog and cat imports generally require a permit and health conditions. Its permit exemption includes pets travelling on the same flight as their owner, so it must not be assumed to apply to pets arriving by yacht. Before departure, confirm permits and arrival inspection arrangements with Veterinary Services. Plants and plant products are subject to plant-protection import rules and may require a permit or phytosanitary/origin certificate; food imports are separately regulated by the Ministry of Health. These are general import requirements. Official pages do not explain the complete declaration or quarantine process for food and pets carried aboard a yacht for personal use.

The Israel Tax Authority's traveller customs guide gives examples of prohibited imports, including certain knives, imitation or disguised firearms, explosives and dangerous goods, and says some goods require approval from the responsible authority. The guide is not a yacht-specific clearance list. Before departure, confirm declaration and permit requirements for firearms/ammunition, controlled medicines and other goods requiring authorization with customs and the relevant authority. Do not infer that ordinary lawful marine tools are prohibited under this guidance.

Arrival procedures

Proceed to the visitor/customs berth at an approved port of entry and wait for inspection; officials may board at sea. Do not go ashore without permission.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Arriving by Boat in Israel (2026): Entry, Clearance & Fees

No uniform customs or departure fee schedule for private yachts throughout Israel was found. Ashkelon Marina's official page confirms that international arrivals and departures must be coordinated at least 72 hours in advance and that related arrival/departure charges are listed by service period in the marina's price schedule. Its 2026 schedule also distinguishes vessels, crew and annual-contract members. These charges cover local Ashkelon Marina services only, not national customs duties. Confirm visiting-yacht charges for Haifa/Shavit and Herzliya separately with each marina and the responsible authorities. Request a current quotation for the intended departure date.