26/03/2026
GNews March 2026, there are 13 countries that officially do not recognize the State of Israel and strictly ban entry to holders of Israeli passports. This list primarily includes nations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, reflecting long-standing diplomatic standoffs and more recent geopolitical shifts.
Countries Banning Israeli Passports
The 13 countries typically cited in current travel and diplomatic records as having a full ban on Israeli passport holders are:
Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
Southeast Asia: Brunei and Malaysia.
Africa: Algeria and Libya.
South Asia: Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Recent Addition: The Maldives officially reinstated its ban on Israeli passport holders in April 2025 in protest against the conflict in Gaza.
Key Considerations
Limited Exceptions: Some of these nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, may occasionally grant entry under extremely rare circumstances, typically for specific business or religious purposes, provided prior clearance is obtained from their respective ministries.
Transit Prohibitions: In most of these countries, the ban extends to transit, meaning Israeli citizens are not permitted to pass through national airports or maritime ports.
Stamps in Other Passports: Travelers with non-Israeli passports should be aware that even an Israeli entry or departure stamp in their document can sometimes cause issues or denial of entry in some of these jurisdictions.
Overall Mobility: Despite these regional restrictions, the Israeli passport remains one of the world's most powerful, currently ranked 21st globally and offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 166 countries in 2026.
Disclaimer:
This image is for informational and illustrative purposes only. It may be edited or digitally enhanced and does not represent a real-time event. This news is just for awareness.
