The fee for Sinai is paid at the Menachem Begin border crossing, also known as the Taba Crossing, before exiting Israel. According to the official tariff effective from April 15 to December 31, 2026, the price is 120 NIS per departing passenger. You can pay in advance online without a fee, pay at the Milgam counter at the terminal with an additional fee, or purchase a voucher at the post office bank.
On this page, you’ll find clear answers to the key questions. For example: how much the Taba crossing fee costs, where to pay it, who is eligible for an exemption, what documents are needed, and what to know before arriving at the border. Rates and procedures may change, so it is recommended to check the Israel Airports Authority website for the latest information before traveling.
How much is the fee for Sinai in 2026?
According to the official fee table of the Israel Airports Authority. The departure fee at the Menachem Begin terminal is 120 NIS. This rate applies from April 15, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
The Israeli fee applies to exiting Israel. Upon returning through the Taba Crossing, the Israeli departure fee is not charged again. On the Egyptian side, additional local charges may apply, which are not determined by the Israel Airports Authority. It is advisable to check the updated amount and payment methods close to your travel date and to have cash on hand.
How to pay the Taba crossing fee?
Online payment in advance
This is usually the most convenient option. Payment is made by credit card on the financial operator’s website of the terminal, Milgam, without an additional fee. You can access the purchase page through the official fee page of the Menachem Begin Crossing. When paying, it is mandatory to specify the departure date and the return date to Israel.
After payment, it is recommended to save the confirmation on your phone and also download an additional copy. There is no reason to rely solely on cellular reception or a message left in the mailbox.
Payment at the Border Crossing Counter
Payment can be made at the Milgam branch at the terminal. According to official information, a fee of 7 NIS is added for payment at the counter. During busy periods, on-site payment may add time to the process, so paying in advance can save hassle.
Payment at the Postal Bank
A voucher can be purchased at Postal Bank branches without an additional fee, according to postal conditions. The voucher must be exchanged for crossing fees at the Milgam branch at the terminal. For most travelers, online payment will be simpler and faster.
Is There an Exemption from the Sinai Crossing Fee?
There are several defined exemptions. The most useful exemption for families is for a baby under two years old. To receive it, you must go to the financial operator’s counter at the terminal and present the required documents.
There is also an arrangement for those traveling only to the Taba area, up to one kilometer from the border crossing. Eligibility is conditional on signing a declaration and commitment. If you travel beyond the defined area during your stay, you must report it upon return and pay the fee. It is important not to rely on rumors or previous experience: read the current conditions in the official terminal announcements and follow them precisely.
Additional exemptions are granted to certain officials and document holders, including diplomatic passport holders and representatives of international organizations listed on the official website.
What to Bring to the Taba Crossing?
- Valid Passport: The Airports Authority states that a passport valid for at least three months is required. It is recommended to also check the requirements of the insurance company and Egyptian authorities before departure.
- Fee Payment Confirmation: Keep an accessible digital copy of the receipt.
- Booking Details: Hotel or accommodation confirmation, address, and phone can save time if you are asked to provide details.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure the policy covers the Sinai area and planned activities.
- Cash and Credit Card: Not all payments on the Egyptian side are made using the same means.
Is a Visa Required for Sinai?
Israelis traveling through Taba to Taba and Sinai for a period not exceeding 14 days are generally not required to have an Egyptian visa. Those planning a longer stay or a trip to Cairo need to obtain a visa in advance. The information is available in the Menachem Begin Terminal travel guidelines.
Before any trip to Egypt, it is important to check the current travel advisory from the National Security Headquarters and the insurance conditions. Security situations and entry guidelines can change at short notice.
Crossing to Sinai with a Private Vehicle
Starting from March 1, 2026, a new rule applies to private vehicles. Specifically, anyone driving to Egypt must arrive with a vehicle license translated into English in advance. Translation services are not available at the border crossing. Additionally, a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration are required. If the vehicle is not registered in the driver’s name, a power of attorney certified by a lawyer or notary is necessary.
There are also restrictions on the types of vehicles permitted to cross, and according to the Airports Authority, the daily vehicle quota is 70 vehicles. Therefore, it is advisable to check all requirements, quotas, and congestion before setting out. Rental vehicles, commercial vehicles, and other types listed on the website are not allowed to cross.
Operating Hours and Congestion at the Taba Crossing
The Menachem Begin Terminal is generally open 24 hours a day, every day of the week. However, it closes on Yom Kippur and the Muslim Eid al-Adha. During these periods, special announcements are published, so it is essential to check the hours before arriving. Those observing the Sabbath are advised to plan the crossing and transportation for weekdays.
During peak hours, holidays, and vacations, waiting times may be extended. Additionally, the Airports Authority has announced infrastructure work on the access road to the terminal starting in June 2026 and lasting approximately eight months, with potential changes in traffic and delays. Allow extra time and avoid scheduling tight pickups on the other side.
Note: Parking in the terminal area is only permitted during the entry or exit process. Do not leave your vehicle there for the entire vacation period, as it may be towed. Those arriving by car and leaving it in Israel should choose a suitable parking lot in the Eilat area and proceed from there to the crossing.
Taba Crossing Fee: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Taba crossing fee?
The Israeli fee for an outbound passenger is 120 ₪ between April 15 and December 31, 2026. It is recommended to check again close to your travel date as the rate is subject to updates.
Can the Sinai fee be paid on-site?
Yes. Payment can be made at the Milgam counter at the terminal, but a counter fee of 7 ₪ is added. Online payment by credit card does not incur this fee.
Is there a fee when returning to Israel?
The Israeli fee is an outbound passenger fee, so it is not charged again upon re-entry to Israel. Separate charges may apply on the Egyptian side.
Do infants pay the Taba crossing fee?
An infant under the age of two is exempt from the fee. You must approach the Milgam counter at the terminal to receive the exemption and present the appropriate documents.
Can you cross to Taba without paying the fee?
There is a limited exemption for those declaring a stay in the Taba area only, up to one kilometer from the crossing, and signing the required declaration. Those leaving the area must report and pay according to the conditions.
Is it necessary to print the payment confirmation?
The official information does not require printing here, but it is recommended to keep the receipt in an accessible file on your phone. A printed copy can serve as a convenient backup in case of a malfunction.
Before Traveling to Sinai
Pay the fee in advance, check operating hours and updates, ensure your passport and insurance are suitable for the trip, and arrive with spare time. If crossing by car, do not forget the English translation of the vehicle registration and other documents. A brief preparation at home can save waiting time and prevent surprises at the border.
The information in the article was verified against the publications of the Airports Authority in September 2026. Rates, entry guidelines, operating hours, and travel warnings may change. Check the latest information with official bodies before traveling.
Want to find more deals and travel updates?
Hunt for the best flight deals with our search engine, continue reading on the Flight Hunter website, and join our WhatsApp group.
