An Israeli Visa grants foreign nationals permission to enter and stay in Israel for a specific period, depending on their travel purpose. Visa types vary according to the nature of the visit, ranging from tourism and business to long-term stays and immigration.
Types of Israeli Visas
There are several types of visas that Israel offers based on the applicant’s purpose of travel:
- Immigration Visa: For individuals of Jewish origin living abroad who wish to immigrate to Israel under the Aliyah (Law of Return).
- A/1 Temporary Resident Visa: This visa is granted to those eligible for immigration who have completed the examination process with the Aliyah representative of the Jewish Agency.
- A/2 Student Visa: Issued to individuals intending to study in Israeli schools, universities, yeshivot (Jewish religious schools), or other educational institutions.
- A/3 Clergy Visa: For clergymen who come to Israel to fulfill their religious duties as invited by a recognized religious institution.
- A/4 Visa for Spouses and Children: Granted to the spouses and minor children of A/2 (Student) or A/3 (Clergy) visa holders.
- B/1 Work Visa: Issued to foreigners coming to Israel for work purposes, such as professionals, skilled labor, or specialized work.
- Working Holiday Visa: Available only to citizens of certain countries, allowing young people to work temporarily in Israel while traveling.
- B/2 Visitor’s Visa: For short-term visits, such as for tourism, business meetings, or participation in educational programs like a Hebrew Ulpan.
- Official Diplomatic or Government Visa: Issued to individuals on official government or diplomatic missions.
- Israel – US Investor Visa: Available exclusively to US citizens who wish to reside in Israel temporarily to manage or develop a business venture.
Do You Need an Israeli Visa?
Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality. Several countries have visa exemption agreements with Israel, allowing their citizens to enter the country for short visits (usually up to 90 days) without needing a visa. To determine whether your nationality qualifies for this exemption, refer to the visa-free countries list.
For longer stays or purposes such as work, study, or immigration, even visa-exempt travelers will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
When to Apply
It’s advisable to apply for an Israeli visa 1 to 2 months before your travel date. This ensures there’s enough time for processing and, if needed, rectifying any application issues.
Where to Apply
Visa applications should be submitted at the Israeli embassy or consulate in your country of residence. In some countries, Israel has outsourced visa application processes to third-party visa application centers, so check where to submit your application based on your location.
Steps to Apply for an Israeli Visa
1. Complete the Visa Application Form
The visa application form can be filled out online or manually in either English or Hebrew. You can find the form here. After completing the form, attach a recent passport-sized photo that meets ICAO specifications.
2. Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide a variety of documents depending on the visa type. Commonly required documents include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity from your intended date of entry.
- Proof of financial means, such as bank statements, to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay.
- Round-trip flight tickets or proof of onward travel.
- Documents related to the purpose of your trip, such as a letter of invitation, a work contract, or enrollment details from a school or university.
Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
3. Attend the Visa Interview
After submitting your documents, you will need to attend a visa interview at the embassy or consulate. During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about your intended stay in Israel, your background, and your financial situation. It is important to provide honest and accurate answers.
4. Pay the Visa Fees
Visa fees vary by visa type and are non-refundable if your application is denied. Here is an overview of the visa fees:
| Visa Type | Fee (Euro) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| B/2 Visitor’s Visa | €21 | $24 |
| A/2 Student Visa | €41 | $47 |
| A/3 Clergy Visa | €41 | $47 |
| Permanent Residence Visa | €167 | $191 |
| B/1 Work Visa | €41 | $47 |
| B/4 Volunteer Visa | €21 | $24 |
5. Wait for Processing
Visa processing times differ depending on the type of visa. For visitor visas, the processing time is around 5 business days, while work visas may take 12 to 14 weeks.
Israel “Electronic Gate Pass”
When entering Israel, you will receive an Electronic Gate Pass instead of a passport stamp. This card includes details about your visit, such as your entry date and the purpose of your stay. Keep this card with you during your stay, as it serves as proof of your legal entry.
Entry Requirements for Visa-Exempt Travelers
Even if you do not need a visa to enter Israel, you must still meet the following entry requirements:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., flight tickets).
- Documentation showing the purpose of your visit.
Arab Countries and Israeli Passport Stamps
- Countries that allow visitors with Israeli passport stamps: UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and Morocco.
- Countries that do not accept visitors with Israeli passport stamps: Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Yemen.
However, you can visit Israel even if your passport contains stamps from Arab countries, though you should be prepared for additional questioning at the border.
Aliyah and Israeli Citizenship
Aliyah refers to the immigration of Jews to Israel under the Law of Return. This law allows individuals of Jewish descent, as well as those who convert to Judaism, to immigrate to Israel. To learn more about Aliyah and applying for Israeli citizenship, visit How to Apply for Israeli Citizenship.