As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread across the globe, the Israeli Ministry of Health has issued emergency regulations all Israeli Missions abroad must follow. These regulations, to which our Consular Department is bound by law, dictate that consular services will be restricted in order to minimize infections as much as possible.
The following three areas will be affected by emergency regulations:
Visa applications to non-Israeli citizens will not be processed, except in extraordinary circumstances. We will only provide services remotely/via post and following advance notice.
Minimize arrival of Israeli citizens requiring consular services to the Mission except in extraordinary services, and provide services remotely/via post following advance notice.
Consular Department staff will be dressed in protective gear (i.e.: masks, gloves, etc.) while receiving visitors. Visitors to the Mission will likewise be required wear protective gear.
Further instructions for non-Israeli citizens:
Further to the Prime Minister’s announcement on 9 March, starting from 12 March 2020 all foreign nationals arriving in Israel through one of its international ports of entry will be required to prove that they will immediately enter into a 14-day home quarantine upon their entry to Israel for a period of 14 days. Stays in hotels, hostels and/or student accommodation do not qualify as home quarantine. Proof of home quarantine must be given in advance to the Israeli Mission based in the foreign national’s country of residence, in accordance with specific instructions.
Foreign nationals with student visas, journalists, experts, academics, corporate and religious officials who are based in Israel will only be granted visas and allowed entry upon proof of ability to enter into home quarantine. Documents related to visa applications must be delivered by post, and interviews (if required) will be done remotely.
Foreign care workers – Israel-based employers (rather than your place of employment) must declare ability of foreign care workers to enter into home quarantine and give relevant details.
Diplomats serving in Israel will be allowed entry upon proof of ability to immediately enter into home quarantine.
B/1 work visas will not be issued for workers in the agriculture, construction and hospitality sectors.
Aliyah visas – Jewish Agency representatives will transmit all necessary documents, including Aliyah approvals, to the relevant Israeli mission. Visas will then be issued and passports given back to the Jewish Agency, who will deliver them to the recipient.
For the time being, we will not conduct any genetic testing in Israeli Missions abroad.
We hope that this public health emergency will pass quickly, and that we will be able to continue providing you with consular services soon. Do not hesitate to contact the Consular Department if you have any further queries.
Wishing everyone good health!