Applying for a visa to Israel

Please check the required documentation according to the visa you wish to obtain.

All applications can be submitted by mail unless stated otherwise. Once gathered all the required documents, the application needs to be mailed to the consulate. For mailing information click here.

The consul reserves the right to summon each applicant for an interview. if you are coming for an interview you must send all the documents beforehand.  

Please do not use staples with your visa documentation. Paper clips are ok.

Processing time is 7 business days once the document arrives at the consulate.

In case your visa application is denied, you will receive a document informing you of this.
You can appeal the decision. Information regarding the appeal process can be found at: www.gov.il/he/departments

Please note! The consular department of the Israeli consulate in San Francisco provides consular services to residents of Northern California, Washington State, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Alaska.

Visa fees, payment, and return method
For visa pricing please see the fee chart. Visas not listed do not need to require a pay – but providing a return method is a must.
Payment may be in the form of:
1. Credit or debit card – please fill out a payment form. American Express will not be accepted.
2. Cashier's Check/Money Order. The Consulate cannot accept personal checks or other forms of payment.

Please note that the Consulate is not liable for any risks involved with sending payment information by mail.

Receiving a visa/passport back from the Consulate:
We recommend sending a prepaid return envelope with your mail or pre-paid FedEx label.

If not provided, we will return the passport via FedEx. Payment of an additional fee is required (see pricing on the payment form).To use this delivery method, the fee must be paid when the application is submitted. Please note: The consulate is not liable for any mail damage, loss or theft once it has been submitted to FedEx for shipment.

 Our mailing address:

The Consular Department at the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest in San Francisco

456 Montgomery St, Suite #2100, San Francisco, CA 94104​

Visas Type:

1.       Aliyah Visa

2.       B/2 Visitor Visa- Tourist /Business

3.       A/2 Student Visa (Universities and Yeshivas)

3.a.  National Project Visas (for Taglit-Birthright Israel, MASA, etc.)​

4.       A/4 Dependents Visa (for spouses and minor children of A/2, A/3 Visa recipients)

5.       B/1 Work Visa (For employment while in Israel. see B/2 for short-term business trips)

6.       A/3 Clergy visa

7.       B/4 Volunteer visa

8.       Diplomatic and Official Visas

9.       US Citizen Investor Visas

Other Cases - For all other types of visas, please refer to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1.      Aliyah Visa

Aliyah is the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the land of Israel. According to an arrangement between the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, the latter handles immigration (Aliyah) to Israel. This is to say, the Jewish Agency is responsible for checking candidates, providing advice and guidance, seeing to absorption arrangements, referrals to immigrant centers, places of study, employment, etc. If the Jewish Agency approves a candidate, it will then send a letter of recommendation to the Consulate.

According to the law, the authority to issue the Aliyah Visa lies solely with the consular representative. The consular representative may request additional details, both from the applicant and from the Jewish Agency. In cases of doubt, the consular representative may transfer the application to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a decision.

Those interested in commencing the process of immigrating to Israel should contact the Aliyah representative of the Jewish Agency who is responsible for the area in which they reside. All applications for Aliyah from the Pacific Northwest Region are made through the Jewish Agency office in Los Angeles.

To contact the Jewish Agency (Los Angeles office):
Phone: (323) 658-7302
Email:  aliyahla@jafi.org

Website: http://www.jewishagency.org/aliyah

2.      B/2 Visitor Visa

A B/2 Visitor Visa is granted to someone who wishes to stay in Israel for a short period (such as for a visit, tourism, a business meeting, or study in a Hebrew Ulpan). A person who enters Israel on a B/2 Visitor Visa is not allowed to work in the State of Israel. A B/2 (Visitor Visa) is valid for up to three months from the date of issue. The duration of the stay in Israel will be determined by the Border Police. A visitor who wishes to extend his/her visit may submit an application at a regional population administration office of the Ministry of the Interior.

Before applying, check if you need a visa, according to the passport you hold: Tourist Visa Table

If under remark for your country, it says "Requires MFA confirmation" you must contact the consulate before sending your application by email - Consular-Department@sf.mfa.gov.il

Please provide the following documentation for a B/2 visitor visa:

·         A Completed and signed application form

·         Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year

·         A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)

·         One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American-size passport photo

·         Recent 3-month bank statements showing the availability of at least 100 USD per day of stay in Israel. Bank statements may be from the applicant, parent, or spouse’s bank account. If using another person's bank statements, please include an affidavit stating that they are willing to financially support the applicant's trip

·         Flight itinerary showing arrival and departure dates and proof of purchase.

·         Hotel confirmation for each night in Israel. If staying with family or friends please provide the inviter’s Israeli ID number, address in Israel, and a signed letter of invitation.

·         Proof of employment or a letter from college/university (in case you're a full-time student)

·         Medical insurance for the period of your stay -needs to show coverage abroad. 

·         Payment of the fee and return method

If visiting Israel for business, please provide:

o   Invitation letter from the company in Israel

o   Letter from employer (on official letterhead) approving the period of travel

o   A letter from the employer stating that the applicant's trip is fully covered can be used in place of hotel information.

If the applicant is a minor (under 18 years of age):

The applicant and their parents must apply in person, with those additional documents:

o   A birth certificate notarized with an apostille stamp is required.

o   Both parents (or legal guardians) must sign the following consent form in the presence of a notary or consular representative: Permission of a parent to issue a visa for a minor

3.      A/2 Student Visa

 An A/2 Student Visa is granted to those who want to study in Israel in academic institutions, Yeshivas, and youth institutions of the Jewish Agency. A Student Visa is valid for up to one year and for multiple entrances and exits. People who enter Israel on A/2 Student Visas are not permitted to work in the State of Israel.

Only students who have been accepted to one of the following schools or Yeshivas are allowed to submit their application to the Israeli consulate. If the school or Yeshiva you are planning to study in is not included in the list, the school should apply directly to the Ministry of Interior in Israel on your behalf.

·         For the Council for Higher Education in Israel's website - Click Here.

·         For a list of recognized Yeshivas - Click Here

·         For a list of conservative and reform Yeshivas - Click Here

Please provide the following documentation for an A/2 student visa:

·         A Completed and signed application form

·         Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year

·         A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)

·         One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American-size passport photos

·         Official letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Israel or Yeshiva.

·         Recent 3-month bank statements indicate sufficient funds for the time of stay in Israel. Bank statements may be from the student, parent, or spouse’s bank account. If using a parent or spouse’s bank statements, please include an affidavit stating that the parent/spouse is willing to support the applicant financially.

·         Apartment/dormitory/hotel confirmation for your initial arrival - only for students at academic institutions.

·         Copy of the parent's passport. If a parent has more than one citizenship, add a copy of all their passports.

·         Original birth certificate

·         Medical insurance

·         Payment of the fee and return method

If the applicant is a minor (under 18 years of age):

The applicant and their parents must apply in person, with those additional documents:

o   A birth certificate notarized with an apostille stamp is required.

o   Both parents (or legal guardians) must sign the following consent form in the presence of a notary or consular representative: Permission of a parent to issue a visa for a minor

​

3.a. "National Project" Visas - A/2 VISA

For participants in Israeli national projects such as Taglit-Birthright Israel or MASA, or other projects initiated and organized by the Jewish Agency, a visa will be issued according to the project's purpose and duration. Participants are exempted from paying a visa fee when providing a confirmation letter from the Jewish Agency stating they are eligible to live in Israel in accordance with the law of return.

Please provide the following documentation for National Project Visa:

·         A Completed and signed application form

·​      ​​Official letter of acceptance from MASA​

·         Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year

·         A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)

·         One​ passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American-size passport photos

·         Original birth certificate​

·         Copies of the parents' passports

·         Medical insurance

·         Return envelope

If the applicant is a minor (under 18 years of age):

The applicant and their parents must apply in person, with those additional documents:

o   A birth certificate notarized with an apostille stamp is required.

o   Both parents (or legal guardians) must sign the following consent form in the presence of a notary or consular representative: Permission of a parent to issue a visa for a minor

For more information about Taglit-Birthright Israel - Click here

For more information about MASA - Click here

4.      A/4 Dependents Visa

This visa is granted to the spouses and minor children of A/2 or A/3 Visa recipients. People who enter Israel on A/4 Visas are not permitted to work in the State of Israel.

Please provide the following documentation for A/4 Visa:

·         A Completed and signed application form

·         Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year

·         A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)

·         One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American-size passport photos

·         Official letter of acceptance from a recognized educational institution in Israel of the A2 holder and an official letter from a recognized educational institution in Israel that states the spouse and/or the child is eligible for an A4 visa.

·         For Spouse – Original marriage certificate

·         For Children – Original birth certificate

·         Payment of the fee and return method

5.       B/1 Work Visa

A B/1 Work Visa is for a person whose stay in Israel is approved for a limited period of time for the purpose of work. This visa is given to experts, athletes, and artists, among others.

A B/1 visa is granted solely with the approval of the Population Administration Office of the Ministry of the Interior in Israel.

After the application is approved by the ministry in Israel, You can apply for the visa at the consulate.

Please provide the following documentation for a B/1 Visitor Visa:

•       A Completed and signed application form
• ​​​​Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year
• A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)
• One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American size passport photos
• Confirmation from the ministry of interior
• Original criminal record certificate from the past year issued by the FBI
•  A letter from your physician stating you, the applicant is in general good health and lack Infectious Diseases.​
• Original birth certificate ​with apostille
• Payment of the fee and return method

6.      A/3 Clergy Visa

A/3 Clergy visa is granted to clergymen to fulfill their clerical duties among their recognized religious institutions in Israel. A3 visa must be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior in Israel by the religious institution.

After the application is approved by the ministry in Israel, You can apply for the visa at the consulate.

Please provide the following documentation for A/3 Clergy Visa:

·         A Completed and signed application form

• Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year
• A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)
• One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American size passport photos
• Confirmation from the ministry of interior
• Any additional documents requested by the Israeli Ministry of Interior
•  Return method
  

7.      B/4 Volunteer visa

A B/4 Volunteer visa is granted to individuals going to Israel to volunteer in organizations engaged in welfare or health, religious institutes, kibbutzes, cooperative settlements (Moshavim), philanthropic institutes, and the IDF. A B4 visa must be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior in Israel by the organization.

After the application is approved by the ministry in Israel, You can apply for the visa at the consulate.

Please provide the following documentation for a B/4 Volunteer visa:

• ​​​         A Completed and signed application form
• Your Physical Passport - needs to be valid for more than a year
• A copy of a green card or a valid U.S Visa (If you are not a U.S. citizen)
• One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American size passport photos
• Confirmation from the ministry of interior
• Any additional documents requested by the Israeli Ministry of Interior
•  Return method
  

 ​

8.      Diplomatic and Official Visas

Diplomatic/Official Visa recipients are exempted from paying a visa fee.
Please provide the following documentation for a Diplomatic/Official Visa:

·         One of the following applications should be completed in full and signed:
Official Visa Application
Official Visa Application for UN Employees

·         Official Passport (needs to be valid for at least one year from entrance date)

·         An official letter from your Department

·         One passport photo (2x2”, color, on a white background), taken within the last 3 months – standard American passport photos

·​      ​​​Return method​

·         Diplomatic note. It must specify:

o    Full details of the diplomat intended to serve in Israel and his accompanying family members.

o   The role it is intended to fulfill in their representation in Israel.

o   Length of service in Israel.

9.      US Citizen Investor Visa

In accordance with US legislation from 2012, in which the granting of investor visas for Israeli citizens to the USA was arranged, Israel decided in Resolution 1528 on March 30th, 2014, and Government Decision 2243 on January 2017 to allow US citizens to stay and work temporarily in Israel for the purpose of managing and developing a business venture.

After the interministerial preparation, which included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Population and Immigration Authority, the Ministry of Economy, the Foreign Trade Administration, the Ministries of Labor and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Justice Ministry, the procedure for implementing government decisions was completed, which will enable a US citizen to apply for an investor visa in Israel. The application will be reviewed by an interministerial committee and will be submitted for a recommendation of approval by the minister of the Interior.

The application can be submitted to the Consul in one of Israel's official missions to the United States, where a serving Ministry of Economy and Industry is located: Washington DC, New York, Houston, and San Francisco.

At the same time, an Israeli investor can apply for a US investor visa at any of the US embassies. (Details on the US Embassy website in Israel).

This is a significant message for businesses and companies. The investor visas in both countries will ease investors and encourage economic activity between the two countries.

As agreed with the United States, the implementation of the procedure starts on May 1st, 2019, and applies to American investors in Israel and Israeli investors in the United States.

Information contained in this website is general and does not supersede the provisions of the laws of the State of Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reserves the right to modify the procedures from time to time. In any case of a discrepancy, the provisions of Israeli law and/or local law and/or procedures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs take precedence over the information appearing on this website.