Visa to Israel - Information and requirements
Israel has visa exemption agreements with many countries. Check whether you need to obtain a visa to visit Israel before your departure.
For those who carry passports from states who do not have diplomatic relationship with Israel, please contact the embassy via email before applying for visa.
PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS AFTER YOUR RETURN TO SWEDEN.
It is important to emphasize that the exemption applies only to visas for tourism visits and to citizens who holds a national passports (not to laissez passer).
Please note that the grant of a visa by the State of Israel to a person bearing a foreign passport (national or official), does not necessarily imply recognition of the authority or entity that issued the passport.
Regardless of whether he has a visa or not, any foreign citizen requesting to enter Israel, might be refused to enter Israel. The refusal of entrance to Israel is based on the impression of the border control officer, but subject to Israeli administrative law.
A minor will not be given a visa without the written consent of either parents, or his legal guardian(s), signed by an attorney.
Since the fee stipulated in each visa is collected for handling the application, it will not be refunded to the applicant if the visa is not issued for any reason.
The Embassy reserves the right to ask for any additional documents in order to accept the application and reserves the right to summon the applicant for an interview in order to complete the process.
Please do not staple or glue any picture or document
Please submit the documents printed with two side printing settings off. The documents should be sent to the Embassy along with the actual passport by registered mail or in person.
Make sure the application form is fully filled, including phone number and e-mail address, and signed with date and signature. After receiving all the necessary documentation the application process time takes up to one month.
Types of visas and the application process for obtaining them:
· A/1 – Immigration Visa
· A/2 – Student Visa
· A/3 – Clergy Visa
· A/4 – Visa for Spouses and children for A/2 or A/3
· B/1 – Work visa
· B/2 – Tourist visa
· Service Visa
Visa A/1 for a Immigration
The Law of Return determines the right of every Jew to immigrate to the State of Israel. The law is an expression of the connection between the Jewish people and their homeland. Jews returning to Israel are considered people who were away - or whose ancestors were away - from Israel, and are now returning to their country. With regard to the law, "A Jew is a person born to a Jewish mother, or who is a convert to Judaism, and is not a member of another religion."
According to an arrangement between the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, the latter handles immigration (Aliya) to Israel: checking candidates, providing advice and guidance, seeing to absorption arrangements, referrals to immigrant centers, places of study, employment, etc. An Aliya emissary of the Jewish Agency who recommends a person's immigration, transfers the application together with his written recommendation to an official representative of the State of Israel.
According to the law, the authority to issue the immigration visa lies solely with the diplomatic / consular representative. Therefore, this representative examines the application and the recommendation of the Aliya representative. The diplomatic / consular representative may request additional details, both from the applicant and from the immigration representative. In cases of doubt, the diplomatic / consular representative may transfer the application to the consular section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a decision.
Toll free number from Sweden: 00-800-5394-7424
Visa A/2 for Student
This visa is granted to those who want to study in Israel in elementary and high schools, academic institutions, “Yeshivot” and youth institutions of the Jewish Agency. The visa is valid for up to one year and for multiple entrances and exits. Recipients of this visa are not permitted to work in Israel. Please check whether your institute is registered inside the List of recognized institutions of higher education in Israel (Hebrew)
The visa will be issued by the Consular representative upon provision of the following:
- A travel document that is valid for at least one year, provided that his country has a diplomatic mission in the State of Israel. If there is no such mission in Israel, the passport must be valid for the entire period of studies and another six months beyond that time.
- Two passport pictures 5X5 cm (color, frontal, bright background)
- Certification of acceptance for study at a recognized educational institution in Israel
- Health Insurance (a letter stating that you are fully covered for your international travel).
- Extract the Swedish Population Registry registration - “personbevis” on the applicant name in English, detailed. Should state your residence and the move to/ from Sweden.
- Copy of resident card
- Proof that the student has the financial means to pay for his studies and sustenance throughout his stay in Israel, either by grant or other support.
- Bank statement showing last 3 months
- Letter from employer if relevant
· Consular fees:
o Registered mail fee, 100 SEK or personal pick up.
o Payment will be accepted only by BG 360-1630.
o Please state your name on the transfer on the remark line.
Visa A/3 for Clergy
This visa is granted to clergymen for the purpose of fulfilling their clerical duties among their religious communities in Israel, pursuant to the invitation of a recognized religious institution in Israel. A clergyman who goes to Israel for a visit and requires an entry visa will receive the regular B/2 visa.
Only the Ministry of the Interior has the authority to grant an A/3 visa. The application should be submitted in Israel by the religious institution that is inviting the clergyman. The Embassy will only issue the visa with the prior approval of the Ministry of the Interior. The validity of the visa will be in accordance with Ministry of Interior guidelines, with the option of renewal only in Israel.
The visa will be issued by the Consular representative upon provision of the following:
+ email
· A travel document that is valid for at least one year, provided that his country has a diplomatic mission in the State of Israel. If there is no such mission in Israel, the passport must be valid for the entire period of studies and another six months beyond that time.
· Two passport pictures 5X5 cm (color, frontal, bright background)
· Copy of Approval by the Ministry of the Interior.
· Health Insurance (a letter stating that you are fully covered for your international travel).
· Flight itinerary
- Extract from the Swedish Population Registry registration - “personbevis” on the applicant name in English, detailed. Should state your residence and the move to/ from Sweden.
- Copy of resident card
· Consular fees:
o Registered mail fee, 100 SEK or personal pick up.
o Payment will be accepted only by BG 360-1630.
o Please state your name on the transfer on the remark line.
Visa A/4 for spouses and family members
This visa is granted for the spouses and children of recipients of A/2 or A/3 visas
The visa will be issued only if the applicant is the spouse and/or minor child of a person who received an A/2 or A/3 visa (proof by marriage certificate/birth certificate).
The visa will be issued by the Consular representative upon provision of the following:
· A travel document that is valid for at least one year, provided that his country has a diplomatic mission in the State of Israel. If there is no such mission in Israel, the passport must be valid for the entire period of studies and another six months beyond that time.
· Two passport pictures 5X5 cm (color, frontal, bright background)
· Flight itinerary
- Health Insurance (a letter stating that you are fully covered for your international travel).
- Extract from the Swedish Population Registry registration - “personbevis” on the applicant name in English, detailed. Should state your residence and the move to/ from Sweden.
- Copy of resident card
· Consular fees:
o Registered mail fee, 100 SEK or personal pick up.
o Payment will be accepted only by BG 360-1630.
o Please state your name on the transfer on the remark line.
Visa B/1 for Work purposes
This 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 and artists, among others, and is granted solely with the approval of the Ministry of the Interior.
The fee is paid by the applicant when the application is submitted to one of the population administration offices of the Ministry of the Interior in Israel.
The validity of the B/1 Work visa will be in accordance with Ministry of Interior guidelines. The worker must enter Israel within the period of time specified in the visa and stay in the country as specified in the visa. A person who receives such a visa may apply to one of the population administration offices of the Ministry of the Interior to extend the visa.
Upon approval from the Ministry of the Interior, the Embassy will issue the B/1 Work visa after interviewing the applicant and obtaining from him the following documents:
Two passport pictures 5X5 cm (color, frontal, bright background)
A verified certificate of good conduct
- Health Insurance (a letter stating that you are fully covered for your international travel).
- Extract from the Swedish Population Registry registration - “personbevis” on the applicant name in English, detailed. Should state your residence and the move to/ from Sweden.
- Copy of resident card
Certification of medical examinations performed in clinics or hospitals recognized by the mission (the certification must cover, inter alia, normal results in tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis and AIDS) and the results of blood tests.
A declaration for taking fingerprints and pictures (the State of Israel has begun to take fingerprints from foreign workers who enter the country to work) is mandatory and will be signed at the Embassy in front of the consular clerk.
· Consular fees:
o Registered mail fee, 100 SEK or personal pick up.
o Payment will be accepted only by BG 360-1630.
o Please state your name on the transfer on the remark line.
Visa B/2 for a Visitor
A B/2 visa is granted to someone who wishes to stay in Israel for only a short time (for a visit, tourism, a business meeting or study in a Hebrew “Ulpan”). A person who enters Israel on a B/2 visa is not allowed to work during the stay in the State of Israel.
A B/2 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 visit may submit an application at one of the regional population administration offices of the Ministry of the Interior.
The visa will be issued by the Consular representative upon provision of the following:
· Passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of the stay in Israel) or travel document (must be valid for at least one year beyond the period of the stay in Israel).
· Two passport pictures 5X5 cm (color, frontal, bright background)
· Itinerary that will include:
o Plane ticket with a return date.
o Hotel reservation or other addresses of stay.
o Any other relevant information in order to establish the itinerary (tour guide contact, contact information for relatives and friends who live in Israel, company contact etc.)
o Letter from your employer that says you work there and when the vacation is approved from/until
· Health Insurance (a letter stating that you are fully covered for your international travel).
· Extract the Swedish Population Registry registration - “personbevis” on the applicant name in English, detailed. Should state your residence and the move to/ from Sweden.
- Copy of resident card
· Means of living :
o Proof that applicant has sufficient funds for the visit to Israel (a print out of your bank account showing the last three months).
o Letter from employer / educational institute showing employment / studies.
o In case of self-employment or unemployment, a recommendation letter from a second party or an introduction letter from the applicant will be required.
· Consular fees:
o Registered mail fee, 100 SEK or personal pick up.
o Payment will be accepted only by BG 360-1630.
o Please state your name on the transfer on the remark line.
General remarks
Make sure the application form is fully filled and signed with date and signature.
The application process time after receiving all the necessary documentation takes up to one month.
Exceptions for Baha’i
Baha'i with a confirmation from the interior-(Hebrew letter); he/she needs only
· Visa application form accompanied with the letter from the ministry of interior + email
· Two passport pictures.
· Passport (valid 6 months, 3 empty double pages).
· No visa fee is required.
Baha'i without any confirmation needs to bring all the requirements, just like any other application accompanied with a confirmation letter from the Baha'i world center in Israel and should pay visa fee.
Official Service Visa for UN Employee
All UN workers and their family members need visa to Israel regardless to their nationality, if going on an official mission to Israel (Short term mission or long term mission).
UN employee in an employee of the United Nations and all its sub-groups (UNICEF, UNFPA, UNOPS, UNMAS, UN-WOMEN, UN-HABITAT, UNODC, UNIDO, UNDSS, UNDPP...)
Note: This visa is NOT valid for entering Gaza.
The visa will be issued by the Consular representative upon provision of the following:
· Official letter from the United Nations headquarters regarding the person's mission (and his family members), the letter usually mentions on which passport (national or official) the visa should be on.
· the mentioned passport on which the Visa will be issued.
· If the Passport is UN Less pass,a Photo Copy of the national passport is required.
· Two passport pictures 5X5 cm (color, frontal, bright background)
· Proof of Medical insurance
· Flight details
· Consular fees:
o Registered mail fee, 100 SEK or personal pick up.
o Payment will be accepted only by BG 360-1630.
o Please state your name on the transfer on the remark line.
Please act according to regular requirements of B/2 visit when cases of United Nations Employees visiting Israel for private reasons (tour, friends etc),
Please note the process time for an official visa is up to two weeks.
In case an expedited process is requested, please submit an additional letter:
- Please address the letter to the consul.
- The letter's subject line should be: "A request to expedite"
- In the letter, please explain the reason for requesting to expedite the visa and the specific date you would like the visa to be ready.
Visas for Participants in Taglith-Birthright and Masa
For participants in Israeli national projects like Taglit-Birthright Israel or MASA, or in other projects initiated and organized by the Jewish Agency, a visa will be issued according to the project's purpose and duration.
A/2 student visa, multiple entries, for the duration of the project and up to one year, will be issued for participants for projects lasting more than three months.
The above mentioned participants are exempted from paying a visa fee.