Local visa information

Visa information

  • 11/29/2023
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    • Applicant must present all required documents in hard copy
    • When applying for a spouse who is your dependent you must include a valid marriage certificate with your application
    • When applying for a minor (until the age of 18) who is your dependent you must include a valid birth certificate. Additionally, you must include an acceptance letter that specifically states that your spouse/child is to accompany you to Israel. It must indicate their names and passport numbers.
    • A work visa can be issued only after approval from the Ministry of Interior
    The information detailed on this page does not replace or supersede the comprehensive information found on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

    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 in this website. 

    Please note, the consulate may require further documentation, in addition to the documents listed below. 

    Below are the types of visas and the application process for obtaining them:
    • A/2 Student visa 
    • A/3 Clergy visa  
    • A/4 Visa for spouses and children 
    • B/1 Work visa 
    • B/2 Tourist visa 
    • Temporary Resident visa / Immigration visa​
     
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  • Student visa (A/2)

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    This visa is for people who wish to study in Israel, whether it's in elementary or high schools, academic institutions, yeshivot, or youth institutions affiliated with the Jewish Agency.
    It's valid for a maximum of one year and allows multiple entries and exits, but those who receive this visa are not allowed to work in Israel.

    Important: If the applicant is a minor, the visa will only be granted with written consent from both parents or their legal guardian. Parents presence is required when submitting the application.

    Required Documents
    • ​Filled out and signed visa application.  Click here for the application form​
    • Two (2) passport photos, size 5X5 cm - the photo must be a recent headshot, frontal, in color, on a white background
    • ​Certification of acceptance for study at a recognized educational institution in Israel
    • Three (3) most recent bank statements and proof of financial capability/financial means to pay the applicant’s stay in Israel in its entirety.
    If the student does not possess sufficient funds, it is possible to present a proof that someone else will support his/her stay in Israel. Such proof should come in a form of a notarized letter in English and a Three (3) months bank account history from the person supporting the student.
    • ​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
    • Original Birth certificate
    • Medical insurance valid for the entire period of the visit to Israel
    • Place of residence in Israel for the duration of the stay (Dormitory, hotel reservation, Airbnb, etc.)
    • Copy of the applicant parents' passports 
    • Payment of the application fee

  • Clergy visa (A/3)

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    This visa is specifically provided to religious leaders, allowing them to carry out their religious duties within their respective faith communities in Israel. It is granted upon the invitation of a recognized religious institution in Israel.
    If a clergyman is visiting Israel and needs an entry visa, they will be granted the standard B/2 visa.

    The exclusive authority to issue an A/3 visa rests with the Ministry of the Interior.
    The application for this visa must be submitted within Israel by the inviting religious institution.
    The mission will only grant the visa after receiving prior approval from the Ministry of the Interior.
    The visa's duration will adhere to the Ministry of Interior's guidelines, with the option for renewal only within Israel.

    Required Documents
    Two (2) passport photos, size 5X5 cm - the photo must be a recent headshot, frontal, in color, on a white background
    • ​Valid Passport – for at least 6 months and which covers the entire duration of your stay  
    • Invitation from religious institution 
    • Medical insurance for the duration of your stay
    • Payment of the application fee, if relevant

  • Visa for spouses and children (A/4)

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    This visa is granted to the spouses and minor children of recipients of A/2 or A/3 visas.

    The visa will be issued under the following conditions:

    • The applicant is the spouse and/or minor child of a person who received an A/2 or A/3 visa
    • An application for an A/4 visa has been filled out and signed, and attached to the visa application of the person they are accompanying.  Click here for the application form
    • Two (2) passport photos, size 5X5 cm - the photo must be a recent headshot, frontal, in color, on a white background
    • Payment of the application fee

  • Work Visa (B/1)

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    This visa is designed for individuals who have received authorization for a limited work-related stay in Israel. It is typically granted to experts, artists, and other similar categories of professionals, with the sole discretion of approval lying with the Ministry of the Interior.

    The applying company is required to pay the fee when submit the application with the Ministry of Interior.
    Upon receiving approval from the Ministry of the Interior, the B/1 Work visa will be issued by the Embassy after conducting an interview with the applicant and collecting the following documents from them:

    • ​Filled out and signed visa application.  Click here for the application form
    • Two (2) passport photos, size 5X5 cm - the photo must be a recent headshot, frontal, in color, on a white background
    • Valid Passport – for at least 1 year 
    • An official criminal information certificate / certificate of clear criminal record – up to date and issued within the last year
    • Medical confirmation issued within three months from the application date, in which it is determined that the employee is healthy and able to work.  Click here for a Medical Form that the examining doctor can fill.
    • Medical insurance for the duration of the stay, or commitment by the inviting company to purchase medical insurance for the duration of the stay
    • Original Birth certificate
    • Signing a statement regarding the fingerprinting procedure (Israel has initiated fingerprinting for foreign workers entering the country for employment).

  • Tourist Visa (B/2)

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    A B/2 visa is issued to individuals seeking a short-term stay in Israel, whether it's for purposes such as tourism, visiting, attending a business meeting, or enrolling in a Hebrew ulpan program.
    Holders of a B/2 visa are not permitted to engage in employment within the State of Israel.

    The validity of a B/2 visa extends up to three months from the date of issuance, and the specific duration of one's stay in Israel will be determined by the Border Police.

    Should a visitor wish to prolong their stay, they can apply for an extension at one of the regional population administration offices under the Ministry of Interior.

    • ​Filled out and signed visa application.  Click here for the application form
    • A copy of the applicant's passport
    • A valid travel document. The expiration date of the travel document must be at least six (6) months after the applicant’s expected departure date from Israel
    • Proof of Health insurance valid in Israel that specifically mentions coverage of COVID-19
    • Round trip tickets to and from Israel
    • Two (2) passport pictures taken on a white background sized 5X5 cm.
    • Three (3) most recent bank statements and proof of financial capability/financial means to pay the applicant’s stay in Israel in its entirety.
    • Printed hotel reservation/Airbnb or proof of accommodation. In case the applicant plan on staying with family\friends bring a copy of the Israeli ID for the family member\friend.
    • Click here for the full list of countries that are required to issue a visa in prior to the visit to Israel.
    • Payment of the application fee

    Please note:
    The consul may request additional documents.
    Since the fee is collected for handling the application, it will not be refunded to the applicant if the visa is not issued for any reason.

  • Visas for participants in national projects like Birthright or MASA

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    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.
    B/2 visitor visa, for three months, will be issued for participants in project lasting less than three months.
    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.
     
    For further information about Taglit-Birthright Israel
    For further information about MASA

    Temporary Resident visa / Immigration Visa


    The Law of Return, established in 1950, affirms the fundamental right of every Jewish person to make Israel their new home. This law symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between the Jewish people and their historic homeland.

    Those Jews returning to Israel, along with their ancestors who once lived away from the country, are regarded as coming back to their native land. According to this law, a Jew is defined as an individual born to a Jewish mother or someone who has converted to Judaism and is not affiliated with another religion.

    Through a collaborative arrangement between the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency, the Jewish Agency takes charge of immigration (Aliya) to Israel. This involves assessing candidates, offering counsel and guidance, arranging for integration, and making recommendations for immigrant centers, educational opportunities, and employment prospects. An aliya emissary from the Jewish Agency, endorsing a person's immigration, forwards the application alongside their written recommendation to an official representative of the State of Israel.

    As per the law, the exclusive authority to issue immigration visas rests with the diplomatic/consular representative. Consequently, the diplomatic/consular representative reviews both the application and the recommendation from the aliya emissary.

    In situations of uncertainty, the diplomatic/consular representative may forward the application to the consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a final decision.
    Individuals who wish to initiate the process of immigrating to Israel should contact the aliya representative of the Jewish Agency responsible for their region.

    Additional information can be found on the Jewish Agency website - https://sochnut.pl/​
    ​​​
    US announced that Israelis with Biometric ID could apply for visa online
    According to a US government release:
    *Israelis who are entitled to a visa exemption to the USA can submit an ESTA application starting on 10/19/23 at 8:00 p.m.*.

    The visa exemption program allows eligible Israelis to submit an online application for a visit permit in the United States through the ESTA website.
    After receiving permission to stay legally up to 90 days for visiting or business purposes in the country without the need to apply for a visa.
    At the same time, it is possible to continue to use existing visas that were previously granted including type B1 and B2 visas.

    Israelis who wish to submit the application must have a valid Israeli biometric passport!
    Israelis who hold a non-biometric passport or who have a temporary travel document are not eligible to be included in the US visa exemption program, but they will still be given the opportunity to apply for a visa through the various US missions.

    The American government announced that currently the application can only be submitted in the English language, but in the future it will work to allow a wider variety of languages as its language.

    Attention:
    Israeli citizens who are entitled to use the visa waiver program but want to stay for more than 90 days will be denied entry to the US through the waiver program.
    Likewise, an Israeli citizen who has extended his stay in the US and stays there for more than 90 days, will be denied the right to stay in the country and will be denied The possibility to apply for exemption in the future.

    Israeli citizens who visited Cuba after 12.1.2021 are not eligible for the exemption program and were obliged to submit a visa application at the various American missions.
    Likewise, Israeli citizens who hold a Cuban passport are not eligible for the exemption program.
    The United States warns that if it is proven that a citizen violated conditions, he would be denied the right to apply for a visa exemption in the future as well.

    Registration on the ESTA website or application: