Getting Visas to Israel

Tourist Visa

Citizens of the following countries can enter Israel without a tourist visa – Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea South, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America and etc. If you are a citizen of Israel get in touch with your local Israeli consulate. The required documents are valid passport for at least 6 months and return ticket from the country of origin. This Visa may be extended (for a nominal fee) at any offices of the Ministry of Interior (Afula, Ashqelon, Be'er Sheva, Hadera, Haifa, Holon, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Netanya, Ramat Gan, Ramla, Safed, Tiberias and etc.) up to 24 successive months.

Temporary work permit

This is issued to foreigners hired by an Israeli employer with signed contract. The visa is valid up to 54 months. The requirements get a temporary work permit are the following: must have the necessary re-entry visa if they plan to leave the country and return; and official medical insurance. A holder of tourist visa can be converted into a working permit visa only if the person received a job offer before entering Israel.

Student or Post-Doctoral Student

Given to students and post doctoral colleagues and may include multiple entries. This is applicable for one educational year and can be extended. Student or Post-Doctoral Student visa holders cannot acquire any temporary work permit visa while in Israel.

Accompanying family members

It is granted foreigners accompanying a student or post-doctoral student and temporary work permit visa holders including multiple entries. It is given only to husband, wife, or children of the said holder of visa.

Business Visitor Visas

The allowable activities business visitors usually are involvement in business meetings, making sales calls to prospective Israeli client and attending for seminar purposes. The required documents are application form; passport (valid for a minimum of 18 months) containing at least two, blank visa pages; applicable fee; three passport-style photographs; letter from the applicant's foreign employer stating the purpose of the tour; round-trip ticket; names, addresses and contact numbers of business in the country; date of arrival and expected departure; applicant’s full resume and diplomas; and health and medical insurance. Normally, the maximum time given to business visitor to stay is up to 90 days.