Israel Visa

Israel is a country with a rich history, stunning landscapes and many holy sites, attracting millions of tourists every year. For citizens of most countries of the world, a visa is required to enter Israel. However, a number of countries have a visa-free regime if short-term trips are planned. It is important to note that a Schengen visa does not grant the right to free entry into Israel.

Obtaining an Israeli visa gives the right to free movement around the country, participation in excursions, visits to religious and cultural sites, as well as the opportunity to stay for the time specified in the visa document.

Important

In 2024, most countries of the world will have Israel's borders open for free entry for up to 90 days on a visa-free basis (this rule is valid for 180 days a year). If a foreigner plans to stay in Israel for more than 3 months, in this case he will have to apply for a visa. At the same time, from August 1, 2024, an electronic permit must be obtained to enter Israel.

Based on the purpose of the visit, various categories of visas are provided. The Israeli government allows you to come to the country for tourism, training, work, business or permanent residence. If the standard validity period of the visa is not sufficient, you can submit a request for an extension of the residence permit or send an application for a temporary residence permit (residence permit). In the future, if all the requirements are met, you can apply for Israeli citizenship.

Freelancer Visa

At the moment, there is no separate visa for digital nomads in Israel. The country's legislative bodies are not yet considering the possibility of granting a residence permit for specialists working remotely. In order to work in Israel, digital nomads must meet the requirements of work visas, which are usually granted only to those who are employed by Israeli companies or recognized international companies with the qualifications of an "experienced foreign worker."

A work visa in Israel is actually issued to an employer, not an employee. This means that the digital nomad must find a job before entering the country. Therefore, many remote workers who want to work from Israel are forced to stay in the country on the basis of a tourist visa, which limits their stay to three months.

Important

Israel may refuse entry to digital nomads if there is reason to believe that the purpose of their visit poses a security threat or implies illegal immigration.

How much does a visa cost?

There is no consular fee for foreigners entering Israel for a period of less than 90 days. However, in the case of entry by land transport, an "exit fee" is possible, which must be paid when leaving the country.

If the visa is issued through the consulate, then for a short–term permit it is necessary to pay a non-refundable consular fee of $ 23, and for a long-stay visa - $ 46. These funds are intended to cover the administrative costs of reviewing documents.

Types of visas (types of visas)

There are several types of visas in Israel, each of which is designed for specific purposes and categories of citizens. Familiarize yourself with the main types of visas to choose the appropriate option for a visit to the country:

• A/1 (Temporary resident). It is provided to citizens who have the right to repatriate to Israel, based on the law "On Return". It is valid for 3 years.
• A/2 (Student). Foreign students and students planning to study in Israel are required to obtain a visa of this type. The validity period is 1 year.
• A/3 (For representatives of the clergy). It is intended for priests and religious ministers performing various missions. The validity period is determined individually.
• A/4 (For relatives). It is intended for spouses and children under 18 years of age of owners of types A/2 or A/3.
• In/1 (Working). Allows you to get a job officially. It is issued for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of extension.
• B/2 (Short-term guest). Allows you to visit Israel as a tourist or guest.
• In/3 (For non-standard situations). It is issued in exceptional cases when the status of a foreigner requires additional clarification. Valid for 1 month.
• In/4 (For volunteers). It is issued to foreigners who work on a voluntary basis (free of charge) in non-profit organizations.

Student's

The student visa (A/2) is intended for those who plan to study at educational institutions in the country. The validity period is 1 year, but in most cases it can be extended.

To receive it, you need to submit to the consulate an application, photos, a certificate from the educational institution for admission to study, as well as confirmation of financial security for tuition and accommodation. It should also be noted that holders of this visa are not allowed to work in Israel.

Tourist

The tourist visa (B/2) is intended for those who are going to visit Israel for the purpose of tourism, recreation or visiting friends and relatives. Such a visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

To obtain a tourist visa, you must provide a valid passport, a completed application, photographs, round-trip flight reservations, proof of financial security and receipts for payment of visa fees. A tourist visa does not allow you to work or engage in commercial activities in Israel.

Business (for business trips)

This type of visa is intended for foreign citizens who plan to travel to Israel for business reasons, including participation in meetings, negotiations, conferences or exhibitions. In this case, the general rule applies to travel without a visa. This means that a person can stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Going to Israel under such conditions, you will not be able to engage in work activities, except for business meetings and events directly.

Working (to work legally in the country)

The work visa (B/1) is intended for foreign citizens who plan to work in Israel legally. This visa allows you to legally find a job in the country for up to 1 year with the possibility of extension if the work continues.

A work visa allows you to engage only in the type of activity specified in the permit, and does not allow you to change your employer without reviewing your visa status.

Required documents

The control package of documents for obtaining a visa in Israel may vary depending on its type, the purpose of the visit and the personal circumstances of the applicant. In the standard case, the foreigner must provide the following documentation:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip, including photocopies of all pages with marks.
• The original and copies of all completed pages of the passport.
• Two photos of 5x5 cm.
• Air tickets paid in both directions.
• Confirmation of the reservation of accommodation for the entire stay.
• Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 €, issued online.
• A bank statement.
• An invitation from the host party with a seal and signature is either business or from an educational institution.
• A certificate from the place of work indicating the position and salary.
• A receipt for payment of the consular fee, based on the type of visa.

Recent changes in the visa issue with Israel

In 2024, Israel implemented several key changes to its visa policy. One of the significant innovations was the tightening of the requirements for obtaining long-term visas, such as work and student visas. Applicants are now required to provide more detailed financial documents and proof of health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. This is done to improve control over the financial viability and health of those who arrive in the country.

Also, in response to the increasing migration burden, Israel has introduced new verification procedures for all types of visas. For tourists, it is now necessary to confirm hotel reservations for the entire stay, as well as stricter health insurance requirements. These measures are aimed at increasing the level of security and simplifying control over the entry of foreign citizens.