This article is the full guide on Israel visa types, requirements, the application process, and all you should know. You can pick the right type of visa from this guide and read more about it on the left sidebar.
Do you need an Israel visa?
The answer is up to different factors, your:
- Nationality
- Duration of stay
- Purpose of trip
First, determine the duration of your stay. Do you need to stay in Israel for less than three months or longer than three months? Then, a few countries are free of Israel short-stay visas. The nationals of these countries can visit Israel for three months with their passport such as:
- The US
- EU members
- Canada
- Canada
- Japan
- South Korea
- Mexico
See the article on the left sidebar to know if you need a visa for short-stay visits in Israel or not.
Then comes the nature of your visit to the country. If you want to visit Israel for tourism, visiting friends or family or business, see if you come along the visa waiver countries or not. If yes, you can go to the country, but if not, you have to apply for a visa depending on the purpose of the visit. For instance, you need a tourist visa for sightseeing and a business visa to visit an Israeli business or company.
To work or study in the country, you need a work and student visa.
What are the Israel visa requirements?
There are different requirements for an Israel visa. They differ according to the country you reside in and the type of visa you apply for. However, a few common requirements for an Israel visa are as follows:
Application form
You need to download the right application form from the Israel embassy website for the type of visa you want to apply for.
Photos
Two photos in the 5×5 cm dimensions are required. They must be new and taken in the latest three months.
Financial independence proof
Proof to have enough funds for your stay in the country. If you apply for a work visa, the employer has the responsibility to cover your expenses.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for the whole length of your stay in Israel. Also, it cannot be older than ten years ago, and having two blank pages is necessary.
Proof of paid visa fees
Provide the receipt that you have paid the visa fees.
Proof of Accommodation
Make it clear where you will stay during your visit to Israel.
CV/resume
Your background might be needed.
Invitation letter
If you know someone in Israel, an invitation letter might be required. It can also increase the possibility of receiving a visa.
Insurance
Determine if the embassy requires you to have insurance for your trip.
Clean record certificate
A certificate from the police or jurisdiction officials is required to prove you have a clean record and have committed no crime or illegal act. It cannot be older than three months at the time of application.
Personal documents
It includes but is not limited to:
- Birth Certificate.
- Marriage certificate
- death certificate of spouse
Translation
Your documents must be in English or Hebrew languages. If not, have them translated by a verified translator with a signature. It must also be notarized by the Israeli embassy or consulate.
How to apply for an Israel visa?
The application process for each Israel visa is different. Also, you could go through different procedures by your nationality and authorities’ decision. However, the common way is as follows:
1. Do you need a visa?
Israel has a visa waiver program with many countries. The nationals of these countries can visit Israel with a passport. So before you begin applying for a visa, see if you need a visa or not. The article Do you need a visa to visit Israel explains whether you need the visa or not. For example, the US, EU members, South Korea, and Mexico nationals don’t need an Israel visa to visit the country for up to 90 days. If your nationality is on the list, you can do the same. If not, apply for the appropriate visa.
2. Are you eligible for the visa?
There are eligibility criteria for each visa type. You need to find out if you are qualified for it or not. You also need to collect all the requirements for the visa. A few of them are explained above. If It’s so, continue the application process.
3. Complete the application form
Completing the application form is the first document you need to complete. You can download the digital application form from the:
- Israel embassy or consulate
- A visa center in your home country
If there is no one available, visit the embassy in a neighboring country. You also need to find the embassy as they might have a particular set of requirements.
4. Collect the required supporting documents for the Israel visa
Now is the time to collect all the requirements for the visa you want to apply for. Bear in mind that you can begin this step earlier as gathering all the requirements might take a bit longer than usual.
However, there are specific requirements for each Israel visa. You need to gather them as well. It’s up to the type of visa you apply for.
5. Book a visa interview
At this stage, you should book a meeting with the Israeli embassy or consulate or a visa center. The center processing the visa is up to the country you live in. Find out what’s the name and where it is.
You need to visit the embassy on the scheduled date and bring all the requirements. There is a fee for the Israel visa that is different, and you have to pay it, so bring enough money in the form of cash or credit card.
There is also an interview at the embassy. The officials will ask you about the purpose of your visit to Israel and your background to see if the reason for your visit is genuine.
6. Wait for visa processing
On this step, you need to wait until the embassy works on your visa and decides whether to issue it or not. The processing time depends on various elements such as:
- Your documents are complete or not
- Embassy workload
- Time of the year
- The embassy in the country you live in
The processing time for an Israel visa is faster than other countries’ visas, and you will not have to wait a lot. When the decision is made, the officials inform you of the following steps.
Israel visa types
There are different types of Israel visas as follows:
Israel work visa B1
If you have a brilliant resume and can convince an Israeli employer to hire you and provide a job offer, you can receive Israel work visa. It allows you to work legally in the country for the duration the employer needs you. There are many start-ups in the country, and Israel has a good background in innovations and inventions. So working in the country would bring you lots of benefits. The type of works visas is as follows:
- B-1 Work Visa (one year): Specialists Work in Academic Fields
- B-1 Work Visa(one year): Specialists Work in Non-Academic Fields
- B-1 Work Visa STEP (up to 3 months employment)
- B-1 Work Visa, Short Employment Authorization (SEA)(up to 4 days)
- One Year Hi-Tech Work Visa (HIT 365), one-year work visa
- Up to Days Hi-Tech Work Visa (HIT 90)
- Unique Technologies and Mechanization
- Journalist B-1 Work Visa
- B-1 for Scientist
- B-1 Post Doctoral Research Visa Process
To find out more about Israel’s work visa, go through the detailed article through the left sidebar.
Israel student visa (A2)
People who want to study in one of the educational centers in Israel need to apply for an Israel student visa or A2 visa:
- Elementary school
- High school
- Academic institutions
- Yeshivot (a Jewish educational center that concentrates on the study of traditional religious texts, primarily the Talmud and the Torah)
- Youth institutions of the Jewish Agency
The visa is valid for one year and permits multiple entries to the holder. Remember that you can not work under an Israel work visa.
The first and foremost requirement you need for an Israel student visa is an acceptance letter from a Jewish education center or university.
Israel tourist visa (B/2)
Israel has a visa waiver program with a few countries. The citizens or nationals of these countries don’t need a visa to visit the country for the short term. The US, EU members, Canada, South Korea, Japan, are a few examples. If you are a national of these countries, you won’t need an Israel tourist visa, and you can visit the country with your passport. If not, you need to apply for a tourist visa before visiting the country. See the article “Do you need a visa to visit Israel” to know if you need a visa for short stays or not. The Israel tourist visa article will inform you of its requirements and application process.
Israel working holiday visa
The Israel government has signed a working holiday program with the following countries:
- Australia
- Austria
- Germany
- South Korea
- New Zealand
The nationals of the above list who are 18-30 years old can apply for the visa and experience living in the country. Also, you must have enough money for the beginning in Israel and be able to buy a return ticket to move back to your home country.
The program is available throughout the year, and you don’t have to wait for any specific time. However, it would be better to apply one or two months before the date you intend to move to Israel.
You may not bring your family members and are allowed to work in the country for one year. It’s not possible to extend the visa; however, you can apply for a new visa if you wish to continue living in the country.
Israel spouse and children visa (family visa)
If you are the under child or spouse of one of the below two categories, you are eligible to apply for an Israel spouse visa and join your family member:
Israel student visa (A/2)
Those who want to study in Israel:
- Elementary and high schools,
- Academic institutions,
- Yeshivot and youth institutions of the Jewish Agency.
Clergy visa (A/3)
The clergymen who want to complete their clerical duties and other religious ceremonies in Israel can receive this visa. A recognized religious institution must verify the person and be Jewish.
Temporary Resident visa (A/1)
Israel A/1 Temporary Resident Visa is a type of tourist visa which is provided to people who are qualified for Aliyah by the Law of Return to Israel. The programs enable people to become familiar with Israel and experience living in the country before making their minds and move permanently to the country.
Let’s sum up…
The article is a full guide on Israel visas, requirements, and the application process. It also explained different types of Israel visas. You can find the visa that suits you and read more about it in the left sidebar.
You can find out about other types of Israel visas on the left sidebar.
Information about other countries’ visas is provided on the top menu.
Visa applicants would appreciate it if you shared your experience or knowledge with the visas in the comment section below.