Israel – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Israel?

Israel operates a comparatively open entry policy, permitting travellers from roughly 96 countries to visit without a standard visa. That said, a notable change took effect on January 1, 2025: nationals of all visa-exempt countries are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA-IL) before boarding a flight to Israel. This mechanism closely resembles pre-travel screening systems used by other nations, such as the ESTA in the United States or Canada’s eTA — they are not visas in themselves, but mandatory clearances that must be in place prior to travel.

Unless a traveller holds citizenship of a visa-exempt country and has obtained an ETA-IL, a visa is required to enter Israel. Citizens of certain nations may apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) through an online portal, while others must attend an Israeli diplomatic mission in person. Due to the region’s ongoing political situation, nationals of countries that maintain no diplomatic ties with Israel — including Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Libya, Algeria, and the Maldives — may face significant entry restrictions or outright refusal.

A tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days per visit and does not authorise any form of employment. Individuals intending to live, work, or pursue studies in Israel for extended periods must apply for the relevant long-stay visa category either in advance of travelling or promptly upon arrival. Entry requirements differ according to nationality, and prospective travellers are strongly encouraged to confirm their individual situation with the Israel Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) or the Israeli embassy or consulate nearest to them.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Israel?

Israel provides a range of visa categories to accommodate different purposes of stay. These include: an immigration visa for those entitled to immigrate under the Law of Return; an A/1 temporary resident visa for individuals who qualify under the Law of Return but have not yet committed to permanent immigration; an A/2 student visa for those enrolled at recognised Israeli educational institutions; an A/3 clergy visa for religious figures invited by an Israeli religious body; an A/4 visa for the spouses and children of A/2 and A/3 holders; a B/1 work visa for foreign nationals who have secured employment in Israel and received a work permit; and a B/2 visitor’s visa for tourists and short-term visitors who have no intention of working.

The B/1 work visa is the key instrument for foreign employees, as it authorises both residence and employment within Israel. Before the worker can apply, the Israeli employer must first submit an application to the Ministry of Interior requesting permission to bring a foreign worker into the country. Once eligibility is confirmed, the employer receives a work permit and the foreign national may then proceed with their visa application. The B/1 visa is initially valid for one year and may be renewed, though total stays are capped at five years except under exceptional circumstances. Crucially, it is not possible to enter Israel on a B/2 tourist visa and subsequently convert to a B/1 work visa from within the country — the work visa must be secured before arrival.

A subcategory of the B/1 visa — the expert visa — exists exclusively for highly skilled professionals rather than manual labourers. It is designed for senior staff in roles demanding specialised expertise, a defined professional background, and relevant qualifications. Academics, researchers, technology professionals, engineers, and journalists commonly fall under this category. Qualifying criteria include a salary exceeding twice the Israeli market average, demonstrable specialist skills specific to the role, evidence of job creation within the economy, and knowledge not otherwise available domestically.

The A/1 Temporary Resident visa is issued to those who are eligible under the Law of Return but do not yet hold Israeli citizenship. It grants the holder the right to reside and work in Israel for three years while they consider whether to pursue permanent immigration. This visa is most commonly used by individuals with Jewish heritage who are contemplating Aliyah — formal immigration and the acquisition of citizenship — but wish to experience life in Israel before making that commitment.

The A/2 student visa is intended for foreign nationals who have secured a place at an Israeli educational institution, whether a primary school, secondary school, university, yeshiva, or Jewish Agency youth programme. It is typically issued for up to one year and carries multiple-entry privileges, enabling the holder to travel in and out of Israel during their studies. Employment within Israel is not permitted under this visa.

A working holiday visa is open to young adults aged 18 to 30 from countries that have entered into bilateral agreements with Israel, enabling them to work and travel there for up to one year. Additionally, since January 1, 2025, Israel has introduced an eVisa (eVisa-B2) system. Currently in a pilot phase, this electronic visa is available exclusively to Indian nationals and covers tourist visits, family travel, short-term business trips, non-academic study, and travel for medical treatment.

How do I apply for a visa for Israel?

Since January 2025, nationals from countries exempt from Israeli entry visa requirements must submit their ETA-IL application through the official online portal of Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. Applications must be lodged at least 72 hours before the planned date of entry. The ETA-IL is not a visa — it functions as a pre-travel clearance that permits entry for tourism, family visits, or brief business trips.

Longer-stay visa applications, such as those for the B/1 work visa, require coordinated action between the applicant and their Israeli employer. The following is a step-by-step overview of how the B/1 work visa process unfolds:

1. Employer applies in Israel first: The Israeli employer must initiate the process by filing an application with the Ministry of Interior to bring a foreign worker into the country. Simultaneously, the prospective employee is responsible for assembling and submitting the required documents to the Israeli consulate in their country of residence.
2. Receive Ministry of Interior approval: Once the Ministry of Interior has reviewed the employer’s application and confirmed visa eligibility, a work permit is formally issued to the employer on behalf of the foreign worker.
3. Complete the visa application form: The applicant must fill in the official Israeli visa application form, which may be submitted in either English or Hebrew.
4. Submit documents to the Israeli consulate: Applicants must lodge their visa application at the Israeli embassy or consulate serving their country of residence. In certain countries, Israel has delegated visa intake to authorised third-party processing centres — where such a centre operates locally, applications should be directed there.
5. Attend an interview if required: The applicant may be called to appear in person for an interview at an Israeli diplomatic mission in their country of residence.
6. Receive your visa and travel: Following Ministry of Interior approval, the work permit is issued and the employee may travel to Israel and commence employment. Work permits are granted for an initial term of one year and require annual renewal.
7. Activate your permit in Israel: Within 90 days of their employment start date, the worker must activate their B/1 permit at Israel’s Ministry of Interior. Failure to do so within this window will render the permit void, requiring a fresh application and potentially incurring additional fees.

Applicants residing in the United States should contact the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., or Israeli consulates in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Houston. Those based in the United Kingdom should direct their enquiries to the Embassy of Israel in London. Applicants in other countries should consult the nearest Israeli diplomatic post. Current procedures should always be verified through the official PIBA website.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Israel?

Every visitor entering Israel must carry a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the date they plan to leave the country; those whose passports expire sooner may be refused entry. The specific documents required beyond this baseline differ according to the visa category being applied for.

For the B/1 work visa, applicants can generally expect to need: a signed employment contract with an Israel-based company, a criminal background check issued by the relevant authority in their country of residence within the preceding twelve months, confirmation that fingerprints have been submitted, and a medical certificate attesting to good health.

Additional documentation required at the consular stage includes two recent identical passport photographs (colour, taken against a plain white background, showing the full face from the front, measuring 5×5 cm) and a criminal clearance certificate valid for six months, accompanied by a certified translation. Translation requirements vary by consulate — applicants should confirm the precise standard expected at their specific post.

Applicants are also required to present civil documentation confirming their marital status at the Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hapnim). Any civil documents issued after September 1, 1988 must be accompanied by an apostille. Where a marriage or divorce took place in Israel under the authority of the Rabbanut, an Israeli marriage or divorce certificate may be presented in place of a civil document with an apostille.

For temporary resident (A/1) visa applicants, one recent passport-size photograph is generally sufficient for most visa types when attending Misrad Hapnim; however, the A/1 temporary resident visa specifically requires three identical passport-size photographs.

Other documents frequently requested across visa categories include proof of accommodation in Israel (such as hotel reservations or a formal letter of invitation from a host), evidence of sufficient financial means, travel or health insurance documentation, and a letter of employment offer or sponsorship. All civil documents issued after September 1, 1988 require apostille certification. For a complete and current list of required documents tailored to your specific visa category, consult the official PIBA website or the nearest Israeli consulate.

How long does a visa application for Israel take to process?

ETA-IL applications must be submitted online no later than 72 hours before the intended date of entry into Israel. In most cases, a decision is returned swiftly — frequently within just a few hours — but applicants are advised to apply well ahead of their travel date to allow time for any delays or supplementary checks that may be required.

Applications for longer-stay visas, including work visas, generally take between 4 and 14 weeks to process depending on the visa category and the completeness of the documentation provided (as of 2025). Israeli authorities require a minimum of five business days to process a visitor entry visa. Work visas, by contrast, can take anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks. Processing timelines are influenced by the applicant’s nationality, the thoroughness of the documentation submitted, and the current caseload at both the consulate and the Ministry of Interior.

The generally recommended lead time for submitting an Israeli visa application is one to two months before the travel date. For work visas, however, the combined sequence of employer submission, Ministry of Interior review, and consular processing means the process should ideally be initiated three to four months before the intended start date. Processing times are subject to revision; the official PIBA website should be consulted for the most up-to-date estimates.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Israel?

The ETA-IL carries a fee of ILS 25 and remains valid for two years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first (as of 2025). This is a comparatively modest charge, and payment is made by credit card through the official online portal.

For visa extensions and other visa categories processed within Israel, fees charged by the Population and Immigration Authority as of 2025 are as follows: extending a tourist visa — 165 NIS; student visa — 165 NIS; work visa — free of charge; temporary resident visa — 165 NIS. It should be noted that these figures reflect charges levied in Israel by PIBA for processing and extensions; initial consular application fees imposed abroad may differ and will vary from country to country.

For work visas, the applicable fee is paid by the employer when the application is lodged at one of the Ministry of Interior’s population administration offices. In addition to official government fees, applicants should factor in supplementary costs such as: official translation and certification of documents (amounts vary by country and language pair), apostille fees for civil documents, medical examination and blood test fees where applicable, police clearance certificate charges, and travel expenses incurred for consular appointments. Professional legal or immigration consultancy fees may also apply for those who choose to engage specialist support. All fees are set by the Government of Israel and are subject to change — the PIBA official website should be consulted for the current fee schedule.

Can my family members join me in Israel on a visa?

Workers who wish to bring family members with them to Israel should arrange for their spouses and dependants to apply for a B/2 visa concurrently with the employee’s own B/1 application. The B/2 visa authorises temporary residence and is ordinarily granted for the same duration as the primary work visa holder’s permit.

Family members of A/2 student visa and A/3 clergy visa holders are catered for by the A/4 visa, which is specifically designed to allow spouses and children to accompany the primary visa holder throughout their stay. Dependants admitted on a B/2 visitor’s visa do not automatically gain the right to work in Israel — a spouse or partner who wishes to take up employment would need to pursue their own separate work authorisation.

For those immigrating under the Law of Return, an amendment enacted in August 2014 extended the right to make Aliyah and receive Israeli citizenship to same-sex spouses of eligible Jews. Spouses, children, and grandchildren of qualifying individuals are also generally permitted to immigrate alongside the primary applicant. The rules governing family member entitlements can be intricate, particularly where the primary applicant’s eligibility derives from Jewish heritage. It is advisable to consult the PIBA directly or engage a qualified immigration professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Israel?

Travellers entering Israel under an ETA-IL approval — along with most other short-stay visitors — are permitted to remain in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Where an extension is required, it must be requested before the authorised stay comes to an end. Such requests are submitted to the Population and Immigration Authority within Israel, and extensions are typically granted for a further 90 days.

The B/1 work visa covers an initial period of three years. It may then be extended for a further two years, giving a maximum cumulative stay of five years. Once this ceiling has been reached, the individual must either proceed with Aliyah — formal immigration to Israel — or apply for an A/5 visa, which can be renewed every two years.

An A/1 temporary resident visa is ordinarily valid for three years and may be extended twice more in one-year increments, allowing a total stay of up to five years. Where an individual is ineligible for an A/1 visa, or where their A/1 has lapsed after the five-year maximum, they may be eligible to apply for an A/5 visa, which constitutes a separate form of temporary residence.

The A/5 visa confers permanent resident status and has no fixed expiry, making it a potential stepping stone to citizenship. Under Israel’s Law on Foreign Workers, sustained long-term official employment in Israel may entitle a foreign national to permanent residency, though this outcome is not straightforward to achieve; upon a visa’s expiration, foreigners must either demonstrate valid grounds for extending their stay or depart the country. Those who do attain permanent resident status may subsequently pursue Israeli citizenship, subject to specific conditions. The official PIBA website or a qualified Israeli immigration lawyer should be consulted for current eligibility criteria relating to long-term residency and naturalisation.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Israel are refused?

One of the most frequently cited grounds for visa refusal or denial of entry at the border is misrepresentation of the intended purpose of travel — for example, declaring a visit as tourism when the actual intention is to work. Border officials are trained to detect inconsistencies between what travellers state and what they appear to intend, and holding an approved ETA-IL or visa does not itself guarantee admission to the country.

An ETA-IL approval does not constitute a guarantee of entry; border officials retain full discretion to turn travellers away on arrival. Common grounds for refusal include: incomplete or contradictory documentation; failure to meet the salary threshold applicable to expert work visas (as of 2025, approximately double the average Israeli wage for expert-level positions); a criminal history raising security concerns; absence of a valid employer sponsorship for work visa applications; and connections to countries maintaining adversarial relations with Israel.

When entry is refused at the border, the individual is booked onto the next available return flight to their point of departure on the same airline. Those denied entry are entitled to request a hearing before an immigration court to challenge the decision, though they will be held in detention for the duration of those proceedings. If an ETA-IL application is declined before travel rather than entry being refused at the border, the applicant should contact the PIBA information centre rather than resubmitting the same application.

To give your application the strongest possible foundation: ensure all documentation is complete, properly certified, and current before lodging it; be straightforward and consistent in describing the purpose and length of your intended stay; provide clear evidence of ties to your home country when applying for a short-stay visa; and seek expert immigration legal advice if your circumstances are complex. For refusals of longer-stay visa applications, an appeal or fresh application may be possible — consult the PIBA or a licensed Israeli immigration lawyer for appropriate guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ETA-IL even if I have visited Israel many times before?

Since January 1, 2025, every traveller must hold either an ETA-IL or a visa before entering Israel — irrespective of how many times they have visited in the past. Previous travel history and existing passport stamps provide no exemption. Applications should be submitted through the official PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il at least 72 hours before your scheduled arrival.

Can I work in Israel on a tourist visa or ETA-IL?

A tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days but does not authorise employment of any kind. Engaging in work without a valid permit can result in deportation and a ban on future entry. Anyone wishing to work legally in Israel must obtain a B/1 work visa through an employer-sponsored process completed before travelling to the country.

What is Aliyah, and how does it differ from a standard visa?

The Law of Return, enacted in 1950, establishes the right of every Jew to immigrate to Israel. Under this law, a Jew is defined as a person born to a Jewish mother or one who has converted to Judaism and does not practise another religion. Making Aliyah refers to the formal act of immigrating to Israel and acquiring Israeli citizenship — this is an entirely distinct process from obtaining a work or residence visa and is carried out in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel.

How do I apply if I am from a country that requires a full visa, not just an ETA-IL?

Nationals of countries not included on the visa-exempt list must obtain a visa prior to travelling to Israel, which typically involves submitting an application at an Israeli embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Citizens of India, Sri Lanka, and certain other nationalities may apply online for an electronic visa (eVisa) authorising a stay of up to 90 days. Consult the PIBA portal to determine which application route is applicable to your nationality.

Is there a minimum salary requirement for work visas in Israel?

For expert-level work visa positions, applicants must demonstrate a salary of at least double the average Israeli wage — approximately 26,306 NIS per month as of 2025. A dedicated programme also makes work visas available to nationals of visa-exempt countries employed by Israeli high-tech companies, subject to the same double-average-wage threshold. Work visas covering standard employment sectors such as agriculture, construction, and nursing are governed by separate requirements set by the relevant ministry — current thresholds should be confirmed with PIBA.

Can my spouse work in Israel if they accompany me on a dependent visa?

Spouses and dependants who accompany a B/1 work visa holder to Israel are ordinarily admitted on a B/2 visitor’s visa, issued for the same period as the primary visa holder’s permit. The B/2 visa carries no right to work. A spouse who wishes to take up employment in Israel independently would generally need to apply for their own B/1 work visa through a separate employer sponsorship process. Seek advice from PIBA or a qualified immigration lawyer for guidance specific to your circumstances.

What passport validity do I need to enter Israel?

All visitors are required to hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond their planned date of departure from Israel; those whose passports expire sooner may be refused entry. Should you renew your passport after obtaining an ETA-IL, a new ETA-IL application will be necessary, since the authorisation is linked to the specific passport details submitted at the time of the original application.

Is there a working holiday visa available for Israel?

Young adults aged between 18 and 30 who hold citizenship of a country that has concluded a bilateral agreement with Israel may apply for a working holiday visa entitling them to work and travel in Israel for up to 12 months. Eligibility is determined by whether such an agreement is in force between Israel and the applicant’s country of nationality — contact the Israeli embassy or consulate in your country to confirm whether this option is available to you, as the list of participating countries is updated periodically.