Tourist Visa In Israel: A Simple Guide

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Israel, where ancient history meets modern vibrancy. Before you set foot in this captivating land, securing a tourist visa is essential. Don’t Worry! We’ve got your back!

In this guide, we’ll demystify the process, providing you with everything you need to know to obtain your tourist visa for Israel effortlessly. Get ready to explore the wonders of Israel with confidence!

Let’s dive in!

What Is An Israel Tourist Visa?

The B/2 visa is a permit to enter Israel and remain here for a maximum of three months under one or more of the following purposes:

Tourism.
Business meetings.
Studying in a Hebrew ulpan.

It is the most frequent Israeli visa but does not allow its holders to work in Israel.

Every person wishing to travel to Israel for at least one of the reasons listed above, to remain here for a maximum of three months, is eligible to apply for an Israeli B/1 Visitor Visa.

The visa processing authorities in the applicant’s country of residence will then decide whether to grant the applicant a B/1 visa based on the application filed.

However, due to good bilateral relations, Israel has abolished the tourist visa regime for the nationals of several countries.

Can You Apply For An Israel Tourist Visa?

If you want to visit Israel for one of the reasons mentioned above, you may apply for a tourist visa.

However, you might need proof or evidence for your visit, such as a business relationship with an Israeli company.

Due to good political relations, many countries don’t need an Israeli tourist visa.

For instance, residents of EU countries don’t need a visa to enter Israel. They can enter with their passports and stay for three months.

If you have heard about the Israel eVisa, you need to know that the program will be introduced in spring 2022, and the government will release full information.

The authorities still need to provide further information about the structure and system of the eVisa.

How To Apply For A B/2 Visa For Israel?

If you need a B/2 Visitor’s Visa for Israel, you must apply for it.

Applying for a visa to enter Israel includes completing several requirements and procedures set by the authorities of Israel.

The main steps for applying for an Israeli visitor visa are as follows:

Find out when the right time to apply is.
Check where you should submit your application.
Fill in the application form for a B/2 visa.
Collect the required documents.
Submit your documents / attend the visa interview.
Pay the fee for your application.
Wait for the processing of your visa.

When To Apply For A B/2 Visa?

A B/2 visa to Israel must be obtained one to two months before the planned departure date. Your application must be completed on the day it is submitted; otherwise, it will be allowed.

Where To Apply For A B/2 Visa?

When applying for a B/2 Visa, you must submit your completed application file to the competent authorities in your country of residence for Israeli visa admission.

This could be the Embassy, a Consulate of Israel, or a third-party visa-processing center to which Israel has outsourced visa admission.

You should check with the Israeli Embassy in your country of residence for this information before you start the application procedures.

Complete The B/2 Visa Application Form

Start the concrete application process by completing the application form for a B/2 Visitor’s Visa to Israel.

You can ask the Embassy for this form or download it online. The main things that you need to know about the application form for an entry visa for Israel are as follows:

The form differs depending on the visa type; therefore, ensure you get the correct application form for a B/2 Visitor’s Visa to Israel.
The form is available in two languages: English and Hebrew. You can complete it in either language.
You can complete the form on your computer and then print it or use a pen of any color other than black.
You should answer all questions, which mostly concern your nationality, name, surname, parents’ full names, occupation, and intended trip to Israel.
Attach a photo in the given space on the form.

Attend The Visa Interview

Attending a visa interview at the Israeli Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Processing Center is mandatory.

On the day of your interview, you will meet with a consular officer and give them the necessary paperwork.

This individual will enquire about your application, the purpose of your trip to Israel, and other pertinent information.

You must also pay the visa processing cost on the same day.

Israel Visa Processing

Processing a B/2 visa for Israel can take up to 14 working days.

What Are The Required Documents For A Tourist Visa In Israel?

Travel/Medical Insurance: You must obtain insurance for the whole period of your stay in Israel, with a minimum coverage of €35,000 ($40,000).
Personal bank statements & salary slips for the last four months.

Since a B/2 Visitor’s Visa to Israel can be obtained for both tourism and business, depending on your purpose of entry, you will need to submit other documents in addition to the ones mentioned so far.

When traveling to Israel to attend a seminar, meeting, conference, or for other business reasons, submit the following additional documents:

A cover letter from your employer on letterhead: It should mention your name and surname, your work position in the company, the purpose of your trip to Israel, and the intended duration of your stay.
Personal Letter: This is a cover letter you wrote in which you explain the purpose of your trip, how long you want to stay, and what you will be doing in Israel.
An invitation letter in Hebrew on the letterhead of the guest company: The letter should mention your name, passport number, and the duration and purpose of your trip to Israel. The letter should be sent to the Embassy by fax from the inviting party in Israel.
Salary slips for the last four months.

On the other hand, if the purpose of the application for an Israel entry visa is tourism, experiencing the country, sightseeing, or vacation, you should submit the following extra documents:

Hotel reservation in Israel.
Invitation Letter: If a friend / relative residing in Israel invited you over, attach an invitation letter in Hebrew with the contact details of the invitee to your application file.
A letter from the tour Operator in Israel, listing the scheduled activities to be performed in Israel.
You need Work Leave approval from your place of Work for being absent for the whole period of your stay in Israel.

The Israeli authorities in your country of residence who process your visa have the right to ask you for additional documents.

Ensure you collect and submit any additional required documents as soon as possible.

What Are The Visa Fees For A Tourist Visa In Israel?

You will need to pay the B/2 visa fee for the visa processing authorities to process your application.

The fee for a B/2 Visa is €21 for every applicant.

If you submit your application through a visa processing center, you will have to pay an additional service fee, which can be at most the price of the visa itself.

How Long Is A B/2 Visitor Visa Valid?

A B/2 Visa is valid for a maximum of three months from the date of issuance. Yet, the Israeli Border Police determine the duration of your stay in Israel at your point of entry.

Can You Extend A B/2 Visa In Israel?

If you want to stay longer in Israel with your B/2 visa, you can apply for a visa extension at the Population Authority office while still in Israel.

When you apply, you must present a reason for wanting to stay longer, such as family ties, a medical reason, a legal procedure, etc.

What Is The Electronic Gate Pass For Israeli Tourist Visa?

When you want to enter Israel and the port of entry, the official will provide you with a card called an Electronic Gate Pass.

It contains your details as on the first page of your passport. The airport, security, and immigration authorities can easily check the visitor’s identity with this card.

It proves your visa status and that your stay is legal. It is a form of ID card in Israel. The Israeli government has introduced the card as a replacement for stamping the passport.

Remember that you need to hold the card wherever you go.

What To Do When You Receive Your Tourist Visa?

After the permit has been granted, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the most important ones are listed as follows:

Before You Travel

Note the visa expiry date and the number of permitted entries. You must stay in the country during this period.
It would help if you traveled to Israel within the validity of your visa.
Ensure you carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while in the country.
Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company for safety.

At The Border

Get your documents checked and your passport verified by the Border Police.
Consult the airport authorities for any assistance required.
Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.

When You Enter Israel

Ensure that you do not get involved in any employment. You can, however, do unpaid volunteer work.
The tourist-prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.
If your plans change and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension or a different kind of visa at least one month before the expiry date.

What Are 7 Things You Need To Know When Travelling To Israel?

You may have traveled to Israel before; maybe this is the first time. However, some extra tips can always be handy when traveling to another country. In your next trip to Israel, make sure you know the following:

The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). It can be withdrawn at an ATM or money-changing services. One NIS is equal to 0.26 Euros or 0.28 US dollars.
Be Aware Of Shabbat: This is the Jewish day of rest, which starts a few minutes before sundown on Friday and lasts until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday. During this period, Jewish people stay at home, and practically everything is closed, including shops, most restaurants, and even public transport.
Carefully Choose What Clothes To Wear: Though Israel is a very liberal country, there are a few cities, particularly religious ones, where you must be more careful about what you wear. These cities, such as Jerusalem, would appreciate it if your skin is covered from shoulder to knee. In others, such as Tel Aviv, it doesn’t matter.
Ask For Permission To Take Photos At Holy Sites: While you can take pictures in most places, others have a strict no-camera policy. So, always double-check the picture-taking policies when visiting holy sites.
It Can Be costly: If you do not pay attention, you may have to pay prices you cannot even imagine. Always check the prices before you order something, so at least you will know.
Tipping: Taxi drivers in Israel do not expect you to tip them, though they would appreciate it. On the other hand, servers usually tip about 10% to 15% of the total price of the order.

Conclusion

As you embark on your adventure in Israel, your tourist visa serves as your key to unlocking the treasures of this remarkable destination. By following the steps outlined in this guide and being well-prepared, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

So, pack your bags, prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of Israel, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Adventure Awaits!

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