Types of visa to travel to Israel

Find out which type of visa you need for your trip to Israel. Visitor visas are available for tourism, business, study, and temporary residency.

On this page, we provide an overview of each Israel visa, alongside the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This is necessary for all visa-exempt nationalities as of January 2025.

Israel Electronic Visa Waiver (ETA)

The ETA is mandatory for short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries. It’s not an Israel eVisa, but a travel authorization. All nationals of visa-exempt countries need to apply for an ETA-IL. Here’s what you need to know:

The ETA is for visitors traveling for tourism, visiting family and friends, business activities, or transit. You cannot work in Israel with an ETA.

For longer stays or purposes not covered by the ETA, you need a visa from an Israeli embassy or consulate. This also applies to visa-required citizens, no matter the duration of stay or motive for the visit.

The different types of visa for Israel include:

Immigration Visa for Aliya: The Law of Return

The Law of Return, established in 1950, affirms the right of every Jew to immigrate to Israel. Defined by this law, a Jew may be someone born to a Jewish mother or a convert to Judaism, not actively practicing another religion.

Applications for this type of immigration are reviewed and approved by Israeli diplomatic or consular officials, who may consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in complex cases.

If you are interested in Aliya, you should contact your local Jewish Agency representative for guidance and to begin the application process.

A/1 Temporary Resident Status Visa

Ideal for individuals planning to settle temporarily in Israel. It’s often used by those looking for a temporary visit under the Law of Return or those relocating for religious obligations.

Important supporting documents: Detailed application explaining the reason for the stay, documents proving ties to the country of origin.

A/2 Student Visa

Designed for students accepted into educational institutions in Israel. This can include elementary or high schools, universities, yeshivot, and Jewish Agency youth institutions.

This visa is usually issued for a stay of up to 1 year and is a multiple entry document, allowing the student to exit and enter Israel multiple times. It does not permit employment in the country.

Important supporting documents: Proof of enrollment in an Israeli educational institution, Proof of written consent of both parents(legal guardian (minors only).

A/3 Visa for Religious Duties

Issued to clergy and members of religious institutions participating in religious duties within Israel.

Important supporting documents: Official letter from the religious institution in Israel inviting the applicant.

A/4 Visa for Spouses and Children

For family members of A/2 or A/3 visa holders, allowing them to live in Israel during the visa holder's stay.

Important supporting documents: Proof of relation to the holder of an approved A2/A3 visa.

Working Holiday Visa

Available to young adults aged 18-30 from the following countries that have agreements with Israel:

This visa allows you to work and travel in Israel for up to a year.

Important supporting documents: Police clearance certificate, medical certificate.

B/1 Work Visa

This visa is issued to individuals such as experts and artists for temporary work stays in Israel. It’s subject to approval by the Ministry of the Interior.

Important supporting documents: Authenticated certificate of good behavior, Medical examination certificate and blood test results conducted by an approved clinic or hospital.

B/2 Visitor’s Visa

Acts as an Israel business visa or tourist visa and is valid for stays of up to 3 months. It can also be used if you’re attending short educational courses or studying in an Ulpan.

Important supporting documents: Proof of accommodation in Israel (hotel bookings, invitation from host), Letter from your employer confirming that you are currently employed and will stay so after your trip.

The process of applying for the types of visa for Israel listed above varies depending on the classification.

Some visas require prior approval from the Ministry of the Interior before the application can begin. This includes the clergy visa and work visa.

However, in general, you need to:

ETA Application

Documents you need for an Israel embassy visa

In addition to the documents listed for each Israel visa type above, all applicants usually need to supply:

Other supporting documents that may be requested depending on the type of Israel visa include:

For more detailed information on the application process and requirements for each type of visa, you should contact your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate.

Confirmation requirements for Israel Visa issuance

Holders of national and official passports from specific countries need a confirmation from the Foreign Ministry to be issued an Israel tourist visa.

This applies to passports issued by:

*Egyptians are exempt from this requirement when entering through Taba and traveling as far as Beersheba (for stays up to 14 days).