Israel

Israel visas and entry permits: the complete guide

  • 6 visa types
  • checked 24 October 2026

How visas for Israel work

Entry to Israel is managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of the Ministry of Interior, while Israeli embassies and consulates handle visa applications abroad. Visas are labelled by letter and number: B/2 is the visitor and tourist visa, B/1 the work visa, B/4 the volunteer visa, A/2 the student visa, A/3 the clergy visa and A/1 the temporary resident visa for people eligible under the Law of Return.

Since 1 January 2025 every traveller needs either a valid Israeli visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before departure. Nationals of visa-exempt countries apply for ETA-IL online for NIS 25; it allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and is valid for up to two years. Nationals of visa-required countries apply for a B/2 visa, either at an Israeli mission or, in a pilot limited to Indian and Sri Lankan passport holders living in those countries, through the online eVisa-B2 for NIS 105.

Work, study, volunteering and long stays never run on ETA-IL. In each of these routes an Israeli party usually starts the process: the employer asks PIBA for a permit, the university or yeshiva issues the admission, the kibbutz or institution invites the volunteer. The mission abroad then issues the visa once the approval arrives.

Security conditions in the region can affect flights, border crossings and consular opening hours. Some Israeli missions have limited or suspended public reception, so check the notice of the mission responsible for you and contact it by email before you plan an appointment.

Which visa do I need?

Tourism, family visits, business meetings or medical treatment of up to 90 days: ETA-IL if your passport is from a visa-exempt country, otherwise a B/2 visitor visa.

Paid work: a B/1 work visa after your Israeli employer obtains a PIBA permit (foreign experts, caregivers and workers in agriculture, construction and industry).

Degree studies or yeshiva: an A/2 student visa; short non-academic courses of up to 90 days can be done on ETA-IL or B/2.

Volunteering at a kibbutz, moshav, welfare institution or the Baha'i centres in Haifa and Acre: a B/4 visa requested by the host. Religious office at a recognised institution: an A/3 clergy visa requested by that institution.

Settling under the Law of Return: an immigrant visa for permanent settlement, or the A/1 temporary resident visa to try life in Israel for up to five years.

Visa types for Israel

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa B/2 visitor and tourist visa (incl. eVisa-B2 pilot)

    The B/2 visa is Israel's short-stay visa for tourism, visits, medical treatment, business meetings and short non-academic study, required for nationals of countries that are not visa-exempt.

    Maximum stay: Within the visa period, normally up to three months; longer only with a PIBA extension

Study and training

  • Student visa A/2 student visa (university and yeshiva students)

    The A/2 visa is for foreign students admitted to an institution recognised by Israel's Council for Higher Education, a yeshiva, the Volcani Centre study programme or the China-Israel Institute BA in business administration.

    Maximum stay: For the visa period, up to one year at a time

Work

  • Work visa B/1 work visa (foreign experts, caregivers and sector workers)

    Israel's B/1 work visa is issued only after the Population and Immigration Authority has approved a request filed in Israel by the employer.

    Maximum stay: Limited to the permit period; foreign experts up to 63 months in total under a B/1 licence

Residence

  • Residence permit A/1 temporary resident visa for persons eligible under the Law of Return

    People eligible to immigrate under Israel's Law of Return who are not yet ready to settle for good can apply for an A/1 temporary resident visa.

    Maximum stay: Five years

Online travel permits

  • Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) ETA-IL – Electronic Travel Authorization to Israel

    Since 1 January 2025, nationals of countries exempt from the Israeli B/2 visa must hold an approved ETA-IL before they board a flight to Israel.

    Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit

Asylum and international protection

  • Asylum and international protection Asylum application (refugee status determination, PIBA)

    Asylum claims in Israel are handled by the Population and Immigration Authority, whose refugee status determination (RSD) unit registers applications, interviews applicants and prepares recommendations; the Minister of Interior decides.

    Processing time: No fixed time limit is set in official sources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa or an ETA-IL to travel to Israel?

Every traveller needs one of the two before departure. Nationals of visa-exempt countries apply for ETA-IL online; nationals of visa-required countries need a visa, usually a B/2 issued by an Israeli mission. Holders of a valid B/1, B/3, B/4 or A-class visa do not need ETA-IL.

How much does ETA-IL cost and how long is it valid?

NIS 25, paid by card and not refundable. It is valid for multiple trips for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows up to 90 days per visit.

Can I work in Israel on ETA-IL or a B/2 visa?

No. Both cover short visits for tourism, business meetings, short non-academic study and similar purposes. Paid work requires a B/1 work visa based on an employer permit issued by PIBA.

Does an ETA-IL or a visa guarantee entry?

No. Both only allow you to travel to the border. The border control officer decides on entry under the Entry into Israel Law and PIBA procedures.

Can I apply for asylum in Israel?

Yes, inside Israel. The application is filed online with PIBA and completed in person at the office in Bnei Brak; the refugee status determination interview takes place at the RSD office in Lod. PIBA procedure expects the claim within one year of entry.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.