Israel B/2 tourist and visitor visa: requirements and application

Nationals of countries that are not exempt from the Israeli visa need a B/2 for any short visit. Citizens of visa-exempt countries normally use ETA-IL, but a foreign worker who has worked in Israel in agriculture, construction or caregiving must apply for a B/2 to visit again, and may do so one year after leaving Israel, even with a passport from an exempt country.

Allowed activities are tourism, family visits, medical tourism, business meetings and short non-academic study. B/2 holders may not work in Israel.

The Israeli missions list a completed and signed visa application form, a travel document valid at least three months beyond the visa period, a bank statement printout covering at least three months, confirmation of employment, your address in Israel during the stay, proof of insurance for the whole stay and two identical recent colour photos of 5 x 5 cm on a white background. A return ticket is part of the file but does not have to be shown when you submit.

Applications are made at the Israeli mission in the country where you live. You book an appointment and usually appear in person; the consular officer may waive or require personal attendance. The visa fee follows the consular fee table of the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Indian and Sri Lankan passport holders living in India or Sri Lanka can instead use the online eVisa-B2 pilot: upload passport copies, existing visas and flight tickets (buying them is not required), pay NIS 105 and receive the visa as a PDF by email. The mission may still ask for more information or an interview. Applying within 30 days before arrival is recommended.

A B/2 is usually single entry and valid for three months from the day it is issued. A multiple-entry visa allows any number of entries within its validity. Plan the trip so that you leave before the visa expires.

Extensions are requested from PIBA: book an appointment with the visa department and submit the form in person at a PIBA office. You need a passport valid at least six months beyond the requested date, a current photo, proof of means and a letter explaining the request. The service fee is NIS 195; online payment only accepts a credit card owned by an Israeli citizen or resident. If a departure deposit was made, its extension must be requested as well.

A refused eVisa-B2 applicant receives an email with instructions on contacting the nearest mission about options. Fees are not refunded. Holding a visa does not guarantee entry: the border officer checks that the entry conditions are met.