overstaying tourist visa israel

רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה Israel Population & Immigration Authority هيئة السكان والهجرة

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Visas and ETA - IL

Israel offers multiple visa options, depending on your status, the purpose of your stay, and other factors., visiting israel.

You may be able to get a quick ETA-IL. Read through this page or Check your eligibility for an ETA-IL  to discover the best option for you.

More about this visa and ETA

Electronic travel authorization

The ETA-IL is an online authorization, indicating that you can tavel to israel and stay as a tourist for up to 90 days. To be eligible for an ETA-IL, visitors must have a passport from a visa – exempt country . Check if you are eligible for an ETA-IL

Student Visa

Student Visas are granted to students who belong to: -Any institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education, study program of the VOLCANY Centre (agricultural research) andThe BA program in Business Administration at the China-Israel Institute.

An A/3 is granted to clergymen coming to fill a religious role, at the invitation of a recognized religious institution. Clergymen arriving to Israel for any other visit should apply for a B/2 Tourist Visa under the usual conditions. A/3 Visas are not granted at the authority of the Interior Ministry alone. The request must be submitted in Israel by the inviting religious institution, and approval is sent to the Consulate.

B/1 Work Visas are granted to foreign workers in the industry, welfare, construction, and agriculture sectors. This Visa limits the applicant’s stay in Israel for a limited period for work. The request is submitted in Israel to the Interior Ministry by the employing person, corporation, or company. The approval is sent to the consulate.

Foreign expert

B/1 Foreign Expert Visas are granted to applicants for a limited period of work. The request is submitted in Israel to the Interior Ministry by the employing person, corporation, or company. The approval is sent to the consulate

B/2 Visas are granted to applicants visiting Israel for tourism, medical tourism, business meetings or short-term non-academic study. B/2 holders are not permitted to work in Israel. It usually grants single entry and is valid for three months from the day it’s granted. Citizens of visa-exempt countries need to apply for ETA-IL before their visit to Israel. A foreign worker who has worked in Israel in one of the fields: agriculture, construction, or caregiving, and wish to visit Israel, may apply for a B/2 tourist visa one year after leaving Israel. (even if arriving from a visa-exempt country).

B/4 Visas are granted to the following: Volunteers of a Kibbutz, Moshav or Welfare Institute, Baha’i volunteers arriving to a Centre in Haifa or Acre, Members of youth movements abroad coming to volunteer in Israel

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Stay Limits Unveiled: How Long Can a US Citizen Stay in Israel?

• By Noah Agles
• February 2023
• In Israel Travel Advice

Planning your next vacation can require tons of research and paperwork. For example, do you want to travel to Israel in the new few months but have no idea how long you can legally stay? Is there a cut-off period for vacationers? What happens if you overstay your welcome?

Luckily, we've done plenty of research into this topic and have the answers below. The answers in this article are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have additional concerns, you can email the Israeli embassy in your country. Here's the link to the Israeli embassy in Washington .

And by the way, we researched the question from the perspective of an American visitor - if you're coming from a different country, other laws and regulations may apply. 

According to Israel's official travel website, visitors from the USA can stay up to three months (90 days) in the country for their vacation. However, this timeline can also vary depending on your visa type and if you plan to work in the country during your stay.

Since tourist visas are the most common, you can plan for up to 90 days of legal vacationing, and anything longer will require additional paperwork and acceptance.

As we start this article, we will cover all things staying in Israel and discuss how long you can do this. Whether you have family abroad, want to visit various Israeli cities, or need extra help, we've got you covered. With that said, let's dive right into this post!

How Long Can A Tourist Stay In Israel?

If you want to go to Israel on vacation, expect to have a three-month limit. According to Visit Israel ,  visitors are entitled to remain in Israel for up to three months from their arrival date.

However, this timeline can vary depending on your visa and current travel restrictions. Therefore, you don't want to book a hotel or Airbnb for more than those 90 days.

Interestingly enough, Israel doesn't currently stamp passports at airports or most land crossings. So, if you're going on to another Arab country, you might want to request that an Israeli stamp not appear on your passport.

You also want to remember that at any time during your stay in Israel, an official inspector or police officer can request identification from you to check your tourist/residence status.

If you aren't willing or able to show your documentation, there's a chance you'll be deported from the country. So, to be safe, we recommend always having your passport in a safe, easily accessible place.

You may even want to take a picture of this documentation if someone stops you.

What Happens If You Overstay Your Visa In Israel?

Since Israel has strict visa laws, you don't want to try and cheat the system. Suppose you're at the 90-day mark on your vacation and don't have a flight scheduled home yet.

In the event someone checks up on your status, you face immediate deportation and arrest. According to law experts , illegal residence in Israel (past three months) can result in future refusal to permit entrance to Israel.

So, even if you want to try and test your luck, this could end badly for you. On top of that, Israel may approve an extension to your tourist visa, depending on the current magnitude of visitors and global travel conditions.

However, if you can stay in Israel longer than 90 days for travel, don't expect to be allowed to work there. The B/2 tourist visa they often offer to longer-staying guests doesn't permit work.

In addition, the country's government website mentions that in " exceptional cases ," you may be able to extend your travel. The best way to check if that applies to you is to visit one of the open bureaus in your current city.

A good example of this would be if your family member becomes ill or something devastating happens while you're traveling through Israel.

Is It Hard To Get A Tourist Visa To Israel From The US?

In general, getting a tourist visa to Israel from the United States won't be too difficult. Since we have a good relationship with the Israeli government, getting to and from the country should not be difficult.

You want to submit your application at the Israeli embassy or consulate in your country of residence before traveling to Israel. Many visa-processing centers in the US work with the Israeli government, so you may be able to do this locally.

Furthermore, this entire visa application and approval should take 20 business days . From the time your visa is issued, you have 90 days to enter and exit the country.

As we said, you want to avoid being in Israel past your three-month threshold. If you stay longer than your visa allows, this can result in fines, detention, and deportation.

You might even be barred from ever entering the country again. 

Most visa-issuing agencies recommend reaching out to schedule an appointment four weeks before your planned travel departure. You may be able to expedite the request, but this can be iffy.

Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Visit Israel?

When it comes to what US citizens need to visit Israel, the most common situation is having a passport valid for at least six months longer than your arrival date in the country.

Generally, tourists from the United States will receive a free 90-day travel visa once they arrive in Israel. For stays up to three months in the country, you don't usually need a special visa or complex paperwork (as long as your passport checks out).

However, if your passport expires within six months of your arrival to Israel, you'll need to apply for an official tourist visa or renew your passport early. This same guideline applies to Canadian residents.

As we said before, Israel doesn't usually stamp passports for arriving tourists. This is done for your safety when moving through the middle east.

However, knowing exactly what day you arrived and when you needed to depart can be more challenging. We recommend keeping a personal calendar with these dates.

The last thing you want to do is accidentally overstay your visa and be barred from future entry.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Passport?

If you need a passport before traveling to Israel, expect to spend around $150. According to Passports and Visas , here are the following prices for passports:

• New adult passport book - $130 (standard shipping)
• New adult passport card - $30 (standard shipping)
• Both book and card - $160 (standard shipping)

And if you need to renew your passport in compliance with Israeli law,

• US passport renewal book - $130 (standard shipping)
• Both book renewal and passport card - $160 (standard shipping)

It's also worth noting that these are all prices for standard shipping plus the passport book or card. If you are in a rush, you'll need to pay extra for faster shipment.

For example, if you need a new adult passport book in 4-6 weeks instead of the regular eight, expect to spend closer to $190. The same applies to even faster shipping (within a week) which could be as much as $220.

Unfortunately, the only way to spend less money on passports is to wait long periods for them. Luckily, the standard shipping times should be fine if you plan your trip far enough in advance.

We recommend getting your new or renewed passport 90 days early to be safe. You also want to remember that depending on the time of year, standard shipping may take shorter than eight weeks, or vice versa.

Do Minors Have To Pay For A Passport?

Yes. Even if you have a minor traveling with you, they'll need to apply and pay for their passport. According to official travel protocols, you should expect to spend $100 for your minor application fee and a $35 acceptance charge.

For a passport card, you will pay around $15 for a minor application, paired with a $35 acceptance fee. If you need a book and card, your total application price will be close to $115, plus a $35 acceptance fee.

So, a common theme here is that regardless of what passport you need, you'll pay two fees: one for the application and another for the acceptance.

Minors need to go into a verified passport issuer to get their photo taken and book/card issued, so that's another detail to remember.

Furthermore, the US considers those younger than 16 to be minors. So, if you or someone traveling to Israel with you is 16+, they'll pay as adults.

Think of this as if the applicant can get a driver's license; they'll need to follow adult passport protocols.

What If I Want To Work In Israel During My Trip?

If you plan to work while vacationing in Israel, you'll need to apply for a B1 visa. These allow you to make money while in Israel and require additional paperwork, vetting, and fees.

Remember, for regular free 90-day tourist visas, you cannot get a job and make money in the country. This is standard for most global traveling, as it wouldn't be fair to those seeking employment in the given territory.

On top of that, law experts also point out that tourists with current 90-day travel visas cannot switch theirs to a B1. Working in Israel requires a valid work permit, so even if you try and apply for a job anyways: that company cannot legally employ you.

However, if you're a US citizen and want to continue to work for your company abroad, this should be fine.

To Wrap It All Up

Whether you have a trip planned to Israel or are curious about going to the country, it's always good to have your paperwork in order. We found that you can legally stay in Israel for up to three months with a standard tourist visa.

Furthermore, if your passport doesn't expire in the next six months from the date you arrive in Israel, you may not need to file for a visa.

Regardless, we recommend submitting any applications for your visa at least one month before taking off and getting your passport at least 90 days ahead.

While you're here, check out these related travel articles!

Can You Drink Tap Water In Israel [Inc. In Tel Aviv And Jerusalem]?

The Banias Nature Reserve, Israel: A Complete Visitor's Guide

9 Awesome Things To Do In Akko, Israel (Including A One-Day Itinerary)

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Middle East

U.s. allows israelis visa-free entry as israel opens travel to palestinian americans.

Daniel Estrin

Passengers at the check-in desks in the departures hall at Ben Gurion International airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Nov. 30, 2021. Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

Passengers at the check-in desks in the departures hall at Ben Gurion International airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Nov. 30, 2021.

TEL AVIV, Israel — The U.S. said Wednesday it will allow Israeli tourists and businesspeople to enter the country without visas, an agreement that requires Israel to end bans and restrictions on the entry of Palestinian Americans and other Arab Americans.

Starting Nov. 30, Israelis will be able to travel to the U.S. for trips of up to 90 days without needing to wait months for a visa. Forty other countries are already granted the same privilege.

The U.S.-Israel deal represents a significant change in Israel's longstanding security paradigm of profiling and restricting the entry of Palestinian, Arab and Muslim visitors. Those measures were put in place because of airline hijackings 50 years ago, ongoing hostilities against Israel in the region and Israeli efforts to prevent an influx of Palestinians to the Jewish state.

The new agreement, negotiated over the last year and a half, overcame old fears in the U.S. that visa-free travel could help Israelis spy on U.S. soil.

International travelers wait to have their passports checked at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, 2014. The new agreement to allow visa-free U.S. entry to Israeli tourists and businesspeople requires Israel to end bans and restrictions on Palestinian Americans and other Arab Americans traveling to Israel. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

International travelers wait to have their passports checked at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, 2014. The new agreement to allow visa-free U.S. entry to Israeli tourists and businesspeople requires Israel to end bans and restrictions on Palestinian Americans and other Arab Americans traveling to Israel.

It also resolved more recent concerns, like enforcing stricter rules on granting Israeli passports to new immigrants — effectively allowing the visa-waiver program to prevent an influx of Russians into the U.S. who gained Israeli citizenship since the war in Ukraine — and U.S. demands that Israel upgrade to post-Sept. 11 standards of airline security, U.S. officials say.

New freedom of movement for tens of thousands of Palestinian Americans

Under the deal, Israel has agreed to treat U.S. citizens "without regard to national origin, religion, or ethnicity," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

Israel already phased in the measures this summer, allowing entry to Americans with origins or dual citizenship in countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Palestinian Americans with residency status in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip may now access Israel's international airport, and U.S. officials say tens of thousands have visited Israel as a result.

Why Israel has ended travel restrictions for Palestinian Americans

"I drove through every single checkpoint between the West Bank and Israel I could," says Mohammed Manasrah, a Palestinian American. "Like, I would literally drive through the checkpoint, make a U-turn and come back. And it just feels like every time I go through a checkpoint, it's like I won."

Four Democratic senators said Wednesday they oppose Israel's admission into the visa-waiver program, arguing Israel still has not addressed all unequal treatment against Palestinian Americans. An Arab American rights group is seeking an injunction against Israel entering the program.

U.S. officials say they are working with Israel to solve remaining inequities, like restrictions at select border crossings on Palestinian Americans driving from the West Bank into Israel, and that Israel could be suspended from the visa-waiver program if it does not comply with its commitments.

U.S. concerns over Israeli security and espionage

The deal also addresses holes in Israel's border security policies, a surprising revelation given Israel's tough security stance.

Under the deal, Israel agreed to adopt U.S. and international airline passenger screening protocols established after the Sept. 11 attacks. Israel had previously relied on other security methods, including interrogations and profiling based on passenger risk.

Israel also accepted U.S. requests to place restrictions on granting passports to new immigrants, due to concerns that the U.S. would receive an influx of Russians who gained expedited Israeli citizenship since Russia's war in Ukraine began last year.

In 2014, when Israel lobbied to join the visa-waiver program, U.S. intelligence officials reportedly warned lawmakers it would help Israeli spies conduct espionage on U.S. soil. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity in a briefing to reporters ahead of Wednesday's announcement, dismissed that concern now.

"The U.S. intelligence community and law enforcement routinely evaluate potential potential counterintelligence risks from a host of countries. This is in the case of the visa waiver program," the official said. "The arrangements under the visa-waiver program do not represent any insurmountable obstacle to the work we do to protect the homeland from intelligence collection."

The politics behind the deal

Israelis have sought to be in the so-called visa-waiver program for decades, but Israel never qualified. Besides treatment of Arab Americans and espionage concerns, Israelis had a high visa rejection rate because of U.S. concerns that Israelis, like young veterans fresh out of the army, would overstay their visas.

Two years ago, there was an opening. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ousted in an election, and after years of his sour relations with Democrats, a new, moderate Israeli governing coalition was formed that the Biden administration wanted to support, and the U.S. began working on the visa-free program for Israel.

Netanyahu was accused of holding up the process in parliament to prevent his opponents from scoring the political win. After Netanyahu returned to office, his government advanced the lifting of restrictions on Arab American travelers.

"If I had to guess, the security establishment would have preferred to keep things as they are. But the prime minister felt it's important," says Ehud Eiran, a former Israeli adviser to a previous prime minister. "To be cynical, I think he's in a very difficult time. And if a politician can tell Israelis, you can enter the U.S. without a visa — big political win."

As Netanyahu faces domestic protests and U.S. opposition for his overhaul of Israel's judiciary, he is promoting the mega-deal President Biden is seeking to broker for diplomatic relations between Israel and regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia.

Such a deal, the Biden administration says, will require Israel to agree to much larger concessions to the Palestinians than travel privileges for Palestinian Americans.

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