Israel Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

As a foreigner, whenever someone is willing to travel to Israel for leisure and tourism, a tourist visa to Israel is issued in their name. There are several benefits to this permit. One can travel across the country on one permit for the provided period. This permit even allows you to visit your friends and family who are based in Israel as citizens or on resident permits. It belongs to the category B2 and is a short term permit. The validity of the visa is for 3 months and the duration of the stay will be decided by the Border Police. You also must know that a visa does not guarantee you entry through the border. You are to be verified and approved by the Border Police to be allowed to enter the nation.

Before going ahead with your application process, you need to check if you are eligible for the permit. You can do this by going through the eligibility criteria. These criteria vary as per the type of the permit. The process to apply for a tourist visa to Israel is mainly offline. You will have to apply to the Israel Visa Application Centre (VAC). The procedure to obtain an Israel tourist visa from India is given as follows:

1. You can start by downloading the application form from the website of Israel VAC.
2. Fill out the application form thoroughly. The application form must be typed as handwritten forms are not accepted.
3. You can then collect the documents specified by the VAC.
4. Submit the documents to the Israel VAC as per the jurisdiction.
5. Your documents will then be verified.
6. After the verification, you will be informed if there are other requirements as well.
7. You can then pay the fee and the processing will begin.

Also, at the time of filling out the form, you need to make sure that you are providing the correct information and details. If any information is found to be false and is untraceable, there are chances that your Israel visa application may get rejected. Such a visa rejection can affect your future applications for permits to not just Israel but other countries as well.

The eligibility criteria for the permit must be met before applying for the visa. If not, you may get the application rejected. Some of the important parameters are listed as follows:

You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Israel.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.

You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Israel.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof (if asked).

You must be of good character, you may not be granted the visa if -

• You have a history of a criminal conviction.
• You have been deported or banned from another country.
• You are found to be a threat or risk to the country.

You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Israel.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

As per the type of visa, there are different kinds of documents that are required. The list of common requirements to obtain a tourist visa to Israel are given as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Travel Itinerary
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Travel and Medical Insurance
• Adhaar Card photocopy
• Approval Letter from the employer
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.
  
  

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 55mm x 55 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white or any other light colour.
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time for a tourist visa to Israel in India varies depends on the cities. Generally, the processing time required is 5 working days. For fast track applications, the processing is 48 hours for Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore applications and 4 working days for the applications made from Kolkata. There still are other factors that might affect the processing time, which includes - the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others.

The cost of a tourist permit will depend on several factors which include the type of visa, whether the visa is single or multiple-entry, or the purpose of the visit. The fee for an Israel tourist visa for Indian citizens is to be paid at the time of submission of the form. It is to be paid using a credit or debit card or in cash.

Once your documents are submitted -

• The processing of the application shall begin. 
• Your documents will be verified by the Israel VAC officials. 
• If there are any missing documents, you will be informed accordingly. 
• You can submit the documents and the application form and the documents personally, through a representative or through a visa agency. 
• There may be other documents that are to be submitted in case you are not submitting the form yourself.
• You can wait for the procedure to complete and check the status of your visa in the meantime as well.

To check the status of your tourist visa to Israel, you will have to visit the official website of the Israel Visa Application Centre. You can check the status for your visa by entering the required details. There is an alternative offline method as well. You can contact the VAC for the visa status through email, SMS or calling on the contact number provided.

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

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Israel within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are 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 kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Israel

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of 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 visa extension in time.
• If you have a change of plans and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension or a different kind of visa at least one month prior to the expiry.