It is recommended that students planning to arrive in Israel for semester or year programs acquire a multiple-entry A/2 student visa from the Israeli Consulate in their country of residence. This visa is generally issued for 12 months; thus students who are coming for the year are advised to obtain the visa close to their date of departure.
Please note: Recently, the policy implemented at the port of entry to Israel has been to limit the official stay on a B/2 tourist visa to 1-2 weeks for those coming to study in Israel. During this period of time they are expected to acquire an A/2 student visa at the Ministry of the Interior (Misrad Hapnim) in Israel. The student should request a multiple-entry student visa, to simplify the process of going abroad. It is the individual student’s responsibility to renew his or her visa. Note that without a multiple-entry student visa, upon returning to Israel from a visit to Egypt, including Sinai, one may receive only a one-month tourist visa.
Important: A fine will be charged for failing to extend a visa before its expiration date.
A/2 (Student) Visa
Students who are already in Israel must apply at the Ministry of the Interior for an A/2 visa. Appointments can be requested by telephone (1-700-55-1111), 1:00 P.M.–3:00 P.M. Sunday-Thursday, or by fax (02-6469523), including name, address and telephone number.
The student must present:
· An official letter from an institution of higher education confirming that he/she has been admitted to studies and has paid tuition
· A transcript of courses
· Valid passport
· 2 passport-size photographs
Students who have completed a year of study and wish to continue to study for an additional year must also present:
· Financial report from the educational institution
· Rental agreement
· Proof of sufficient means of support for his/her upkeep during the period of studies.
The student’s foreign passport must be valid for the full period of the visa. Married students should bring the passports of their other family members as well. A fee of NIS 165 is charged for a regular student visa and NIS 330 for a multiple-entry student visa.
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B/2 (Tourist) Visa
A person who holds a valid foreign passport may enter Israel as a tourist (B/2 visa). Citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and most European and South American countries do not need to request a tourist visa in advance. A B/2 tourist visa issued at the port of entry is valid for a 90-day period, and may be extended for periods of three to six months by the Ministry of the Interior, for a total period of 27 months. To renew a tourist visa, an appointment can be requested by telephone (1-700-55-1111), 1:00 P.M.–3:00 P.M., Sunday-Thursday, or by fax (02-6469523), including name, address and telephone number. The fee for extending a tourist visa is NIS 165.
Oleh (New Immigrant) Visa
Persons who are entitled to enter Israel under the Law of Return qualify for this visa. Persons who enter Israel on an Oleh visa or who switch their status to that of Oleh while in Israel are automatically granted Israeli citizenship after three months, unless they officially declare that they do not want Israeli citizenship. New immigrants may work, obtain income tax and customs concessions, and be recruited to do military service. Oleh students may be eligible for financial aid from the Student Authority. It is recommended that students planning to request Oleh status consult an advisor at the Student Authority or one of the immigrant associations. While Israel recognizes the right of persons to hold dual citizenship, not all countries do; therefore, one should check thoroughly the laws of his/her native country. For further information and advice, contact your program advisor or the Student Authority: 15 Hillel St., Jerusalem, Tel. 02-6214555.
Ministry of the Interior, Regional Population Administration, Jerusalem:
Address: 24 Hillel St., Jerusalem
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M.
Tel: 02-6294802, fax: 02-6294800
E-mail: oc_maakav@moin.gov.il
Nationwide information: Tel. *3450 (in Hebrew)
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