Israel

🇮🇱

Phone Code

+972

Capital

Jerusalem

Population

9.7 Million

Native Name

יִשְׂרָאֵל

Region

Asia

Western Asia

Timezone

Israel Standard Time

UTC+02:00

Israel is a Middle Eastern country with profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, offering ancient historical sites, Mediterranean beaches, desert landscapes, and modern cities. Jerusalem, a city holy to three religions, features the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock. Tel Aviv offers vibrant nightlife, beaches, and Bauhaus architecture. Visitors are drawn to Jerusalem's Old City and religious sites, Tel Aviv's beaches and culture, Dead Sea (lowest point on Earth), Masada fortress, Sea of Galilee, Negev Desert, Haifa's Bahá'í Gardens, Eilat's Red Sea diving, and diverse cuisine. Israel combines ancient heritage with modern innovation, offering unique experiences despite complex geopolitical situation.

Visa Requirements for Israel

Israel allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries including the United States, Canada, all EU countries, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand for tourism stays up to 90 days. Upon arrival, visitors receive an entry stamp on a separate paper slip (not in passport) to avoid complications when traveling to countries that don't recognize Israel. Border security is thorough with detailed questioning common. Citizens of most Arab and Muslim-majority countries face restrictions or outright bans. Israeli passport stamps (even on separate slip) can prevent entry to many Middle Eastern countries. Extensions beyond 90 days require application to Israeli Population and Immigration Authority. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (B/2 Visitor)

Up to 90 days; entry stamp given on separate paper slip (not in passport); must have return ticket and proof of sufficient funds; thorough security screening.

For tourism, business, visiting friends/family for US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other nationalities.

Student Visa (A/2)

Duration of studies; requires acceptance letter from Israeli institution; apply through Israeli embassy/consulate; processing times vary; work restrictions apply.

For studies at Israeli educational institutions, including language schools and universities.

Work Visa (B/1)

Tied to employment contract; employer must obtain work permit; apply through embassy; complex process; limited to specific sectors.

For employment in Israel, requires work permit arranged by Israeli employer.

Volunteer Visa (A/3)

Up to 1 year typically; requires sponsorship from recognized Israeli organization; apply through embassy; popular for kibbutz volunteering and NGO work.

For volunteer work with approved organizations in Israel.

Important Travel Information

Paper slip entry stamp: Israel stamps separate paper slip, not passport, to avoid issues entering Arab countries. Keep slip safe - needed for exit. Lost slip causes complications.

Security screening: Expect thorough questioning at entry. Common questions: travel plans, contacts in Israel, previous Middle East travel. Answer honestly and patiently.

Arab country restrictions: Israeli stamps (even on paper) prevent entry to Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait. Plan accordingly if visiting region.