Visa requirements for Israeli citizens refers to regulations pertaining to visas for holders of Israeli passports.
As of 2024, Israeli citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 171 countries and territories, ranking the Israeli passport 20th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index.[1]
As of 2024, the passports of Israel, South Korea, Brunei and Chile are the only ones to provide visa-free access to all G8 countries, and the passports of Israel, South Korea, Hong Kong, Argentina, Brazil and Chile are the only ones to provide visa-free access to all European countries.[citation needed]
History
According to Israeli law, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran are designated as enemy countries and an Israeli citizen must obtain a special permit from the Israeli Ministry of the Interior to visit these countries. An Israeli who visits these countries, whether with a foreign or an Israeli passport, may be prosecuted when coming back to Israel, however prosecution is rare.
This list was set in 1954, and was updated on 25 July 2007 to include Iran, and again in 2019 to remove Saudi Arabia.[2]Egypt and Jordan remained on the "enemy countries" list; however, the Israeli Ministry of the Interior had issued a general unlimited permit to visit these countries, following the peace treaty signed by Israel with each country, hence voiding the law in respect to each country.[3] Under an Israeli military order, Israeli citizens except for security personnel carrying out operations are prohibited from entering the Gaza Strip, which is ruled by Hamas, and Area A of the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority exercises full civil and security control.
In addition to these countries, there are other countries that prohibit entry to Israeli passport holders, after joining the Arab boycott of the State of Israel, including Maldives, Malaysia, Brunei, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Some controversial rejections of Israeli nationals include tennis player Shahar Pe'er who was denied a visa to the United Arab Emirates which would have allowed her to play in the 2009 Dubai Open. However, later she was allowed. Furthermore, Israeli judo athletes and ministers have been allowed into the UAE more recently. This was prior to signing the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Recent diplomatic relations
As of 21 February 2021, Israel has signed six peace treaties with Arab countries.
On 15 September 2020, Israel and the UAE established diplomatic relations in Washington DC, and signed a peace agreement, which removed all restrictions on Israeli citizens' travel to the UAE.
On 23 October 2020 an agreement took place between Sudan and Israel with the mediation of the United States involving the recognition of the state of Israel by Sudan and the establishment of full diplomatic relations.
On 12 December 2020, Israel and Bhutan formally established full diplomatic relations.[5]
On 1 February 2021, Israel and Kosovo established full diplomatic relations over Zoom, and established a Kosovan embassy in Jerusalem.[6]
In May 2021, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has removed a clause banning travel to Israel from the country's new e-passport. The MFA said this is to comply with international e-passport standards.[7][8][9]
In June 2022, Saudi Arabia and Israel are holding talks as a precursor to establishing formal diplomatic relations. Saudi officials say it is a question of when, not if.[10]
On October 19, 2023, Israel became the 41st country that joined the United States Visa Waiver Program.[11]
On June 2, 2024, Maldives proposed on banning entry for Israeli citizens.[12] However, the ban was postponed.[13]
Visa requirements map
Visa requirements
Visa requirements for holders of normal passports traveling for tourist purposes. Visa requirements for holders of Teudat Maavar (travel document in lieu of passport) may vary.
From December 2021, passengers of all countries that required visa, can now obtain visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport, and all land borders.[48]
Must have a round trip ticket. A passport valid for 6 months and with at least two blank pages for stamps on arrival and departure must be presented. Must provide proof of hotel stay, as well as an international vaccination certificate.
Dual nationals of Ghana not holding a "Dual Citizenship Identity Card" and entering Ghana on a foreign passport can obtain a visa on arrival if they have confirmation that a visa has been approved before departure.
e-Visa holders must arrive via 26 designated airports[Note 1] or 3 designated seaports.[Note 2][94]
An Indian e-Tourist Visa may only be obtained twice within 1 calendar year.[citation needed]
Foreigners of Pakistani origin or who hold a Pakistani Passport are not eligible for an e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) were born in, or were permanent residents in Pakistan, are also not eligible for an e-Visa.[95]
In addition to a visa, nationals of Israel must hold the reference letter issued by Director General of Immigration Jakarta (DIRJENIM) and the invitation letter used to support their visa application.[96]
Admission for Israeli passport holders are strictly refused, no matter for tourism or visiting purpose.
For visit of other purposes, visa is required. In addition to a visa, a clearance permit from the govenment should also be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs prior to arrival in Malaysia.[126]
Nationals of Israel traveling on business can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 5 years. They must have a license issued by the Ministry of Industry.
Holders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa may be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa on arrival permitting indefinite stay (pursuant to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement), subject to meeting character requirements and obtaining an Electronic Travel Authority prior to departure.[148] Such travellers are not required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.[147]
Nationals of Israel can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 1 month. They must have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date, and a return/onward ticket.
Passengers can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 3 months if they have confirmation that a visa has been approved before departure.
For passengers traveling on an organized tour, the representative of the organizing travel agency should submit a list showing full names and nationalities of tour members to the special service of the national police prior to arrival.
ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.[208]
ESTA is also required when entering the country by cruise ship or land.[209]
Visa required if Nationals of VWP countries who have travelled or been present in Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen at any time on or after 1 March 2011 (with limited exceptions), or those who have travelled or being present in Cuba at any time on or after 12 January 2021, or nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, North Korea or Sudan.
Visitors with stays longer than three days must register with the local police, within three working days of arrival. For visitors staying in a hotel, registration is done by the hotel. Registration is strictly checked when leaving Uzbekistan.
There are 70 resident embassies, 23 consulates and five "special" missions in the 164 states that recognise Israel. As of 2014, Germany offers consular assistance to Israelis in countries without Israeli representation. Canada offers consular assistance to Israelis in Cuba. North Korea does not recognise Israel, denouncing it as an "imperialist satellite". Since 2016, Israeli civilians have been permitted to travel to North Korea without intermediaries, with appropriate visas available in Israel.
^ ab"Paying the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy". immigration.govt.nz. Immigration New Zealand. Retrieved February 1, 2021. Many tourists, people on working holidays, and some students and workers coming to New Zealand must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35.
^"Information about: Australian Resident Visa". immigration.govt.nz. Immigration New Zealand. Retrieved May 21, 2020. Australian citizens and permanent residents can visit, work and live in New Zealand. You do not need a visa before you travel to New Zealand.
1British Overseas Territories.
2 These countries span the conventional boundary between Europe and Asia.
3 Partially recognized.
4Unincorporated territory of the United States.
5 Part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
6Egypt spans the boundary between Africa and Asia.