Do Russians need a visa to enter Israel in 2021?

Rules for visa-free entry

Visa-free travel allows Russians to freely cross the borders of the Israeli state. The visa-free regime rules are as follows:

1. Duration of stay within Israeli borders – 3 months.
2. Commercial activities are prohibited.

Tel Aviv - the resort capital of Israel

Those wishing to get a job in the country must obtain the appropriate pass in advance. The rules are the same for Russians, Ukrainians and Georgian citizens.

Validity period of a passport to enter Israel

Information about the documents required to visit Israel without a visa is presented in the sign.

A foreigner has the right to free medical care. assistance in the event of a terrorist attack or accident.

Example of a travel voucher

Passing the Israeli border

The border crossing procedure for travelers arriving from Russia is as follows :

1. Scanning a foreigner.
2. Issuance of a coupon with photo and barcode. The barcode contains the traveler's full name, as well as the date of arrival in Israel. You will need the coupon when registering at the hotel, as well as when trying to rent a car. There is no note about visiting Israel upon arrival and departure.
3. Thorough inspection of personal luggage. Of particular interest to border guards are computers, mobile phones and the pasty contents of glass containers.

The ticket must be kept until departure. When leaving, the traveler undertakes to present it to the border guard.

Crossing the Israeli border can take a long time. Single travelers under 40 years of age are “tormented” for the longest time. Married couples go through border control faster.

Passport for entry into Israel

Customs regulations

The Israel Customs Service is a division of the country's tax administration.

The sign shows customs rules for travelers from Russia.

Interesting video. Rules for passing passport and customs control in Israel.

Documents for crossing the border

Do Russians need a visa to Belarus in 2021?
A visa-free regime with Israel has been introduced, but Russians must have the following documents with them:

• Return plane tickets;
• Evidence of financial well-being - account statement, credit card, etc.;
• Foreign passport - the validity period should not expire within six months from the moment of entry into Israel (it is recommended that it does not contain stamps on stay in states that are in hostile relations with Israel: Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Lebanon, Yemen - such travelers are especially carefully checked at the border);
• For children - a birth certificate, if he crosses the border with one of the parents or with a representative - permission (from both or one guardian).
• Medical insurance is not a requirement, but is recommended. You can take out a standard policy with an indemnity amount of 30 thousand euros. If it is not there, then medical assistance will only be provided in the event of a terrorist attack or accident - you will have to pay from your own budget (treatment is not cheap).
• Evidence of the purpose and type of trip: you will have to provide a hotel reservation, an invitation from friends or family, a certificate from a medical institution, etc.

Important! Immediately after arrival, a thorough border search and vigorous interrogation can begin. This often takes time. After all the procedures, the border service officer issues a visa with a date, without leaving a stamp in the passport. Only in Eilat and the border on the ground do they put arrival marks. There is no visa fee for air travel. When moving by car, an entry tax is paid.

Main types of visa documents

Persons planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days require a visa. The following types of visas to Israel exist:

• guest;
• for labor;
• for study;
• for religious activities;
• for family members.

How to understand the information on your visa

Visa for Israeli visitors

A visitor visa is also called a short-stay visa. Form – B/2. For travelers from Russia, it was abolished in 2008. This type of visa document did not give the foreigner the right to work on the territory of the Israeli state.

Visa for employment

A work visa to Israel is issued to persons wishing to find employment in the country, as well as to musicians and actors on tour. Visa document type – B/1.

The main criterion for hiring a foreign person is that he or she has an employment license. Work permits are issued only in regions separated from conflict zones. A foreigner cannot change one region to another.

The procedure for obtaining a work visa is as follows:

1. Filling out an application by an Israeli employer. The form is established by law. The application is submitted to the territorial division of the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs. The application must specifically state the employer's responsibilities regarding the foreigner's health insurance.

   Statement on behalf of the employer in Hebrew

2. Review of the application by employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, determination of the validity of the work visa and the conditions for its extension.
3. Issuance of an order regarding the issuance of a work visa. The document is issued to the Israeli consulate on Russian territory. The order is valid for 30 days. A work visa is issued during this period.
4. Providing the Russian citizen with the necessary documents.
5. Passing an interview with the consul.
6. Issuing a visa. If there are no violations, the document is issued to the applicant within 24 hours.

The plate contains documents that allow you to obtain a work visa.

Israel work visa

Further, in order to obtain a visa, you need to learn Hebrew and confirm your qualifications.

Applying for a study pass

Russian students also need a visa . Its format is A/2. The main documents to obtain it include:

• application;
• confirmation of enrollment in an Israeli university;
• International passport to Israel, valid for 12 months.

The document is valid for 12 months. Crossing the border is allowed multiple times. A visa document in A/2 format does not allow the student to work in the country.

Obtaining a religious visa

Travelers visiting Israel for religious purposes are divided into 2 groups.

Group 1 includes pilgrims traveling to holy places, as well as clergy of various faiths who arrived in the country not to perform religious services. Persons included in group 1 can stay in Israel without a visa.

For information about the peculiarities of religion in Israel, watch the following video.

Group 2 includes clergy who arrived in Israel to serve. They are required to obtain an A/3 visa. The basis for receiving it is an invitation from one of the Israeli religious institutions.

The algorithm for obtaining a religious visa is similar to the procedure for issuing a work pass.

Visa document for family members

Visa document format is A/4. Spouses and children of student and religious visa holders can apply.

The package of documents for registration is standard. Additionally, you must attach a certificate confirming family ties.

How is a tourist pass issued?

A tourist visa to Israel is issued according to the following procedure:

• collecting the necessary documentation;
• registration on the embassy website;
• receiving a number in the electronic queue;
• visiting the embassy at the appointed time;
• obtaining a visa document.

Israel is among the most popular destinations among Russian citizens

Additional types of visa documents

Traveling to Israel often requires other types of visa documents.

Alya visa application

Additional visas

It is difficult to say whether a visa to Israel is needed if a citizen is not going there for tourism purposes. There are different types of passes:

Work Visa

Issued in form B1 for specialists who came to Israel to look for work, cultural figures for tours around the country. The visa is subject to a number of restrictions:

• You can only find employment with an employer who has a valid license to hire foreigners.
• Work permits are legal only in specific areas - places as far away from military conflicts as possible. Once you cross the border, you cannot change the selected region.

An application from the employer in a regulated form is submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the state. The document must describe the conditions of health insurance provided to the employee. An intermediary, an agency that helps foreigners with employment, can also apply to the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

student visa

student visa

The pass is provided for students - citizens of the Russian Federation who wish to study in Israel. For registration (form A2), you need to submit the following papers to the consulate:

• A completed application for a student visa (the form can be found on the embassy website).
• Provide a receipt for the paid consular fee (currently equal to 47 US dollars).
• Two photos in 3x4 format.
• Letter of acceptance to one of the educational institutions of the country.
• Confirmation of a financial situation capable of paying for education and living in Israel for the entire period.
• Passport valid for at least another year.
• Minors need consent from both parents.

The visa is issued for a period of up to one month and allows you to cross the border many times. It is prohibited to work on it.

Visa based on religion

Travelers from different religious denominations, who come in huge numbers to Israel, can be divided into groups:

• One group includes pilgrims who pass through all the holy places. They could also be priests visiting Israel once. They do not require a visa, just like ordinary tourists from the Russian Federation.
• Representatives of the ecclesiastical class who come to the country to serve require a visa. This is a special form of skipping the A3 form. It is issued only on the basis of an invitation from religious institutions of the country.

A religious visa is issued after approval by the Ministry of Internal Affairs upon application from the host religious institution. The procedure for receiving it corresponds to that for obtaining a work pass. After receiving a decree from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, after a certain time, the consulate in the Russian Federation has the right to issue a visa to the applicant.

The following documents are required for registration:

• A completed application for an entry pass, the form is completely identical to that for type A2.
• Citizen's passport valid for another year.
• Two photographs in 3x4 format.
• Evidence of payment of the fee.

Visa extension is possible only in Israel.

As a result, we can say that it is easy for Russians to obtain a visa to Tel Aviv for travel. They also collect all the necessary documents, which may include an application for a visa for work or study. Usually the consulate does not refuse citizens of the Russian Federation.

Solving a child's problem

Persons traveling with minor children can apply for a visa based on the following documents:

1. Birth certificate (original).
2. An original certificate confirming that the second parent agrees to take the minor abroad. The document is apostilled. Muscovites can apostille a certificate at the Israeli consulate. The document will not be returned.
3. Photocopies of certificates confirming the existence of family ties.
4. Certificate of paternity (original). Provided if a child is born before marriage.
5. Original certificate from a mother raising a child on her own. Provided in case of loss of contact with the child's father.
6. Original document from the registry office. Provided if there is no entry in the child’s birth certificate that the minor is “registered according to the words of the parent.”
7. Death certificate of father or mother. Provided if required.
8. Administration's decision on guardianship. Issued by court decision if the minor is an orphan.

Apostille that needs to be affixed to documents

Traveling with children

A citizen of the Russian Federation who has not reached the age of majority can travel around the country without a visa (alone or accompanied by a parent, relative, teacher, guardian) and must have his own valid foreign passport. A foreign passport can be obtained from birth: there are no age restrictions for Russian citizens.

You can also include the child or children in the adult passport of the parent accompanying him in Israel. In this case, permission for the entry of a child of a parent who is absent is not required. It is only enough to have documents for leaving Russia, which should be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the current laws of Russia and Israel.

In accordance with the order of the Russian Border Service FSB, children under the age of majority must have a document that confirms their relationship with their parents (legal representatives). This is a birth or adoption document.

At the checkpoint, the consent (notarized) of the absent parent for the child to travel abroad may be required, even within the framework of Article No. 20 of the Federal Law “On the procedure for leaving the Russian Federation and entering the Russian Federation.” And the article says that it is enough for a child to have the consent of two parents if he is traveling alone, but nothing is said if he plans to leave his country with one of his parents.

We recommend bringing your other parent's consent with you to avoid getting into trouble if you are stopped at a checkpoint. Of course, you can prove that you are right, but will it be worth the time and nerves lost on the trip?

If the child is being taken out by a third party, then a special power of attorney from both parents will be required, which must be certified with an apostille, and also enclosed: a photocopy of the 1st page of the parent’s passports and the original birth certificate.

Trip to Israel for retirees

Elderly Russians have the opportunity to go for permanent residence in Israel. A common option for emigration is to join children. The main condition for such immigration is the presence of a son or daughter who has citizenship of the country.

First, older emigrants receive a residence permit. After 36 months, they are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Israel.

Pensioners who emigrated to Israel are entitled to receive Russian pension contributions.

, persons with a repatriate visa must open a bank account. You should have a “teudat zehut” and a “teudat ole” (repatriation certificate) with you.

If the account is opened for a family, then for each transaction documents of both spouses are provided. All operations are carried out only in person.

The pension is credited to the card every month.

Teudat Zehut – Israeli identity card

How much money do you need to visit Israel?

A prerequisite for successfully crossing the Israeli border is confirmation of your solvency. There is no specific minimum amount, but the applicant must provide documents that confirm that he will be able to support himself while living in Israel and is not directly interested in working. This is, for example, a bank account statement, salary certificate. The interview will take into account the duration of the trip, its purpose and the potential amount that the person can spend.

See also: UK visa - cost and application procedure

Advice : when planning to collect documents to obtain a visa, you need to take into account the presence of not only Russian, but also Jewish holidays, when the Israeli Embassy in Russia is not open. You can find the exact list on the official website of the institution.

You also need to take into account the state fee for obtaining a visa (if necessary) in the amount of 1800 to 11 thousand rubles. depending on the type. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account related expenses, for example, accommodation, meals, excursions, travel around the city, etc.

Registration of refugee status

A special Department deals with refugee issues in Israel. In 2021, only applications from countries friendly to Israel will be considered. Requests from unfriendly states are not accepted.

A refugee visa can be obtained on the basis of documents confirming the fact of a threat to the life or health of the applicant. These certificates are certified by the UN office.

The package of documents must be submitted within 12 months. after arriving on Israeli territory. who is a refugee applies for status later than the specified period, the risk of refusal increases to 44%.

You can prove the need to obtain refugee status as follows:

1. Provide a documented history of persecution and threats in your home country. Support it with legal facts that comply with Israeli legal norms.
2. Provide documentation confirming the fact of contacting law enforcement agencies in your home country.
3. Provide documentation confirming the fact that the applicant was denied protection in his home country. Certificates are also provided proving the fact that the authorities ignored threats against the applicant.

   Confirmation of refugee status in Israel

4. It is legal to cross Israeli territory.
5. During the interview, give all the arguments in favor of the fact that emigration is the only way to protect yourself.

First, a person who has received refugee status is entitled to humanitarian assistance. He is also given a blue paper, on the basis of which he can find a job.

Collecting information for obtaining a visa

A visa to Israel is issued on the basis of:

• a foreign passport valid outside Russia;
• internal Russian passport;
• certificates from the official place of work (drawn up on a special form);
• 2 copies of the questionnaire;
• income statements;
• medical policy;
• certificate confirming income;
• copies of air tickets.

Sample certificate of employment

Getting insurance

The Israeli medical policy provides reliable protection for the traveler in 2 cases.

Why do you need insurance?
Features of obtaining a policy in Israel from different insurance companies. More details in the next video. The medical policy does not cover expenses associated with injuries resulting from military or extremist actions. Responsibility in this case falls on the shoulders of the Israeli authorities.
You can get an Israeli medical policy online. To do this you need:

1. Go to any website that offers insurance.
2. Enter all travel details. It is necessary to indicate the exact date and number of travelers.
3. Select the policyholder, click the “Purchase” button.
4. Enter personal information. They must correspond to the data from the passport. Click the “Next” button.
5. Pay for the service. This can be done using online banking, which operates around the clock. You can also use any payment system - YaD, Qiwi or VM.

After payment, the medical policy is sent to the specified e-mail. It will also be stored in the client’s personal account.

Approximate cost of an insurance policy for 30 days

Photo requirements

The photo requirements for an Israel visa are presented in the table.

Photo requirements for an Israeli visa

More information about the photo requirements for obtaining a visa to Israel can be found by following this link.

Filling out a visa application

In 2021, the Israeli visa application form must be completed in English only . The current application form is available.

A separate form for the child is not filled out. The details of minors are entered into the application form of one of the parents.

When filling out the form, you will need to answer the following questions:

• P.1,2,3 – full name.
• P.4 – relevant when changing your last name.
• P.5-6 – date and place of birth.
• P.7 – marital status. If a person is in a “civil marriage”, it is necessary to indicate “married/single”.
• P.8-9 – all information about citizenship is provided.
• P.10 – foreign passport number.
• Item 11 – information about the internal passport.
• P.12-14 – date, place of issue and validity period of the passport.
• P.15-16 – registration and actual residential address.
• P.17-18 – mobile and home phone numbers.
• P.19-21 – place of work, profession, position.
• P.22-23 – contact details of the place of work.
• P.24 – data on the closest relatives, including the deceased.
  Read also:  How can a Russian citizen apply for a visa to Germany on his own in 2021?

  Israel visa application form, page 1

• P.25 – purpose of travel.
• P.26-27 – information about the inviting party.
• P.28 – ID number personality.
• Item 29 is the address where the foreigner plans to stay upon arrival in Israel.
• P.30 – telephone number of the inviting party.
• P.31 – date of arrival in Israel.
• Item 32 – duration of stay in Israel.
• P.33-34 – information about previous visits to Israel, purpose of travel.
• Item 35 – information about the sponsor.
• Item 36 – information about other trip participants.
• P.37 – personal signature, date, place of filling out the form.

Israel visa application form, page 2

How long is a visa to Israel valid?

A single entry visa to Israel is valid for 3 months. The validity period of the permit is regulated by the request of the applicant or inviting party, and the duration of the tourist tour. The issuance of a double or multiple entry visa is approved much less frequently. If desired, the residence permit in Israel can be extended by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and paying a fee of $15. But you will need to provide compelling arguments, supported by documented evidence. For example, if a foreign citizen is visiting relatives, they will need to write a statement indicating the reasons why he should stay, the desired length of stay, and also undertake responsibility for the actions of the foreign citizen during the period of validity of the visa. The decision to extend the permit will be communicated on the day of application.

See also: Documents that will have to be changed when changing your registration

How can I extend my visa document?

Visa extension is possible on the spot. There can only be a serious reason for this. The traveler's action algorithm is as follows:

• personally visit a nearby branch of the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs;
• provide a statement specifying the reasons for extending the visa;
• attach all necessary evidence to the application, including photographs;
• confirm your solvency;
• fill out the form.

Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs extend a visa for 176 shekels. The cost of renewal through an intermediary is 2 times higher.

Those with close relatives who are Israeli citizens have the best chance of renewal. The length of stay in the country after visa extension varies from 180 days to 1 year .

The procedure for extending a visa at the Israeli Ministry of Internal Affairs. We recommend watching it.

Do Russians need a visa to Israel?

Thanks to an agreement between countries to waive visa requirements, Russian citizens do not need to apply for permission to cross the Israeli border (but only if they cross the border to travel, visit family, friends, undergo treatment or improve their health, in transit, on work matters, that is the trip should not involve making a profit). The maximum period of stay in Israel without a visa is 90 days within 6 months. If the purpose of the visit is different, for example, employment, study, it is necessary to obtain a permit.

How much does a visa document cost?

The cost of an Israeli visa depends on its type and validity period. Detailed information about prices is presented in the table.

The consular fee is paid for processing the provided documentation. If the applicant's question is resolved negatively, the money is not returned.

Average expenses per tourist in different countries

Probability of failure

The solution to the issue of obtaining a visa is negative in 20% of cases. A person may be denied both a visa and entry into the country.

The main reasons for refusal to obtain an Israeli visa include:

• unsatisfactory security screening upon arrival;
• presence of inappropriate items in luggage;
• absence of one of the required documents;
• violation of the immigration regime by a foreigner;
• insolvency.

Border guards will refuse entry if they do not like the behavior of the foreigner. If he is suspected of having links with terrorist groups, he faces arrest.

Another common reason for refusal to obtain a visa is the absence of a license from the employer. The same thing awaits a potential employee with an expired license.

Which countries most often refuse to issue visas to Russian citizens?

To prevent the risk of refusal, it is necessary to study Israeli legislation in advance. Particular attention should be paid to customs regulations.

When communicating with border guards, you should be confident, correct and polite. You need to give answers even to questions that seem strange or tactless. You should not argue with border guards, as this will reduce your chance of entering the country even further.

Visiting Special Territories of Israel

The legendary biblical city of Bethlehem is located on the territory of the Palestinian Authority. In political language, this territory is defined as a conflict zone. According to travelers, visiting it may be considered a violation of the law.

You can visit Bethlehem by going through additional border controls through Israeli checkpoints. Despite the formality of the procedure for Russians, travelers must have a foreign passport with them. A mark is not given when visiting the autonomy. Experienced travelers recommend visiting Bethlehem on a guided tour.

Crossing the Israel-Palestine border. Video story of tourists.

The checks upon entry into Jerusalem are strict. Travelers undergo a serious search and answer various questions. Border guards react sharply to new bags.

If controversial issues arise, the traveler may be asked to go to a separate room and wait. In difficult cases, the issue is resolved within 1 hour.

When visiting special zones, it is strictly prohibited to photograph or film military and strategic objects. This also applies to train stations, airports and power plants.

Important nuances

Arab countries such as Lebanon, Kuwait and Pakistan are today in a state of severe “passport war” with Israel. It is impossible to get there after visiting the Promised Land.

The reason for the entry ban can be any manifestation of love for Israel, including inserts and stickers of an Israeli company on a suitcase.

Map of the complex political situation in the Middle East

A traveler planning to visit not only Israel, but also Arab countries, has 2 options:

1. First, visit a country in the Arab world. This will help avoid hassle and lengthy inspection.
2. Have 2 passports on hand, Russian and Israeli. With an Israeli passport you can freely visit Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. A Russian passport will help in visiting the UAE.

65% of Israeli citizens have two passports. This allows them to travel around the world with peace of mind .

Embassy address

You can obtain a visa to Israel by contacting the consular section of the country's Embassy. Applications are accepted at the Moscow representative office.

It is located at the address: 19017, Moscow, Bolshaya Ordynka street, 56, building 1. Central Administrative District, Yakimanka district. Metro stations Dobryninskaya, Polyanskaya, Tretyakovskaya.

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Working hours: from 9.00 to 12.00 on weekdays.

Telephone consultations are available from Mon. on Thurs. from 13:59 to 16:59, and on Mon. – from 11:59 to 13:59.

Israeli Embassy in Moscow on the map

How Belarusians enter Israel

Since the end of 2015, Belarusian citizens also do not need a tourist, business or visitor visa to Israel. But only if certain requirements are met.

They are no different from the rules that apply to “visa-free” Russians:

• The maximum length of stay is 3 months for each half-year.
• The purpose of entry can be tourism, guest or business without profit, plus ulpan training and transit. Belarusians also do not require a medical visa to Israel.
• At the Israeli border checkpoint, a visitor from Belarus submits: a foreign passport valid for at least six months on the date of entry (required);
• dated round-trip or third-way tickets (required);
• health insurance (required);
• cash or bank cards confirming solvency for the duration of the tour (upon request);
• confirmation of a hotel reservation or an invitation from a local resident/organization (upon request).

Popular questions

Question : What happens if I try to enter a closed area?

Answer : You shouldn't do this. Firstly, serious problems with the law may arise, including arrest, deportation and subsequent entry ban. And secondly, it is really life-threatening. The army is constantly present in closed areas, and when exactly a conflict will break out is a matter of time.

Question : Is it true that Israeli border guards search single and attractive girls very harshly?

Answer : The issue of gender does not play a role during inspection. The severity of the inspection may vary. Some travelers simply have their documents checked and their bags briefly inspected. Some are detained for an hour or longer. It also happens that travelers are forced to strip down to their underwear.

Border guards are most loyal to tourists arriving by El Al airline.

Question : What questions do border guards ask most often?

Answer : They are usually interested in the purpose of coming to Israel. Regarding the route, they can ask you both in detail and ask 2-3 questions. Another common question is about ethnicity. They also ask about marital status. In 99% of cases, singles face an additional interview, which, however, almost always ends successfully.

The following video contains important information for those who are planning to visit Israel.
Question : Does the Border Patrol maintain records of previous visits to Israel?
Answer : Yes, the time and duration of the visit to the state is recorded in the database.