Israel
From Visawiki - the Collaborative Guide to Visas
| Israel | |
|---|---|
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Jerusalem |
| Government | Parliamentary Democracy |
| Currency | 1 New Israeli Sheqel (NIS, code:ILS, symbols ש"ח and ₪) = 100 agorot |
| Language | Hebrew (official), Arabic (official) used by Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language |
| Population | 6,352,117 (July 2006 est.) |
| Religion | Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2.1%, other 3.2% (1996 est.) |
| Electricity | 230V/50Hz (Israeli plug) |
| Calling Code | 972 |
| Time Zone | UTC +2/DST +3 |
Citizens from most European, North American and South American countries do not need a visa prior to arrival. Note that German citizens born before January 1, 1928, do have to apply for a visa in advance. This visa will be given if you were not heavily involved in events during the Nazi era and will be valid for the whole time your passport is valid. Further note that in some Arab states it constitutes a crime for their citizens to enter Israel at all. Even if you're an Arab-born citizen of a European or North American country having entered Israel may have consequences when returning to your country of birth.
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Aliyah
If you are Jewish, or if your father, mother, grandfather or grandmother is Jewish, you can "make Aliyah", meaning that you can emigrate to Israel and you will usually be able to acquire a passport within 1 year. Note that there are several downsides to this, as you won't be able to visit many countries anymore - legally Israelis are not allowed to visit Palestinian zone A areas in the West Bank, "enemy countries" such as Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan and a couple more.
Passport
- Passports must be valid for at least 06 months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay in Israel.
Visa requirements
Israel has agreements for the abolition of visa requirements with over 60 countries. Citizens of those countries may enter Israel with only a valid passport (no need for specific visa).
Africa: Central African Republic, Losoto, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland
Asia & Oceania: Australia, Fiji Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea
Europe: Austria, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Belgium, UK, Gibraltar, Germany (people born after 1.1.1928), Denmark, Netherlands, Hungary, Greece, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Portugal, Finland, France, Cyprus, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine
The Americas: Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, St. Kitts & Nevis, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Uruguay, U.S.A.
Types of visa and cost
- Immigration visas are handled by the Jewish agency, who will recommend the local mission (embassy) to issue an immigrant's visa. The local embassy will act according to the Jewish agency's recommendation.
- Transit Visas visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations may request a transit visa for five days, which can be extended for another 10 days.
Visa note
- It is advisable to check with nearest consulate (or consular section at embassy) for visa requirements before traveling to Israel as requirements may vary for some nationals.
Israeli Embassies and/or Consulates
Canada
Israeli Embassy in Ottawa, Canada
1005-50 O'Connor
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2
Canada
City: Ottawa
Phone: (613) 567-6450
Web Site: http://www.embassyofisrael.ca
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Friday:10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
New Zealand
Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand
111 The Terrace,
PO Box 2171,
Wellington
City: Wellington
Phone: 04 472 2368
Fax: 04 499 0632
Web Site: http://users.iconz.co.nz/israel/
Email: [email protected]
United States
Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, United States
3514 International Drive, NW,
Washington DC 20008
City: Washington DC
Phone: (202) 364-5500
Web Site: http://www.israelemb.org/
Email: [email protected]
- This page is based on text from Wikivisa.org
