If you are an Indian citizen planning to travel to Israel, understanding the specific Israel visa requirements for Indian citizens is the first, most crucial step. Israel offers several distinct visa types, each serving a specific legal purpose for applicants, whether it is for tourism, study, or specialized work.
I. Major Visa Categories for Indian Citizens
Israel’s visa system is categorized by the intended purpose of the visit. The main visa types available to Indian passport holders are detailed below:
| Visa Type | Official Code | Purpose & Key Details |
| Visitor Visa | B/2 | Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending business meetings, or short-term non-academic studies. Duration: Up to 90 days. Key Rule: This visa strictly prohibits any form of paid or unpaid employment in Israel. |
| Work Visa | B/1 | Purpose: For specialized employment, including high-tech experts, construction, agriculture, or caregivers. Process: The Israeli employer must first secure a work permit on your behalf from the Ministry of Interior before you can apply for the visa at the Embassy/Consulate. |
| Student Visa | A/2 | Purpose: Full-time academic studies at recognized Israeli institutions (university, college, or high school). Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program, usually renewed yearly. Key Rule: This visa generally does not allow you to work. Work permission is rarely granted and must be specifically requested for postgraduate students (Master’s/PhD). |
| Clergy Visa | A/3 | Purpose: For religious leaders invited to serve in recognized religious institutions. Process: The inviting institution applies for the permit with the Ministry of Interior. |
| Dependent Visa | A/4 | Purpose: For spouses and minor children of A/2 (Student) and A/3 (Clergy) visa holders. Allows family members to accompany the primary visa holder during their stay in Israel. |
II. Critical Updates to Israel Visa Requirements
As of late 2024 and 2025, there have been significant changes to the visa application process that all Indian citizens must be aware of:
1. The Israel eVisa-B2 System
The Embassy of Israel in New Delhi has launched the eVisa-B2 pilot program. Indian passport holders residing in India can now apply for the B/2 visa online through the official portal.
-
Benefit: This streamlines the application process and may eliminate the need for a physical submission appointment for certain applicants.
-
Crucial Note: Indian citizens still require a full B/2 visa approval, even if applying online. This is not the same as the ETA-IL (which is for visa-exempt nationalities).
2. Fast Track Processing (Not a Separate Visa)
The term “Express Visa” refers only to an optional, paid Fast Track service for the standard B/2 Tourist or Business visa applications.
-
Impact: This reduces the application processing time from the minimum of 3 weeks (15 working days) to 10–12 working days for an extra fee.
-
Validity: The Fast Track fee only speeds up processing; it does NOT change the visa’s maximum validity (up to 90 days from entry).
III. General Israel Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens and Documents
To successfully meet the Israel visa requirements for Indian citizens, applicants must prepare the following general documents:
-
Valid Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay, and contain at least two blank pages.
-
Photographs: Two recent, passport-sized photographs (digital photographs are generally not accepted for physical submission).
-
Application Form: The relevant, fully completed application form appropriate to the visa type (B/2, A/2, etc.).
-
Proof of Funds: Bank account statements (typically for the last three to six months) showing sufficient funds to cover your trip.
-
Travel Documents: Confirmed round-trip flight reservations and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or signed invitation from host in Israel).
-
Travel Insurance: Mandatory comprehensive Travel and Health Insurance covering your entire period of stay in Israel.
Specialized Requirements (B/1 Work Visa)
Successfully meeting the rigorous Israel visa requirements for Indian citizens for the B/1 Work Visa requires additional, specialized documents:
-
Ministry of Interior Permit: Evidence of the approved work permit obtained by the Israeli employer.
-
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): An official certificate confirming no criminal record.
-
Medical Health Certificate: Specific forms signed by an authorized physician confirming fitness for work.
IV. Fees and Processing Timelines (2025 Approximations)
The final fee is subject to the US Dollar/INR exchange rate and the chosen submission location (IVP center).
| Visa Type | Visa Fee (INR) | Logistic/Service Fee (INR) | Fast Track Fee (INR) | Total Approximate Fee (INR) |
| B/2 Tourist/Business | ₹2,350 | ₹1,805 | N/A | ₹4,155 |
| B/2 Fast Track | ₹2,350 | ₹1,805 | ₹5,942 | ₹10,097 |
| A/2 Student/A/4 | ₹0 (Gratis) | ₹1,805 | N/A | ₹1,805 |
-
Standard Processing Time: Minimum of 3 weeks (15 working days).
-
Fast Track Time: Reduced to 10–12 working days.
-
Payment: All fees must generally be paid in CASH at the Visa Application Centre.
Before proceeding with your application, always consult the official Consulate or IVP website to confirm the latest Israel visa requirements for Indian citizens OR contact FederPath and ensure your documentation is current.