The Israel B2 tourist visa is the standard short-stay visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit Israel for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. It allows a stay of up to 90 days and must be obtained from an Israeli embassy or consulate before traveling. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can skip the B2 visa entirely and use the ETA-IL electronic travel authorization instead.
What Is the Israel B2 Tourist Visa?
The B2 visa is Israel’s general-purpose visitor visa. It covers tourism, visiting family and friends, attending conferences or short business meetings, and receiving medical treatment. The “B2” designation distinguishes it from other Israeli visa categories such as the B1 work visa, A2 student visa, A3 clergy visa, and A4 family reunification visa.
For a full breakdown of all visa categories, see our complete guide to Israel visa types.
The B2 visa is typically issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry document with a validity period of up to one year, though the maximum continuous stay per visit is 90 days. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on future entry to Israel.
Who Needs a B2 Tourist Visa?
You need a B2 tourist visa if your country of citizenship is not on Israel’s visa-exempt list. Citizens of many countries in Africa, parts of Asia, and some former Soviet states must apply for a B2 visa before traveling.
You do NOT need a B2 visa if you are:
- A citizen of a visa-exempt country (you can use the ETA-IL instead)
- An Israeli citizen or permanent resident
- A holder of a valid Israeli residence permit
- A diplomatic or official passport holder on government business
If you are unsure whether your nationality requires a visa, check our Israel visa requirements guide for the full eligibility rules and country lists.
Visa-Exempt Countries (No B2 Visa Needed)
Citizens of the following countries do not need a B2 visa and can apply for the ETA-IL instead:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada |
| Europe | All EU/EEA member states, United Kingdom, Switzerland |
| Asia-Pacific | Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore |
| Latin America | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Peru |
| Other | South Africa, Russia (conditional) |
If your country is listed above, you do not need a B2 visa at all. Apply for the ETA-IL online – it is faster, cheaper, and processed electronically.
B2 Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for an Israel B2 tourist visa, you must provide the following documents:
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Israel. It must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps and be in good physical condition (no torn pages, water damage, or illegible text).
2. Completed Visa Application Form
You must fill out the official Israeli visa application form, which is available at the embassy or consulate where you apply. The form requires:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality and passport number
- Purpose of visit and intended duration
- Address in Israel (hotel or host)
- Employment details
3. Passport-Sized Photographs
Two recent color photographs meeting these specifications:
- Size: 5.5 cm x 5.5 cm (2 x 2 inches)
- Background: Plain white
- Taken within the last six months
- Full face, eyes open, neutral expression
4. Proof of Travel Arrangements
- Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host in Israel
5. Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements from the last three months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay. A minimum balance of approximately USD 1,000-2,000 is generally expected, though requirements vary by embassy.
6. Travel Insurance
While not always mandatory, most embassies recommend or require travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 in medical expenses for the duration of your stay.
7. Visa Fee Payment
The B2 tourist visa fee varies by country and embassy but typically ranges from USD 20 to USD 50. Payment methods depend on the specific consulate.
How to Apply for a B2 Tourist Visa
The B2 visa application process follows these steps:
- Gather documents – Collect all required documents listed above.
- Schedule an appointment – Contact your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate to book a visa appointment. Some embassies allow online scheduling.
- Attend the appointment – Submit your application in person. You may be asked additional questions about your travel plans, employment, and ties to your home country.
- Pay the fee – Pay the visa processing fee at the embassy (cash or card, depending on location).
- Wait for processing – Standard processing takes 5-15 business days. Some embassies offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
- Collect your passport – Return to the embassy to collect your passport with the visa stamp, or arrange for courier delivery if available.
For a detailed walkthrough of the full application process, see our Israel visa application guide.
B2 Visa Processing Time and Validity
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 5-15 business days (standard) |
| Expedited processing | 2-5 business days (where available) |
| Visa validity | Up to 1 year (multiple entry) or 3 months (single entry) |
| Maximum stay per visit | 90 days |
| Number of entries | Single or multiple (at embassy’s discretion) |
| Extension possible | Yes, through PIBA in Israel |
Processing times vary by embassy and season. During peak travel periods (Passover, summer, High Holidays), processing may take longer. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended departure date.
B2 Visa vs ETA-IL: Key Differences
If you are eligible for both the B2 visa and the ETA-IL, here is how they compare:
| Feature | B2 Tourist Visa | ETA-IL |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | In person at embassy | Online |
| Processing time | 5-15 business days | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Cost | USD 20-50 | NIS 25 (~USD 7) |
| Validity | Up to 1 year | Up to 2 years |
| Max stay | 90 days | 90 days |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities | Visa-exempt countries only |
| Interview required | Sometimes | No |
For most travelers from visa-exempt countries, the ETA-IL is the better option. The B2 visa is necessary only if your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list.
B2 Visa Fees by Region
| Applicant Region | Approximate Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Africa | 25-40 |
| South/Southeast Asia | 20-35 |
| Central Asia | 25-50 |
| Eastern Europe (non-EU) | 20-40 |
| Middle East | 30-50 |
Fees are set by each Israeli embassy and may change without notice. Always confirm the exact amount with your local consulate before applying. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa outcome.
Common Reasons for B2 Visa Rejection
Israeli consular officers may deny a B2 visa application for the following reasons:
- Insufficient financial proof – Bank statements do not demonstrate enough funds to cover the trip.
- Lack of ties to home country – The applicant has not shown strong reasons to return (employment, property, family).
- Incomplete documentation – Missing or incorrect documents, unsigned forms, or expired passport.
- Previous immigration violations – Overstaying a prior visa, working illegally, or being deported from Israel or another country.
- Security concerns – Travel history to certain countries or flagged background checks.
- Inconsistent information – Discrepancies between the application form and supporting documents.
If your application is denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. There is no formal appeal process, but you may submit a new application with additional supporting documents.
Extending a B2 Tourist Visa in Israel
If you are already in Israel on a B2 visa and need to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for an extension at the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) office. Key points:
- Apply before your current visa expires
- Bring your passport, a completed extension form, proof of financial means, and a reason for the extension
- Extensions are granted for an additional 90 days in most cases
- Overstaying without an extension results in fines and potential entry bans
Tips for a Successful B2 Visa Application
- Apply early – Submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Bring complete documentation – Missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
- Show strong home ties – Employment letter, property ownership, or family obligations demonstrate intent to return.
- Be honest – Consular officers are trained to detect inconsistencies. Provide truthful answers.
- Dress professionally – First impressions matter at the embassy interview.
- Have a clear itinerary – Know your travel dates, hotel, and planned activities.
FAQs About Israel B2 Tourist Visa
How long does it take to get an Israel B2 tourist visa?
Standard processing takes 5-15 business days. Some embassies offer expedited processing in 2-5 business days for an additional fee. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow for any delays.
Can I work in Israel on a B2 tourist visa?
No. The B2 visa is strictly for tourism, family visits, and short business meetings. Working in Israel on a B2 visa is illegal and can result in deportation and a ban on future entry. You need a B1 work visa for employment.
Can I convert a B2 visa to a work visa while in Israel?
In most cases, no. You typically need to return to your home country and apply for a B1 work visa through the Israeli embassy. Exceptions exist for certain specialized workers, but the process is handled through the employer.
Is the B2 visa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The visa application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This applies to all Israeli embassies worldwide.
Can I enter the West Bank or Gaza with a B2 visa?
A B2 visa allows entry into Israel. Entry into the West Bank is generally possible through Israeli-controlled checkpoints, but entry into Gaza is severely restricted and requires separate coordination. Check current travel advisories before planning cross-border travel.
Do children need their own B2 visa?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children of all ages, must have their own individual visa. Children listed on a parent’s passport still need a separate visa application.
What happens if I overstay my B2 visa?
Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Israel for up to 10 years. If you need to extend your stay, apply at the PIBA office before your visa expires.
Can I apply for a B2 visa if I have an Israeli stamp in my passport?
Israel no longer stamps most passports at entry – they issue a small paper slip instead. However, if you have an old stamp or entry/exit records, it generally does not affect your B2 visa application. Some countries may deny you entry if you have evidence of travel to Israel, so consider this before applying.
