U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism in Israel and are granted permission to stay on arrival. Consular visa work therefore concerns longer stays — study, work, clergy, volunteering — and third-country nationals resident here.
Quick facts
Israel issues an entry slip rather than stamping passports. Keep it: it is the record of your permitted stay, and hotels and car hire firms ask for it.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist entry for U.S. citizens | No visa required | Permission granted on arrival |
| Student visa | Consular tariff | With the institution’s letter |
| Work visa | Consular tariff | Employer applies in Israel first |
| Clergy and volunteer categories | Consular tariff | With sponsoring organisation |
| Extension in Israel | Charged there | Population authority |
Work permits are initiated by the employer in Israel; the consular visa follows that approval rather than preceding it.
How to apply
- Establish whether your purpose needs a visa at all.
- Have the Israeli employer or institution complete their side first.
- Book the appointment at the consulate covering your state.
- Attend with originals, copies and photographs.
- Pay the tariff in the accepted form.
- Extend or convert status with the population authority once in Israel.
Required documents
- Passport valid well beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
- Institution, employer or organisation letters by category.
- Evidence of funds and accommodation.
- Return or onward ticket.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your state. Jurisdiction is applied, and each post books separately.
Consulate General of Israel Atlanta
View details →BostonConsulate General of Israel to New England
View details →ChicagoConsulate General of Israel
View details →HoustonConsulate General of Israel
View details →Los AngelesConsulate General of Israel
View details →MiamiIsraeli Consulate
View details →New YorkConsulate General of Israel
View details →San FranciscoConsulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest
View details →WashingtonThe Embassy of Israel to the United States
View details →Additional notes
Israeli citizens must use the Israeli passport
An Israeli citizen is required to enter and leave Israel on an Israeli document. A dual national who travels on a U.S. passport alone will have difficulty at the border, and this catches out people who have not renewed in years.
Security questioning
Entry and exit involve detailed questioning. Allow substantial time at the airport, particularly on departure.
Regional travel
Onward travel to neighbouring countries has its own requirements and has been affected by regional conditions. Check current advice.
Keep the entry slip
Losing it complicates departure and any extension application.