The Israel Tourist Visa (B2) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Indian passport holders must obtain a B2 tourist visa before travel; no visa-on-arrival or individual e-visa for tourism.

   • Passport must be original, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date, with minimum two blank pages.

   • Travel strictly for genuine tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family; paid work, business, study, settlement, or migration are prohibited.

   • Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (employment, family, property), clear intent to return, good health, and no serious criminal or immigration violations.

2. Document Checklist & Required Evidence

   • Completed online application form (one per traveler), printed and signed.

   • Original passport (6+ months validity, two blank pages) and photocopies of biodata and travel pages.

   • Two recent color passport-size photos (5.5×5.5 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months).

   • Cover letter detailing purpose, duration, detailed itinerary, and funding explanation.

   • Employment proof: leave letter/NOC from employer/school and last 4 months' salary slips.

   • Financial evidence: original bank-stamped statements for the last 4 months (internet statements NOT accepted).

   • Confirmed round-trip flight bookings.

   • Accommodation proof: hotel confirmations, organized tour evidence, or invitation letter (English/Hebrew) with host's details and documentation if staying with friends/relatives.

   • Overseas travel medical insurance valid in Israel (minimum USD 40,000 coverage for medical emergencies throughout the stay).

   • Day-to-day itinerary from Indian or Israeli tour operator.

   • One complete photocopy set of all documents.

   • For minors: birth certificate, notarized parental consent, and parents' passport copies.

   • Any civil status documents (marriage certificate, etc.) as required by the official checklist.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: sightseeing, leisure tourism, visiting friends/family, attending unpaid short events within the designated stay period.

   • Prohibited: paid employment, business activities, academic courses, religious residency, migration intent, or overstaying the visa.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Indians are not eligible for Israel's new ETA-IL system (available only to visa-exempt countries from January 2025) must apply for the traditional B2 visa.

   • Enhanced verification of financial support, itinerary, accommodation, and return intent.

   • All applications must be submitted physically at Israel Visa Application Centres (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata) not at Embassy/Consulate.

   • Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) generally required at VAC appointment.

   • Only official checklist documents accepted; extraneous or missing paperwork risks refusal.

   • Processing time: minimum 3 weeks; apply at least 1 month before travel to accommodate checks and peak seasons.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Complete online application, print, sign, and compile all required documents per the checklist.

   • Schedule and attend appointment at the nearest Israel VAC for document submission and biometric collection.

   • Track application status online; collect passport or receive via courier upon decision.

   • Upon arrival in Israel: be prepared to present original supporting documents if questioned by border authorities.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen eligibility, identify the correct visa type, and provide a current, personalized document checklist.

   • Review, format, and translate documents per Embassy/VAC standards to minimize common errors.

   • Guide digital form completion, schedule appointments, assist with biometric preparation, and track application status.

   • Proactively handle Embassy/VAC document requests, policy updates, and reapplication needs.

   • Professional support reduces refusal risk and streamlines the experience while noting that visa decisions rest solely with Israeli authorities and no service can guarantee 100% approval or expedite processing.