Passport and Visa Information
Passports
A valid passport is required to leave the United States and enter Israel. It must be valid for at least six months after your return to the U.S. For example, if you plan to return to the U.S. on July 1, 2011, your passport must not expire before January 1, 2012.
If you do not have a passport, or it is expiring or won’t be valid for six months after your return date, it is recommended that you apply for one or renew it immediately. A copy of your passport is required as part of your application.
Information on obtaining/renewing a U.S. passport can be found at your local post office, a U.S. Passport Agency or visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Israeli Visa Requirements
A brief explanation of visa requirements is provided below. Additional material will be included in the pre-departure information that is distributed to admitted students.
We also recommend that you speak directly to the nearest Israeli Consulate for full and updated information: www.israelfm.org/
Tourist Visa
Students who are American-born or naturalized U.S. citizens may enter Israel on a tourist visa. This visa does not require any prior paperwork before departure. It is issued at Ben-Gurion Airport, at no charge, upon arrival in the country and is valid for three months.
After three months, a tourist visa must be extended for another three-month period at a district office of the Ministry of the Interior in Israel. You may extend your visa every three months for up to one year. A small fee is charged for each extension.
Student Visa (A-2)
It is recommended that students participating in programs of a semester or longer secure a student visa before departure to Israel. A student visa is valid for one year and is obtained through local offices of the Consulate of Israel.
You will likely be asked to provide:
- Passport valid for at least two years
- Letter of acceptance to the OSP program
- Visa application form (2 copies)
- Photographs (2)
- Visa fee
Should the consulate request any other information pertaining to the program, please contact the New York OSP [link to contact us] office and we will do our best to assist you.
The visa process can take time. Please be sure to contact your local Consulate as soon as you are accepted to the program in order to begin the process.
Returning Israelis
Students born in Israel and holding Israeli passports should contact the nearest Israeli Consulate for updated information. Guidelines and regulations regarding this population change frequently.
Non-American and Non-Israeli Students
Please contact the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. or the nearest Israeli Consulate for further information.
