Do you want to find out how to travel to Israel? Traveling to Israel can be daunting due to the country’s controversial reputation and history of war and political turmoil spanning thousands of years. However, with proper preparation and knowledge, you can have an amazing experience visiting this unique and diverse destination. As a first-time traveler to Israel, it’s understandable to have many questions and concerns. Despite thorough research, there may still be unexpected surprises when you arrive. To help alleviate some of these concerns, we’ve put together a list of tips and useful information on how to travel to Israel.
This guide will address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding how to travel to Israel, including what to expect, when is the best time to visit, and what costs you should anticipate. It’s essential to have a good understanding of the culture and customs of the country you are visiting, particularly when traveling to a place as complex and sensitive as Israel. With the right preparation and mindset, you can have a fulfilling and unforgettable trip to this fascinating destination.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO ISRAEL FROM NIGERIA
What is an Israel Visitor’s Visa?
If you’re planning a short trip to Israel, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to travel to Israel, also known as a B/2 visa. This type of visa is valid for three months and is the most common type of visa for tourists visiting the country. However, there are several other visa options available for those seeking to stay in Israel for longer periods or for specific purposes.
For those looking to work in Israel, a Work Visa is required to travel to Israel. This visa allows individuals to work for an Israeli employer for a set period of time. Temporary Resident Visas are available for those who plan to stay in Israel for an extended period, such as for study or work purposes. Student Visas are required for individuals enrolled in an Israeli educational institution, and Visas for Clergy are available for religious leaders seeking to enter the country.
Additionally, there are special visas available for spouses and children of Israeli citizens or permanent residents, as well as for family members of foreign workers in Israel. It’s essential to research and apply for the appropriate visa for your specific travel needs to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Israel.
Do Nigerians need a visa to travel to Israel?
For Nigerian nationals who wish to visit Israel, obtaining a visa is mandatory. The visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 days, which is also the typical duration of a visitor’s stay in the country. It’s important to note that the visa will expire at the end of the 90-day period, and individuals must leave the country before that time to avoid any legal issues.
The visa application process requires providing personal information, such as passport details and travel itinerary, as well as documentation to support the purpose of the visit. It’s essential to carefully follow the application guidelines to ensure a successful visa application and entry into Israel.
While the visa process may seem like an additional task to tackle before traveling, it’s necessary to comply with the country’s entry requirements. Planning ahead and allowing ample time for visa processing can make for a stress-free travel experience to Israel.
Israel Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
General Requirements for Israel Visa
To travel to Israel, there are certain requirements that must be met before applying for a visa. These include:
- a valid travel passport with a remaining validity of at least 10 months at the time of visa application and at least 3 consecutive blank pages. It’s crucial to ensure that your passport meets these requirements before beginning the visa application process.
- In addition to passport requirements, there is a non-refundable visa application fee of $169 that must be paid.
- 2 clear, color passport photos that meet the appropriate size requirements (5 centimeters squared on a white backdrop)
- If you’re traveling to Israel for business purposes, documentation attesting to the existence of a business or employment relationship is required, such as a letter from your employer or proof of business registration or incorporation.
- a statement of account for the preceding six months (for business accounts) in addition to a statement of the preceding six months for personal accounts.
- It’s also essential to have hotel and airline reservations booked before applying for a visa, as this will demonstrate the purpose and length of your visit to Israeli authorities.
Ensuring that all of these requirements are met before applying for a visa to travel to Israel can help ensure a smooth and successful entry into Israel.
Israel Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements
If you’re planning to travel to Israel for vacation or tourism, you’re eligible to apply for a tourist visa, also known as the B/2 visa. However, if your purpose is to visit friends or family members who are residing in Israel, you’ll need to obtain a visiting visa to travel to Israel.
In addition to vacationing and visiting purposes, the B/2 visa can also be granted to individuals who are attending a business meeting or wish to study Hebrew in an ulpan. It’s important to note that specific documentation may be required depending on the purpose of your visit, and it’s essential to carefully follow the application guidelines to ensure a successful visa application too travel to Israel.
- A traveler who holds this visa will not be permitted to engage in any paid activities while they are in Israel.
- Instead of a tourist visa, anyone who intends to look for a job in Israel will be required to have a work visa.
- The B/2 visa is valid for up to three months from the date of issue, but the Israeli Border Police determines the length of your stay in the country. If you wish to extend your stay, you can request it at any of the Ministry of the Interior’s regional population management offices.
- When applying for a visa, you must provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Israel. This is usually accomplished by submitting a bank statement, with personal account holders only required to provide statements for the previous six months, while corporate account holders must prove ownership of the company and act as signatories for the account.
- Every application must be hand-delivered personally by the applicant to be considered.
- The processing of visas typically takes fourteen calendar days.
- Additionally, if you plan to travel with children under 18 years old, you must present their authorized birth certificates from the Legal Department of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements
- Those individuals who wish to attend elementary or high schools in Israel are eligible to receive this type of visa.
- Those who desire to enroll at Israeli universities, Jewish religious schools known as yeshivot, or youth programs run by the Jewish Agency also need to have this visa.
- Israel’s student visa is a multiple-entry visa.
- The visa is good for up to a year from the date of issue.
- Those who are granted this visa are prohibited from finding employment in Israel.
- This visa will not be issued to a minor without the prior written consent of either or both of the minor’s parents or legal guardians.
- Applicants are required to provide evidence that they have the funds to cover the costs of their studies as well as their maintenance while they are in Israel.
- There is a possibility that this visa will incur an additional processing fee of $25.
- To be eligible for a visa, applicants need to demonstrate that they have been accepted to study at a recognized educational institution in Israel. This certification must be presented alongside the visa application.
- It is highly recommended and adviced that applicants submit their visa applications in person. Applications that are submitted via mail will not be considered.
- It is strictly forbidden for applicants to bring any personal belongings with them to the embassy because of security concerns. Handbags, mobile phones, and various other electrical devices are included in this category.
- Containers for food and/or beverages, including bottles, are not permitted either.
Israel Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements
- Foreign nationals who wish to find employment in Israel are required to get a work visa to travel to Israel.
- For the sole purpose of working, the visa is granted for a predetermined but temporary length of time.
- The approval of the Ministry of the Interior is required to issue this visa, which is provided to professionals in a variety of fields, including the arts.
- The applicant is responsible for paying a processing fee when applying to one of the population administration offices run by the Ministry of the Interior.
- After interviewing the prospective worker, the diplomatic mission will, if it has received clearance from the Ministry of the Interior, issue the B/1 Work visa.
- Applicants for visas are required to provide evidence that they have a good reputation.
- In addition to this, certification of medical examinations must have been carried out in clinics or hospitals that are approved by the mission.
- Before a visa is granted, the applicant needs to demonstrate that they have normal findings in tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis, and AIDS.
- The validity of the B/1 Work visa shall be determined by the criteria provided by the Ministry of the Interior.
- Every single person who applies for a visa is required to attend an in-person interview.
- We are unable to accept passports that have less than ten months remaining on their validity period.
- Before going to the Embassy, you need to make sure that you have all of the required paperwork with you.
Israel Visa Fees
Tourist visa: 169.00 (USD)
Student visa: 169.00 (USD)
Work visa: 169.00 (USD)
How to Apply for Israel Visitor’s Visa
Forms to apply for visas can be downloaded, printed, and then filled out. The application can be downloaded on the website of the Israeli Embassy in Abuja.
- Send the completed form to [email protected] to schedule an appointment once you have finished filling out the form.
- The mailbox that was used to send the form will receive an email containing the interview date and time. The next step is to compile a list of the additional paperwork that you need to bring with you to your scheduled appointment.
- You will need to bring the following documents to the Israeli Embassy between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, depending on the type of visa you need:
- Confirmation of a hotel reservation in Israel: If you do not have anyone to invite you, you will be required to confirm accommodation in the form of a legitimate hotel registration.
- Your hotel reservation needs to be active and verified if the embassy gets in touch with the hotel. The failure of many hotels to receive a payment within twenty-four hours of making a reservation will result in the cancellation of the reservation, which may result in the refusal of a visa.
Israel Embassy in Nigeria
Address: 12 May Slessor, Off Udoma Street, Asokoro, Abuja – Nigeria
Website: embassies.gov.il/abuja/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (+234) 9-460 5541 / (+234) 9-460 5515
Israel Covid 19 Entry Requirement
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No.
The COVID-19 test is not necessary for passengers flying to Egypt. On June 17, 2022, Egypt relaxed its COVID-19 immigration ban. Prior to now, a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test was required for passengers who did not have a current vaccination certificate.
Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)
- Those who choose not to take basic precautions, such as always wearing a mask indoors, may be immediately fined or prosecuted.
- It might be possible to implement new rules with little warning.
What time zone is Israel in?
Israel is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (GMT). Daylight Saving time started on the Friday before 02 April. The move back to standard time can happen in late September/early October according to the Jewish calendar (between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.)
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, if you’re planning to travel to Israel, this article on how to travel to Israel from Nigeria is the perfect place to start. With all the travel tips and information provided, you’ll be able to make the most out of your trip. So get ready to embark on an exciting journey and discover all that Israel has to offer!
