The Foreign Ministry has, once again, altered the process for foreign students wishing to enter Israel. As of Friday, May 15, students are not to reach out to Israeli consulates or embassies for permission to enter Israel. Rather, the institutions in which they study are to apply directly on behalf of their students. This currently applies for individuals and families.
Guidelines have not been finalized on how this process will work. Furthermore, it is our opinion that student visa families, whose center of life is in Israel, should still be permitted to apply directly for permission. We are currently in contact with government officials on this matter, and will issue an update as soon as we have further details to share. Watch www.chaimvchessed.com for updates. You can now receive Chaim V’Chessed updates of the latest developments, as they happen! Click here to subscribe.
If you have a specific, urgent reason (medical, humanitarian, etc.) why you must enter Israel, email the following documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at ishur@mfa.gov.il and include a letter explaining the situation and any documents that support your claim.
- Download this form and this form. Fill them in separately for each applicant.
- Add whatever proof of residence in Israel you may have, such as Bituach Leumi, arnona bill student visas, etc.
- Copies of each applicants passports and visas.
- A copy of a valid flight ticket to Israel NOTE: Despite the difficulty involved, this is mandatory, and your application will not be considered without it.
- Letter from your academic institution certifying that they have gone back giving frontal (in person) lessons, with a starting date. NOTE: This is a new requirement which is problematic for families who reside in Israel with student visas, but whose institution has not yet opened. We are currently addressing this matter with government officials. If there is no way for you to obtain such a letter you may try applying without it.
Bear in mind that all passengers arriving in Israel must quarantine for 14 days. If you have a suitable location, you may quarantine at home. Otherwise, you will be taken to a government run quarantine hotel. For more information on this, please see here.
(Last updated: May 18, 2020)