israel tourist visa table

To learn more about the guidelines about travel to Israel - click here

Passports and Visa

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country. People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez-passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it.

Visitors are entitled to remain in Israel up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them. Visitors intending to work in Israel must submit a request to the Ministry of the Interior for a special visa.

Israel no longer stamps passports at airports and most Land Crossings. Nonetheless, because at times technical difficulties arise, and at times, the border control must revert to back to the method of stamping passports, we recommend that tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries officially request that an Israeli stamp does not appear on their passport. The tourist must notify the clerk of this request before documents are stamped.

The “Electronic Gate Pass”

In accordance to section 13 of the law regarding entrance to Israel of 1952, an official inspector or police officer can request identification and proof of legal status in Israel. With this in mind, at a press of a button the Border Control station will print a card including the principle details of the traveler as in the first page of the passport. The card will also depict the date of arrival and visa information. This card is called The “Electronic Gate Pass” and it is a new and modern technological system instrumental in meeting the needs of the various Immigration, security, Airport and Tourism authorities as well as providing the tourist with the credentials necessary to prove his visa status. The “Electronic Gate Pass” replaces the system whereby passports were stamped. At the airport, this card allows the traveler to exit the arrival terminal without further delays.

The Gate Pass is an official form of identification while in Israel. We ask all tourists to keep the card at hand at all times as proof of their visa status. At the airport and designated Land Crossings, this card allows the traveler to exit the arrival terminal and continue to the luggage pickup area.

The tourist is asked to keep the card at hand at all times.

​Tourist Visas

We welcome visitors to Israel. Many countries have a Visa Waiver Program with Israel, which allows their citizens to visit Israel without a visa arranged in advance. Before embarking on a trip, visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations must check if they need a prearranged tourist visa. The list of countries in the following link specifies from which countries tourists are required to present a prearranged visa.

https://www.gov.il/en/subjects/certificates_and_passports/tourist_visas

All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the port of entry in order to enter Israel without a prearranged visa; otherwise, a visa is required. This applies to tourists arriving with a passage card from countries with a Waiver Program.

Extension of Your Stay ​Your visa can be extended (fee required) at the Ministry of the Interior office closest to you, please call their call center at: *3450 or dial 12223450.

Immigration & Customs

Passport Control

Upon arrival in Israel, visitors go to passport control and must present a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of their departure. Please note, Israel has incorporated a new and modern technological system instrumental in meeting the needs of the various Immigration, security, Airport and Tourism authorities as well as providing the tourist with the credentials necessary to prove his visa status without stamping the passport. At a press of a button, the Border Control station will print a card including the principle details of the traveler as in the first page of the passport. The card will also depict the date of arrival and visa information. This card is called The “Electronic Gate Pass”.

The Gate Pass is an official form of identification while in Israel. We ask all tourists to keep the card at hand at all times as proof of their status. Arrival by Air and Land Crossings – Incoming travelers continue to the passenger luggage area after having their passports inspected. Carts are at their disposal. From there, they continue to customs control and to the airport exit.

Information Regarding Israel’s Land Gateways​

General information regarding the laws and policies of the Customs Authority can be downloaded: https://taxes.gov.il/English/Pages/Guides.aspx

Please make note that travel through Allenby Bridge Crossing has specific limitations and directives. For example, visitors passing through the Allenby Bridge between Israel/Jordan may carry no more than the cash value of 2000 Jordanian Dinars.

Customs and V.A.T. for Tourists:

https://taxes.gov.il/English/Vat/Pages/VatLobby.aspx Aside from Allenby Bridge Crossing, and for all other Gateways including airports, the following tourist guide is relevant for visitors as defined by the Customs and Tax Authority: https://taxes.gov.il/English/Vat/pages/guides/vat-refund-for-tourists.aspx https://taxes.gov.il/English/customs/PersonalImport/Pages/CustomsTuristGuide.aspx Please note: there is a two-lane customs transit system, one green and the other red, at Ben Gurion Airport and the various Crossing Points. Visitors who do not have goods to be declared may go through the green lane at the exit from the passenger arrival hall.

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How to apply for an Israel tourist visa?

• Israel visa

Did you know that the USB driver that you and I use in the car, office, and home is an invention by Israel? The country is known as Start-up Nation. Famous landmarks, history, and many other wonders attract millions of tourists to Israel each year. To visit the country, you might need an Israeli tourist visa.

The article explains whether you need an Israel tourist visa or not, the requirements, the application process, and FAQs.

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Israel tourist visa.

Table of Contents

What is an Israel tourist visa?

Israel tourist visa, or as it gets called visitor visa or B/2, is permission to enter the country and stay for the short term. The intention for visiting the country must be one of the following ones:

• Sightseeing or tourism,
• A business meeting, signing an MOU or contract, or visiting industries.
• Study in a Hebrew ulpan

The B/2 visa is the most commonly issued visa in the country. Remember that the holder or applicant doesn’t have permission to work in the country.

Can you apply for an Israel tourist visa?

If you want to visit Israel for one of the reasons mentioned above, you may apply for a tourist visa. However, you might need proof or evidence for your visit, such as a business relationship with an Israeli company.

Due to good political relations, many countries don’t need an Israeli tourist visa. For instance, the residents of the EU countries don’t need a visa to enter Israel. They can enter with their passport and stay for three months.

If you have heard about the Israel eVisa, you need to know that the program will be introduced in spring 2022, and the full information will be released from the government. The authorities have not provided further information about the structure and system of the eVisa.

Note: The Palestinian Authority passport holder can obtain their visa on arrival before continuing their journey to the Palestinian territories. The Israeli Ministry of Interior issues visas on arrival to those holding a confirmation issued to them by the ministry and are traveling in a group of 10 or more. However, This is not applicable to nationals of Jordan.

Travelers with ordinary passports from these countries can easily visit Israel under the category of tourism, business, or similar activities and stay here for up to three months without a visa:

It should be noted that visa exemptions do not apply to holders of official passports, such as American government officials.

The visa will be free for German citizens born before January 1, 1928, who was not affiliated with the Nazi party or involved in crimes against the country during Nazi rule.

If you enter through Taba and visit up to Beersheba, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 14 days.

What are the requirements for an Israel tourist visa?

The requirements for an Israel tourist visa is as follows:

It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country.

The authorities require you to have insurance for your trip. It must cover your expenses for at least €35,000 ($40,000).

Proof to have enough funds

You need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to cover your expenses in the country. A bank statement, turnover, or an invitation letter from an Israeli citizen indicating to cover your expenses.

The following documents are required for sightseeing or tourism purposes:

Proof of accommodation

You must make it clear where you will stay. Proof hotel reservation can convince the authorities.

Invitation letter

If you have a friend whom you will stay with, provide an invitation letter from him/her. The writer must include his/her full information, including:

• contact details

Permission leave

It’s a letter from the company you work with indicating that they have authorized you to be absent from work for a while.

Tour operator letter

If you will be traveling with a tour operator, provide a letter from them explaining the activities you will do in the country plus the exact date.

If you want to invite a minor, a signed affidavit from both parents, or from their legal guardian is required.

There are some countries defined by the authorities as a “high-risk” country for Israeli citizens if the visitor is from one of these countries, the host must write a complete and submit a resume form for security clearance.

Remember that if you want to visit Israel for a conference, meeting, exhibition, or seminar, you need the following documents:

Cover letter

It must be issued from your employer on the company’s letterhead with an official signature. Your full name and position in the company must be mentioned. It must also state the purpose of your visit.

Personal Letter

This is a letter that writes and states the purpose of your trip, the duration of your stay, and what you will do in the country.

An invitation letter

The business person or company you will visit must send you the letter. It must be in Hebrew and mention your:

• Length of your stay
• Purpose of visit
• Passport number

Remember that you shouldn’t receive the letter. The writer of the letter must send it to the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country.

The Israeli citizens need to provide an ID card for the invitation letter as well. The official documents proving the relationship between the resident and the foreigner must also be provided.

They must be from the latest four months to the date you want to apply for the visa.

Note: The mentioned Israel tourist visa requirements are not a full list as the authorities in each country could require further supporting documents. So you need to visit the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country in person or visit their website to know the full list of documents. 

The application process for an Israel tourist visa or B/2 visa is as follows but remember that based on your nationality, you might have to follow a different route:

1. Figure out if you need a visa or not?

As explained above, not everyone needs an Israeli tourist or visitor visa. The members of the Eu countries, South Korea, the US, etc., are free of visitor visas. Before you begin doing anything, do research to know if you need a visa or not. If not, make sure your passport is valid enough and book a ticket.

2. Are you eligible for the visa?

Everyone who has a passport and can provide the requirements for a tourist visa is eligible to receive the visa. However, read the entire list of requirements and see if you can submit the required supporting documents or not.

3. Find out where to apply for an Israel tourist visa

You can apply for a tourist visa to the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country. Depending on the country you live in, you might have to apply for a visa center that completes the application process on behalf of the Israeli authorities. You need to find it out yourself as the situation for each country is different.

4. Complete the application form

You can get the application form for an Israel tourist visa from the embassy or consulate website. If not, they might provide a paper one by an in-person visit. Bear in mind that there are different types of application forms, and you need the visitor one.

The form comes in two languages; English or Hebrew. You can complete the one you can. Also, you can complete the digital one on your PC pr laptop, print it, and sign it. Remember that you also need to attach your photo to it.

The application form is also available here .

The point that applicants forget is that the provided information on the form must be compatible with your documents. The spelling of your names must be exactly like your passport.

5. Collect the required documents

You need to gather all the mentioned documents in the above section and submit them to the authorities. Remember that the Israeli authorities could ask for further requirements based on the country you live in. So ask them for the full ist and prepare everything in advance.

6. Visa interview

Contact the embassy or consulate and get a date to submit the requirements. You need to visit them in person on the scheduled date and bring all the requirements. Also, bring enough money to pay the visa processing fee. It’s different for each type of visa and by the services the Embassy provides, but the general fee is €21. Ask them about the way they will receive the fee; cash or master’s card.

You also need to ask a few questions in an interview about the purpose of your visit.

7. Wait for the processing

Now you need to wait until the Israeli authorities work on the visa and issue it. The processing time is different and begins from 14 business days. The one point you need to remember is that if the officials ask for further documents or you miss something, the timing will be longer.

How long is the Israel tourist visa valid for?

The validity of the Israel tourist visa is three months. However, the Israeli Border Police will decide the authority by checking your documents, the purpose of your visit, and your background.

Can you extend the Israel tourist visa?

If you need to extend your visa, the Population Authority is the place you need to visit. But you need to have a strong reason to convince the officials to extend your visa.

Does your passport get stamped at the port of entry?

The Israeli authorities no longer stamp visitor’s passports. The official might return to the previous process of stamping the visas, or technical problems may come up. So you would better inform the visa officials that you don’t want your passport to be stamped. Remember that you need to inform the officer before your documents are stamped.

What is the Electronic Gate Pass for Israeli tourists visa?

When you want to enter Israel and the port of entry, the official will provide you a card which gets called Electronic Gate Pass. It contains your details as on the first page of the passport. The airport, security, and immigration authorities can check the visitor’s identity with this card easily. It proves your visa status and that your stay is legal and is a form of an ID card in Israel. The Israeli government has introduced the card and a replacement for stamping the passport.

Remember that you need to hold the card wherever you go.

Let’s sum up…

When you wish to visit Israel for business, visiting a friend, or just sightseeing, you might need an Israeli tourist visa. The article explained who is eligible for it, requirements, the application process, and FAQs.

In case you need to know about other types of Israel visas, go through the left sidebar. You could also find out about other country’s visas by going through the top menu.

Visa applicants would appreciate it if you share your experience or knowledge with visas.

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Israel to require American visitors to apply in advance for electronic travel authorization

Israel is joining the Western nations requiring an advance online application and a fee for citizens from visa-exempt countries, including the United States.

Until now, Americans who want to travel to Israel haven’t needed to do anything other than purchase a plane ticket and pack their bags.

But starting Aug. 1, electronic travel authorization through a designated website will be required, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism announced this week. A pilot program, with the NIS 25 ($7) fee waived, will launch Saturday for travelers from the United States and Germany and will extend to all visa-exempt countries on July 1.

Travelers are advised to apply 72 hours before booking flights and lodging. Travelers without the authorization will not be permitted to board planes headed to Israel, and Interior Ministry spokeswoman told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The ETA-IL program is similar to others that have been put in place in recent years in Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Their goal is to screen out travelers suspected of posing a security threat or of potentially violating tourist visa restrictions through work or overstaying before they land at ports of entry.

Most countries that have launched similar programs advise a 72-hour heads-up, although the authorization frequently arrives via email within hours. The United States warns that people who do not apply in advance for travel authorization can face delays boarding flights or be turned away at the border, even if they come from countries that participate in the U.S. visa-waiver program. ( Israel was added to the program only last September .)

Citizens of visa-exempt countries who are citizens or permanent residents of Israel are not required to request authorization. Citizens of nonexempt countries will still need to complete a more arduous visa application process. The authorization will last for two years and will allow multiple entries of up to 90 days.

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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What is Reciprocity?

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of  reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

How Do I Find Out if I Have to Pay a Reciprocity Fee?

To view the Reciprocity Page for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the list of countries on the left side menu. On the Reciprocity Page, select the Visa Classifications tab from the column on the left

Select the type of visa you have applied for, such as a B-1/B-2 (temporary visa for business or pleasure), F-1 (student visa), etc. from the drop down menu: 

The reciprocity information for that country*/area of authority will display:

What does this table tell me?

Visa Classification:  The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee:  The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries:  The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. “M” means multiple times. If there is a number, such as “One”, you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period:  This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

What is the Difference between the Reciprocity Fee and the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee?

The nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is a nonrefundable fee paid by most applicants for U.S. visas, whether the application is approved or refused. It covers the costs associated with processing a U.S. visa application. Current nonimmigrant visa application fees can be found on our  Fees – Visa Services  webpage. (This webpage also lists the few visa categories for which application fees are not required.)

While most visa applicants are required to pay the visa application fee, the Reciprocity Fee is only charged to an approved nonimmigrant visa applicant after the visa interview.

Immigrant Visa Interviews

For Immigrant Visa interviews each U.S. Embassy or Consulate has specific instructions for their applicants. Please click here to select your designated interview location.

Civil Documents and How to Use Them

Immigrant visa applicants are required to submit certain civil documents as part of their visa application, such as birth certificates and police records. (Nonimmigrant visa applicants do not routinely need to submit civil documents as part of their visa application.) Each Reciprocity Page will provide detailed information about how to obtain these civil documents from the country* you have selected, as well as the location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you can apply for your visa. For more information about civil document requirements for immigrant visa cases, see  civil documents .

To view the Civil Documents for your country* of nationality, select your country*/area of authority from the drop-down menu below. On the Reciprocity Page, click on the tabs on the left to see the categories of Civil Documents and how to obtain them.

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* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]whenever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b) (1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Reciprocity: What's New Temporary Reciprocity Schedule Country Acronyms Terrorist Designation Lists State Sponsors of Terrorism Treaty Countries Visa Issuing Posts

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Israel Visa Policy

Check the visa policy of Israel and learn the entry requirements for travelers of your nationality.

Visa Policy for Israel

The Israel visa policy outlines  which foreign nationals require a visa  to enter the country and the situations in which different types of visa are needed.

The entry requirements  depend on the following factors : the individual’s nationality, the period of time they plan to spend in Israel, and the purpose of their trip.

There are a number of  different types of Israel visa . There are 4 types of long-term “A” visas and 2 types of limited stay “B” visa, as well as immigration visas for Israel.

The A/1 visa for Israel grants  temporary resident status .

The A/2 is a  student visa for Israel .

The A/3 visa is for  members of the clergy  performing religious duties in the country.

The A/4 visa is for  spouses and children  of A/2 and A/3 visa holders.

The B/1 Work Visa  for Israel permits foreign nationals to perform paid work in the country.

The B/2 Visitor’s Visa  allows tourism, business trips, and studies in a Hebrew ulpan.

At present, it is only possible for nationals of foreign countries to get a visa at an  Israeli embassy or consulate  abroad. This involves going in person to the nearest diplomatic mission. All types of visa must be  obtained at an embassy .

Israel plans to launch  a new electronic visa (eVisa) system , which will allow travelers to apply for a visa online. This will streamline the process and make it easier to obtain authorization to enter the country.

Citizens of a number of countries enjoy  visa exemption for Israel . These travelers may enter without a visa, using only their passport, for short-term visits or will be issued with a free visa on arrival when passing through border control.

In order to apply for any type of visa for Israel, the traveler’s  passport must be valid for at least 6 months  after the planned date of departure from the country.

Find out more about the visa policy of Israel in the guide below.

Tourist Visa Policy for Israel

According to Israel’s tourist visa policy, citizens of  over 140 different countries and territories  must get a visa to visit the country for the purpose of tourism.

In the near future,  the upcoming Israel eVisa system  will allow visitors to get a tourist visa via the internet. This will be possible by filling in a quick form online. This digital system will make the application process easier than ever before.

Until the eVisa for Israel is launched, there are  2 ways to obtain a tourist visa : on arrival at the border or at a diplomatic mission in advance.

Nationals of many countries must apply for the B/2 Visitor’s Visa for Israel  at an embassy or consulate .

Israel tourist visas allow a  maximum stay of 3 months .

Travelers of certain nationalities may visit Israel for the purpose of tourism  visa-free  (again for a maximum of 3 months).

In line with the visa policy of Israel, only visitors with passports issued by certain countries can get a  tourist visa on arrival . Technically, these travelers are visa-exempt, since the visa is stamped in the passport upon entry to Israel without any application process.

Consult the map below to find out the different visa requirements for each nationality, according to the Israeli visa policy.

eVisa for Israel

The Israel visa policy will soon change with the introduction of an online visa.

The  Israel eVisa  is  an upcoming electronic visa . Foreign visitors will be able to get a visa by completing a quick online application form.

Various countries around the world have implemented electronic visa systems. This trend is growing thanks to the  streamlined application process , making it easy for travelers to get an entry permit. Israel has noted the success of eVisa platforms and is currently creating its own.

Israel is set to launch its eVisa system  in early 2022 . According to authorities in the country, it will improve border security, make applying for a visa easier, and boost tourism.

More information about the Israel eVisa will be released closer to the time.  Check this page  for further updates.

Embassy or Consular Visa Required for Israel

Currently, the only way to obtain a visa for Israel is by  applying at an overseas diplomatic mission  (embassy or consulate).

There are various types of embassy or consular visa for Israel. The country’s visa policy dictates that the foreign national  must obtain the correct type  to cover the activities they plan to take part in and the length of time they plan to stay.

Types of embassy visa for Israel include:

• Immigration visa
• A/1 Temporary Resident visa
• A/2 Student visa
• A/3 Clergy visa
• A/4 visa for spouses and children
• B/1 Work visa
• B/2 Visitor’s visa

Over 140 different nationalities  must apply at an embassy for a B/2 Visitor’s visa for short-term visits.

The  B/2 Visitor’s visa for Israel  grants entry for tourism and business. It also allows the holder to study in a Hebrew ulpan.

It allows  visits of up to 3 months , although the total length of stay will be decided by the Israeli Border Police upon entry to the country.

Travelers must go to an embassy in person to apply. They must complete and submit an application form and  provide supporting documents . These include a passport that will continue to be valid for at least 6 months after the trip, proof of sufficient funds to provide for the individual while staying in Israel, and a return or onward ticket.

To apply for other types of embassy or consular visa,  different supporting documentation  is needed.

The Israel immigration policy allows any Jewish person to live in the country. Foreign Jews can obtain  an immigration visa  from a diplomatic mission to do so.

Browse the list below to find out which nationalities must  apply at an embassy for a visa for tourism .

Embassy or Consular Visa Required for Israel: Country list

• Afghanistan
• Aland Islands
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei Darussalam
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Guinea Bissau
• Isle of Man
• Ivory Coast
• Marshall Islands
• New Caledonia
• Norfolk Island
• North Korea
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palestinian Territory
• Pitcairn Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• South Sudan
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Timor Leste
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States Virgin Islands
• Wallis and Futuna

Visa Not Required for Israel

According to Israel’s visa policy, citizens of  around 100 countries  do not need to get a visa in advance to enter the country.

This visa exemption only counts for short stays. Visitors with passports issued by eligible countries can remain in Israel for  up to 3 months .

They may enter Israel visa-free for  tourism and leisure .

Passengers from these countries simply need a  passport that has a validity of more than 6 months  beyond the trip. By showing this at Israeli border control, they will either be allowed to enter the country visa-free or their passport will be stamped with a free visa on arrival by a border official.

Foreign nationals are  not allowed to work  or perform any activities apart from those related to tourism if they enter Israel without a visa. In order to live, work, or to enter the country for other purposes, they must apply for the relevant visa at an embassy or consulate.

See below the list of nationalities that may visit Israel without a visa for short stays as a tourist.

Visa Not Required for Israel: Country list

• Central African Republic
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of Cyprus
• Russian Federation
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City

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Israel to require visitors to apply for…

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Israel to require visitors to apply for electronic travel authorization.

Until now, Americans who want to travel to Israel haven’t needed to do anything other than purchase a plane ticket and pack their bags.

But starting Aug. 1, electronic travel authorization through a designated website will be required, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism announced this week. A pilot program, with the NIS 25 ($7) fee waived, will launch for travelers from the United States and Germany and will extend to all visa-exempt countries on July 1.

Travelers are advised to apply 72 hours before booking flights and lodging. Travelers without the authorization will not be permitted to board planes headed to Israel, and Interior Ministry spokeswoman told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The ETA-IL program is similar to others that have been put in place in recent years in Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Their goal is to screen out travelers suspected of posing a security threat or of potentially violating tourist visa restrictions through work or overstaying before they land at ports of entry.

Most countries that have launched similar programs advise a 72-hour heads-up, although the authorization frequently arrives via email within hours. The United States warns that people who do not apply in advance for travel authorization can face delays boarding flights or be turned away at the border, even if they come from countries that participate in the U.S. visa-waiver program. (Israel was added to the program only last September.)

Citizens of visa-exempt countries who are citizens or permanent residents of Israel are not required to request authorization. Citizens of nonexempt countries will still need to complete a more arduous visa application process. The authorization will last for two years and will allow multiple entries of up to 90 days.

To read more content visit www.jta.org

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Israel-Gaza latest: Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal - as Netanyahu casts doubt on deal

Joe Biden last night announced a surprise plan with three phases: the first would be a six-week ceasefire, the second the return of remaining hostages, and the third a reconstruction plan for Gaza. We'll be bringing you all the reaction to this throughout the day.

Saturday 1 June 2024 17:34, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• US President Joe Biden announces new ceasefire and hostage deal proposal
• Hamas views latest proposed deal 'positively'
• Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed, Netanyahu's office says
• Chances of ceasefire 'not that realistic', expert says  
• Egypt making 'intensive efforts' to resume negotiations - report
• Israeli opposition leader urges Netanyahu to take deal - and says he will prop up government
• Explained: What is in Biden's three-phase plan?
• Analysis: Israel seemed blindsided by Biden announcement
• Live reporting by Emily Mee

We will be focusing on our general election coverage tomorrow, but we'll be back with more live updates on the Israel-Hamas war next week. 

Models Bella and Gigi Hadid are collectively donating one million dollars (£785,000) to support relief efforts, according to their agent. 

The money will go to Heal Palestine, Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), World Central Kitchen (WCK), and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The sisters have frequently been vocal in their support for Gaza, and their father Mohamed Anwar Hadid is himself Palestinian. 

After Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel, Gigi, 29, offered her condolences to those affected.

"My thoughts are with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict - too many of which are children," she wrote on Instagram.

"I have deep empathy and heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle and life under occupation, it's a responsibility I hold daily."

She added: "While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person."

Bella, 27, said in May that she was "devastated at the loss of the Palestinian people and the lack of empathy coming from the government systems worldwide".

The United Nations food agency has said it is unable to feed most civilians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. 

Only 27,000 people in Rafah are currently being reached by the World Food Programme (WFP), according to its local director Matthew Hollingworth. 

Roughly one million Palestinians are living in the area, many of them displaced from other parts of Gaza. 

"The sounds, the smells, the everyday life are horrific and apocalyptic," Mr Hollingworth told journalists. 

"People sleep to the sounds of bombing, they sleep to the sounds of drones, they sleep to the sounds of war, as now tanks roll into parts of central Rafah, which is only kilometers away. And they wake to the same sounds." 

A ceasefire proposal consisting of three phases has been outlined by Joe Biden. 

What do those phases entail, what have Israel and Hamas said about the plan and how does it compare to the last proposal?

Read more below...

The French president has backed the ceasefire proposal set out by Joe Biden last night. 

Emmanuel Macron said he supported the proposal for "a durable peace" and that the war "must end". 

France is also working with partners in the region on "peace and security for all", he said. 

A high-level official has said Egypt is undertaking "intensive efforts" to "resume negotiations" for a ceasefire and hostage deal, according to a report. 

The official, quoted by Al-Qahera TV, said this was "in light of the recent American proposition". 

Last night, Joe Biden detailed a ceasefire and hostage deal proposal that he said Israel had put to Hamas. 

However, Israeli officials have told our correspondents they were "blindsided" by the announcement. 

If it works, then this will be a smart and cunning diplomatic move.

If it doesn't then President Joe Biden will look foolish.

He knows the huge risk of once again being taken for a ride by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Few knew that he was due to make this announcement.

Read more from our US correspondent Mark Stone below...

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has said 33 of its employees have been killed in Gaza since the war began. 

Of those, it said 19 were killed "while performing their humanitarian duties". 

The organisation today buried Mohammed Jihad Abed, an employee in the disaster risk management department. 

He was killed in an Israeli attack on his home in Rafah last night. 

American, Egyptian and Israeli officials will be meeting tomorrow in Cairo to discuss the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing, according to a report. 

Egypt is insisting that Israel withdraw its forces from the crossing, a high-level source told Egypt's state-linked Al Qahera TV. 

Israel seized the Gaza side of the crossing last month during its offensive in the city of Rafah. 

Earlier this week, a member of Egypt's security forces was killed in a shooting incident near the Rafah crossing.

An Egyptian soldier stationed on a watchtower had reacted to seeing an armoured vehicle carrying Israeli troops cross a boundary line near the border while the soldiers pursued and killed several Palestinians, two Egyptian security sources told Reuters news agency. 

The soldier opened fire and Israeli forces fired back, killing him, the sources said, sparking an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. 

The British prime minister has praised the proposed ceasefire deal set out by Joe Biden, saying it is "welcome news". 

Rishi Sunak said he hopes Hamas "takes this opportunity to take this deal that is on the table, [and] that would ensure hostages can be released and be back with their families". 

He also expressed hopes to "flood Gaza with far more aid than has been getting in" and to "use that pause in the fighting to build a sustainable and lasting peace". 

Mr Sunak joins a growing group of world leaders expressing support for the deal, which will only put more pressure on Israel and Hamas. 

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