Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event: COVID-19 – Extension of Israeli Visa Validity
The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) recently announced it has automatically extended the validity of visas in several categories for individuals holding visas expiring between March 12, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Individuals in Israel holding a visa in one of the categories below do not need to renew their visas at a PIBA office if departing before June 30:
- B1 (Work Visa)
- A1 (Eligible under the Right of Return Visa)
- A2 (Student/Trainee/Intern visa)
- A3 (Religious Study and Practice Visa)
- A4 (Companion Visa for A2 and A3 Visa holders)
- A5 (Temporary Resident Visa)
PIBA did not extend the validity of B2 visitor visas. Individuals visiting Israel on a B2 visa should depart Israel before the original expiration date. In exceptional cases, B2 visa holders may be able to apply for an extension. The U.S. Embassy is unable to assist with extending Israeli visas.
In addition, resident visas for individuals who legally resided in the West Bank through March 12, 2020, have been automatically extended until June 30, 2020. This extension does not apply to visitor permits, which will continue to expire on their original expiration dates.
More information is available at the PIBA website or by calling PIBA at 02-6294666.
Actions to Take:
- Encourage all U.S. citizens to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Visit the Internal Revenue Service Coronavirus Tax Relief site for the most up-to-date information regarding economic impact payments and other tax information.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Information about local conditions related to COVID-19 is also available from the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and the U.S. Embassy in Egypt.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
