Posted on 07/15/21
| News Source: Chaim V'Chessed
Israel continues to be largely closed to foreigners, with some exceptions, as Chaim V’Chessed has detailed extensively.
For those eligible for entry permits to Israel, this process has been slow and nerve-wracking. Many travelers have applied to several consulates, a practice which we have discouraged. Hard working officials have been frequently bogged down by multiple requests from the same persons. Additionally, some applicants have been eligible to apply via Misrad Hapnim offices in Israel, also a challenging process.
Now, the relevant government offices have launched online forms for submitting applications for entry permits.
APPLYING FROM ABROAD:
Persons required to apply via consulates or embassies must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here. Applicants are asked to select the nearest consulate or embassy. Authorities now advise applying four weeks before travel. This is now the only way to apply through consulates or embassies. Each family member must submit a separate application. Furthermore, applicants who have already applied to consulates via email, but have not yet received a response, must resubmit their applications using the new online method.
APPLYING FROM WITHIN ISRAEL:
This morning, the Interior Ministry inaugurated a similar online form. Persons eligible to apply from within Israel, such as citizens or toshavei keva seeking to invite first degree relatives, may apply online to the Interior Ministry, here. Please note that this method requires an additional document which up until now was not required, Form AS1. This form allows you to apply for multiple family members in one submission. Eligible applicants who have already applied to Misrad HaPnim will be serviced, and do not need to resubmit their applications.
Applicants are required to upload all the necessary documents, such as passports, birth certificates, proof of recovery/vaccination, insurance and more. See complete requirements here. Application which are incomplete or missing documents will be summarily denied.
The new process will limit multiple applications, and will hopefully streamline the entire process.