Visa in Israel?

[Sigene]

I’m working on a buisness trip from the USA to Israel. The lady here who seems to know something about Visa’s claims I don’t need to get a Visa before I leave; that I will purchase it at customs when I get there.

I don’t want to get burned or cause international difficulty by not showing up with a Visa; So is this true?

She seems to think that I can’t get a Visa earlier, the only way to get it is to purchase one at customs.

Can anyone confirm this?

[friedo]

The State Department is your friend when it comes to travel issues.

For Israel:

@The Gummint

Israel: A passport valid for six months beyond duration of stay, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry. A no-charge, three-month visa may be issued upon arrival and may be renewed. Travelers carrying official or diplomatic U.S. passports must obtain visas from an Israeli embassy or consulate prior to arrival. Anyone who has been refused entry, experienced difficulties with his/her status during a previous visit, overstayed the authorized duration of a previous visit, or otherwise violated the terms of their admission to Israel should consult the Israeli Embassy or nearest Israeli Consulate before attempting to return. Anyone seeking returning resident status must obtain permission from Israeli authorities before traveling. The Government of Israel at times has declined to admit American citizens wishing to visit or travel to the West Bank or Gaza. Persons denied entry who seek immigration court hearings to contest such denials may be detained for prolonged periods while awaiting a hearing.

There’s a lot more useful information on that page, so be sure to give it a perusal.

[Sigene]

@friedo

For Israel:
.

Yeah, I read that but it leaves me a little confused, particularly these two sentances that seem self contridictory. " A no-charge, three-month visa may be issued upon arrival and may be renewed. Travelers carrying official or diplomatic U.S. passports must obtain visas from an Israeli embassy or consulate prior to arrival."

So do I get it PRIOR to arrival, or UPON arrival. I’d rather have one before I arrive, but if everyone promises, that I won’t get the shit kicked out of me for not having one prior to arrival, I’ll wait until I get there…nervously.

[friedo]

@Sigene

Yeah, I read that but it leaves me a little confused, particularly these two sentances that seem self contridictory. " A no-charge, three-month visa may be issued upon arrival and may be renewed. Travelers carrying official or diplomatic U.S. passports must obtain visas from an Israeli embassy or consulate prior to arrival."

So do I get it PRIOR to arrival, or UPON arrival. I’d rather have one before I arrive, but if everyone promises, that I won’t get the shit kicked out of me for not having one prior to arrival, I’ll wait until I get there…nervously.

The second sentence only applies to people with official or diplomatic passports. Presumably that’s not you (because you’d know it if it were.) For us regular folk with blue passports, the visa is acquired upon arrival.

ETA: Information on regular, official and diplomatic US passports.

[FatBaldGuy]

According to the cite, only those with “official or diplomatic U.S. passports” need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. So, unless you are a government official or diplomat, you can obtain it when you arrive.

[Sigene]

well sonofabtch. I would have guessed my passport was “official.”

[Telemark]

@Sigene

well sonofabtch. I would have guessed my passport was “official.”

It is official. It’s just not an official passport.

[chappachula]

I don’t need to get a Visa before I leave; that I will purchase it at customs when I get there

three-month visa may be issued upon arrival and may be renewed

Instead of the State Dept’s legalese—
in plain English :
The “visa” is nothing more than a routine stamp in your passport . You don’t purchase it. (The only thing it “costs” is the irritation of standing in line for half an hour before you collect your luggage. )

(or often the visa is stamped on a separate piece of paper, so if you later travel to a Muslim country, you can throw it away. )
If you stay in Israel more than 3 months, you have to “renew” the visa–i.e. get another stamp.