In 10 September 2004 written correspondence to the Research Directorate, a consular officer at the Embassy of Israel provided the following information on the various types of Israeli visas:

A5 - Temporary Residence Visa

The Interior Office in Israel has the discretion to grant an A5 visa (a temporary residence visa) in certain circumstances to a person who wishes to reside in Israel as long as this person is not a student (A2), has not come to Israel as a religious delegate to work in a religious institution (A3), or is not the family member of a person who holds an A2 or A3 visa (A4). The granting of an A5 visa by Israeli missions around the world is dependent upon a clear order from Israel to do so.

Further information on the application process for the A5 visa, to what the holder is entitled, as well as specific nationalities that would be restricted from obtaining one could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

B1 - Work Visa

The B1 work visa is granted to those who have come to Israel to work and who have been given permission to stay in Israel for a limited period of time. Artists and experts also qualify as potential recipients of a B1 visa. Volunteers, however, do not receive a B1 work visa but rather a B4 volunteer visa. The children and/or spouse of a B1 visa holder are granted a B2 courtesy visa.

Experts, lecturers, and trainees who come to Israel and who possess an official passport will receive a B1 visa valid for three months if they arrive with their family; otherwise, they will receive a B2 courtesy visa. Children and spouses receive a corresponding B2 courtesy visa for a period of three months. In order to extend a B1 visa, the consular department at the Office of Foreign Affairs must give its permission.

In order to apply for a B1 visa, the employer must first submit an application to the Interior Office in Israel. Once the application is approved, the Interior Office can request a mission to grant the visa. The employee must then enter Israel no later than two months from the visa's date of issue and is entitled to stay for the period specified by the visa. A B1 visa holder can apply to extend his or her visa at the Israeli Interior Office.

The consular officer did not specify any nationalities that would be excluded from obtaining a B1 work visa. The Interior Office in Israel decides each application on a case-by-case basis.

B2 - Tourist Visa

According to the consular officer, citizens of the following 73 countries are exempt from the obligation to obtain a tourist visa to Israel: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Surinam, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.

Citizens of countries that require a tourist visa to visit Israel can submit a visa application to their nearest Israeli mission, including a photograph and the relevant travel document, which should be valid for at least six months and includ a round-trip ticket. The mission can then proceed to issue the visa after having received authorization from Israel. The B2 allows for one entry into Israel and is valid for up to three months; the stay in Israel itself cannot exceed three months. An extension may be obtained from the Interior Office in Israel and can be given for a maximum of 24 months. The consular officer indicated that those who hold a B2 visa are not permitted to work in Israel.

Similarly to the A5 visa, the consular officer did not specify any nationality that would not be allowed to obtain a B2 visa, simply stating that applications are considered on an individual basis.

B2 - Courtesy Visa

The following categories of people will also receive a B2 visa: formal guests of the government, participants in international conferences approved by the Minister of the Interior Office, and those accompanying holders of a B1 visa.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Embassy of Israel in Ottawa. Consular Section. 10 September 2004. Correspondence from a consular officer.