PASSPORT

You must have a valid passport to leave the United States and enter Israel. If you do not have a valid passport, apply for one immediately. To obtain or renew your passport, contact the nearest U.S. Passport Agency. It will be listed in your telephone directory under "U.S. Government, Department of State".

You may also apply for or renew a passport by mail. The forms are available at your local post office or can be found online. If you hold an Israeli passport, you are required to present it upon arrival.

ISRAELI VISA REQUIREMENTS

American-born students and naturalized U.S. citizens attending the University for the semester may enter Israel on a Tourist Visa. The Tourist Visa is valid for three months. It is issued, free of charge, at Ben-Gurion Airport, your port of entry. After three months, the visa must be extended for another three-month period at a district office of the Ministry of the Interior. The visa may be extended every three months for up to one year. There is a nominal fee for each extension.

The benefits of entering Israel on a Tourist Visa are:

• No previous arrangements need to be made prior to your arrival in Israel.
• You do not forfeit your Temporary Residency of new Immigrant rights (if you decide to complete university studies in Israel or remain there permanently).
• You can later reclassify your visa from Tourist Visa to another type if you wish.

STUDENT VISA

A student whose program exceeds one year-but who expects to return to the country of permanent residence after completion of studies-must secure a Student Visa (A-2). This is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, meaning that you may enter Israel an unlimited number of times for a period of one year without securing a new visa. Student visas are renewable after one year both in Israel and abroad.

Students participating in semester or year programs who wish to avoid Tourist Visa renewals may also choose to enter Israel on an A-2 Visa.

You must appear in person at the consulate of Israel to apply for a visa. The following items must be submitted upon application:

• Your passport or other travel document, valid for at least two years.
• A letter of acceptance to Tel Aviv University addressed to the consulate of Israel.
• For students under age 18, a notarized declaration signed by both parents.
• A visa application form, in duplicate, with one photograph attached to each copy.  (These forms may be obtained from the Israeli Consulate.)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISA AND VISA OLEH

Students going to Israel for more than one year, or those considering settling in Israel, may apply for either a visa A-2 (student), Visa A-1 (temporary resident), or Visa Oleh (new immigrant). For information about the rights and restrictions attached to each type or visa, contact the shaliach at the Israel Aliyah Center nearest you. The shaliach will help you determine which type of visa is most beneficial to you and make all necessary arrangements to obtain it.

NON-AMERICAN AND NON-ISRAELI STUDENTS

Students who do not hold a U.S. or Israeli passport must consult with the Israeli Embassy in Washington or an Israeli Consulate about visa or entry regulations for citizens from their home country. The Israeli visa and entry regulations for Americans may not be the same for citizens of other countries. You may also link to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information.

Students who are not U.S. citizens but who are currently living and studying in the United States should consult with the U.S. Department of Immigration prior to leaving the United States. Your status upon return to the United States should be verified prior to departure in order to avoid problems later.

RETURNING ISRAELIS AND ISRAELI-BORN MINORS

Due to frequent changes in regulations regarding returning Israelis, students born in Israel or holding Israeli passports should contact the nearest Consulate of Israel to clarify their legal status upon returning to Israel. A list of consulates and phone numbers may be found at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.