Inter-visa / Re-entry permit to Israel

An Inter-visa, also known as a Re-entry permit, is a mandatory travel authorization for non-Israeli citizens residing in Israel under temporary visas such as B/1 (work), A/5 (temporary residency), or student visas.

Its primary function is to allow a foreign national to exit Israel and return without automatically canceling their current residency permit.

Without obtaining this permit from the Ministry of Interior prior to departure, the “entry and exit” system at the border will terminate your active status upon exit.

This could lead to a refusal of entry at the airport, the interruption of the graduated residency process (the “Step-by-Step” process), and the potential loss of social and medical rights.

To ensure a seamless return, the permit must be secured at a local Population and Immigration Authority office at least several weeks before your scheduled flight.

Why is a Re-entry permit required for temporary residents?

The legal framework in Israel assumes that a temporary residency permit is granted for an individual to reside and build their life within the country.

Consequently, the moment a foreign national crosses the border to leave Israel, their permit is technically considered “exhausted” unless it has been pre-authorized for a return.

The Inter-visa serves as this formal authorization. It signals to the border control officers at Ben Gurion Airport that the Ministry of Interior has approved your temporary absence and recognizes your intent to maintain your center of life in Israel.

For many families undergoing the graduated process for a foreign spouse, the Inter-visa is the most overlooked bureaucratic requirement. A simple trip to visit family abroad without this stamp can result in the foreign partner being stuck outside the country, unable to return to their spouse, home, or job.

In such cases, the only way to return is often through a complex and lengthy re-entry application at an Israeli consulate abroad, which can take months to process and may require legal intervention through the Appeals Tribunal (“Beit Hadin Le’ararim”).

Who must apply for an Inter-visa before traveling?

The requirement to obtain a Re-entry permit applies to almost all non-citizens who are in the middle of a residency or work process in Israel.

This includes foreign experts working on B/1 visas, students, and most importantly, foreign spouses of Israeli citizens who hold an A/5 or B/1 visa as part of the graduated process. Additionally, elderly parents of Israeli citizens who have been granted status under the humanitarian procedure must also secure this permit before any international travel.

It is a common misconception that having a valid ID card (Teudat Zehut) or a visa sticker that hasn’t expired is enough to travel. While those documents prove you have status inside Israel, they do not guarantee the right of re-entry.

Only the specific Inter-visa stamp – whether it is a single-entry or a multiple-entry permit – provides the legal guarantee that your status will remain active during your time abroad and that you will be allowed back into the country upon arrival.

What is the process for obtaining an Inter-visa in Israel?

Securing a Re-entry permit requires a structured application at the local office of the Population and Immigration Authority. We strongly advise initiating this process at least four to six weeks before your planned departure.

The application requires a valid foreign passport (with at least six months of validity beyond the intended return date), two recent passport-sized photos, and a completed application form.

During the appointment, the Ministry of Interior will verify that your current residency permit is valid and that you have not violated any terms of your stay.

For those in the graduated process, the presence or a signed declaration from the Israeli spouse may be required to confirm that the couple is still living together and that the relationship is ongoing.

Once the fee is paid and the application is approved, the Inter-visa is affixed to the passport. It is essential to double-check that the dates on the permit cover your entire trip; a return even one day after the permit expires can lead to significant legal complications at the border.

Single-entry vs Multiple-entry: Which permit do you need?

There are two main types of Inter-visas, and choosing the right one depends on your travel frequency and the stage of your residency process.

A single-entry permit is designed for one specific trip and usually remains valid for a few months. This is often the default choice for those in the early stages of their status regulation.

A multiple-entry permit provides much greater flexibility, allowing the holder to leave and return to Israel several times within a specific period – usually one year.

This is particularly valuable for foreign experts who travel for business or for individuals with family abroad who may need to travel on short notice.

However, the Ministry of Interior often demands more proof of a stable “center of life” in Israel before granting a multiple-entry permit.

Important note: A specialized lawyer can assist in framing your request to ensure you receive the maximum flexibility allowed under the law, preventing the need for repeated, time-consuming visits to the ministry.

How does international travel affect your “Center of Life” test?

Even with a valid Inter-visa, the Ministry of Interior tracks the amount of time you spend outside of Israel.

The “Center of Life” test is a critical component of maintaining residency. If a foreign national spends more than six months of the year abroad, the state may argue that they have shifted their center of life away from Israel. This can lead to the revocation of their residency permit and the termination of their graduated process.

When planning an extended stay abroad, for example, to care for a sick relative or for a temporary work assignment, it is vital to document the reasons for the absence. Simply having an Inter-visa does not grant immunity from the requirement to live primarily in Israel.

We work with our clients to prepare “center of life” dossiers that include lease agreements, salary slips, and utility bills, ensuring that their travel does not jeopardize their long-term path to permanent residency or citizenship.

What are the risks of traveling without an Inter-visa?

Traveling without a Re-entry permit is a significant legal gamble. If a temporary resident leaves Israel without this authorization, their visa is considered void the moment they cross the border.

Upon their return, the border control officers see a traveler with no active visa. In many cases, the traveler is denied boarding at the airport abroad, or if they reach Israel, they are detained and refused entry.

Correcting this mistake often involves filing an emergency petition to the Appeals Tribunal in Israel to allow the individual to return to their home.

The tribunal will look at the sincerity of the mistake and the individual’s ties to the country. While it is often possible to fix these errors with professional legal help, the process is expensive, stressful, and can cause months of separation from family. Preventing this through proper pre-travel planning is always the superior strategy.

Strategic residency management with the Law Office of David Angel

For 25 years, the Law Office of David Angel has been a leader in navigating the complexities of Israeli immigration and residency law.

We understand that an Inter-visa is more than just a stamp; it is the key to maintaining your life and family in Israel while staying connected to the world.

Our firm provides comprehensive strategic management for individuals in the graduated process, foreign experts, and their families.

We ensure that your “Center of Life” is documented, your permits are secured well in advance, and your right to return home is never in doubt. Should you face a refusal or a crisis at the border, our proven track record at the Appeals Tribunal  ensures you have the most aggressive and professional defense possible. Don’t leave your status to chance—let us handle the bureaucracy so you can travel with peace of mind.

 

Common questions about the Israel Inter-visa

Does every foreign citizen in Israel need an Inter-visa to travel?

No, individuals on a B/2 tourist visa do not need an Inter-visa, as their permit is for a single stay. If they leave, they simply apply for a new entry (or ETA-IL) if necessary. The Inter-visa is specifically for those with residency or work permits (B/1, A/5, A/2, etc.).

Can I apply for a Re-entry permit at Ben Gurion Airport?

Only in extreme, life-threatening humanitarian emergencies. The Ministry of Interior office at the airport is not a substitute for the local branch. Relying on the airport office for a standard vacation or business trip is a risk that often leads to being denied boarding.

How long is a multiple-entry Inter-visa valid?

Usually, it is granted for one year or until the expiration of your current residency permit, whichever comes first. You must renew it annually along with your status.

What if my passport expires while I am abroad with an Inter-visa?

You must renew your passport at your embassy abroad. However, the Inter-visa in the old passport is no longer valid for travel. You will likely need to contact the Israeli consulate to have the permit transferred or issued in the new passport before you can fly back to Israel.

Can a Re-entry permit be refused by the Ministry of Interior?

Yes, if the ministry suspects you are shifting your center of life abroad, or if there are concerns about the sincerity of your relationship in a graduated process, they may refuse the permit. If this happens, you can challenge the decision at the Appeals Tribunal.