Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) announced that it has automatically extended the validity of visas in several categories for individuals holding visas expiring between 12 March and 30 June as most branches of the Interior Ministry are closed due to the coronavirus.
PIBA said individuals in Israel holding a visa in one of the categories below do not need to renew their visas if leaving the country before 30 June:
B1 (Work Visa); A1 (Eligible under the Right of Return Visa); A2 (Student/Trainee/Intern visa); A3 (Religious Study and Practice Visa); A4 (Companion Visa for A2 and A3 Visa holders); A5 (Temporary Resident Visa).
Israeli newspaper Hamodia reports PIBA did not extend the validity of B2 visitor visas.
According to PIBA, individuals visiting Israel on a B2 visa should depart Israel before the original expiration date.
In exceptional cases, B2 visa holders may be able to apply for an extension.
Hamodia reports the US Embassy is unable to assist with extending Israeli visas.
In addition, resident visas for individuals who legally resided in Yehudah and Shomron through 12 March have reportedly been automatically extended until 30 June.
This extension does not apply to visitor permits, which will continue to expire on their original expiration dates.
According to the World Health Organisation’s latest statistics, Israel has 16,004 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 223 deaths reported.
The Keesing Platform team brings you the latest in various fields, including security documents, security printing, banknotes, identity management, biometrics, blockchain, crypto technology and online onboarding.
