Visa requirements

Israel

General visa requirements for travelling to Israel. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

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Journalist visa (Journalist Visa (B/1 Foreign Journalist))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 10 business days from submission
• Fee: 50 NIS (for GPO card) plus visa fee varies by country
• Validity: Up to 12 months, aligned with B/1 work visa
• Entry: Multiple entry

Foreign journalists must obtain a Government Press Office (GPO) card and B/1 work visa to work in Israel. The media organization must have been operating for at least 2 years, have demonstrable reach (10,000 papers per issue or 100,000 daily hits for online), and at least 50% of content must be written by employees with no more than 40% advertising. Journalists typically arrive on a B-2 visitor permit first, then apply for B/1 work visa.

Eligibility

• Employment

  Must be in the news media profession as main occupation in the year preceding application and working under contract for recognized news media organizations.

  Required status: Contracted journalist with recognized media organization

• Purpose of visit

  Journalistic work, news reporting, media coverage in Israel as foreign correspondent or journalist.

  Includes

  • journalism
  • news reporting
  • media coverage

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 18

• Photo

  Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport photo for GPO card

• Employment letter

  Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

  Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

• Curriculum vitae

  Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

• Company registration

  Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

  Accepted documents: Media organization registration, proof of operation for 2+ years, circulation/reach statistics

• Professional license

  Accepted licenses: Press credentials, letter of accreditation from media organization, proof of journalistic work; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

1. Online application

   Apply for Government Press Office (GPO) card online with letter of accreditation and proof of journalistic work.

2. Fee payment

   Pay non-refundable GPO card fee of 50 NIS.

3. Document gathering

   Gather employment contract, CV, proof of media organization's credentials and reach statistics.

4. Document submission

   Apply at Ministry of Interior for B/1 work visa as journalist with GPO card and employment documents.

5. Processing wait

   Wait for B/1 journalist work visa processing, estimated 10 business days.

6. Visa collection

   Receive B/1 journalist work visa valid for up to 12 months.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.