Tel Aviv-Yafo Travel Forum

Hello, I have a quick question. I am hoping to spend 3weeks in israel, 10days in Haifa on a religious pilgrimage and the other 11 days at the Walk for Love Hike throughout israel. I've been told that when i get to the airport and i show them my invitation for my religious pilgrimage..that my stay in israel is only valid for those 10days..im not allowed to stay any longer before or after. Is this true?, because for the hike i have no invitation i just wanted to go. Im just a little worried because I hear how strict they are when you get to the airport.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!.

What is your nationality? If you are American or European or from any other country which doesn't require a VISA to enter Israel, you don't need any invitation and you'll get a 3 month VISA in the airport. They are not so strict when you come into Israel. They are strict when you fly out of Israel. This is for security reasons, they might go through your luggage and question you when you leave the country to make sure you don't carry anything dangerous in your luggage. When you come in, they only worry that you are not here to work illegally or trying to smuggle drugs.

thanks for that!, im Canadian...good to know I cant wait to come..in May ive been looking forward to it all this year.

As a Canadian, you do not need a visa. I assume you'll have a return ticket with you, so there should be absolutely no problem getting the standard 3-month permission to stay. Enjoy your trip.

As others have said, you do not need a VISA and you do not need an invitation. BUT, you( and everyone else) do need to have a passport that expires 6 months past your entrance date AND a ticket showing passage out of Israel! ( I'd say return flight but it doesn't have to be back to where you came from, just out!)

Hi, I will be attending the Bahai Pilgrimage too in April. It was interesting to read your post... maybe we are in the same group.

Shamini from Switzerland