Israel

VISA REGIME

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE COUNTRY
Visa is not required for entry into Israel and stay of up to ninety (90) days. At the border crossing, instead of stamping the passport, the Israeli border authorities issue a residence card which must be kept throughout the stay in the country and shown when leaving Israel. For tourist travel purposes, the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country, and for regulating one’s residence the passport must be valid for at least six months after the visa expiration date. Because of the country’s specific security situation, the Israeli authorities carry out rigorous border control upon travellers’ entry into and exit out of the country ― a detailed questioning about the reasons for stay, contacts made, addresses of residence, and a thorough inspection of luggage. If there are stamps in the passport which indicate an earlier stay in Islamic and Arab countries, this may lead to additional questioning. In some cases, border authorities may request to check the travellers` private e-mails and social media activities.
These checks are carried out in order to prevent the abuse of tourist stay, or to prevent illegal immigration and illicit employment, which has been on the rise in recent years, especially from the countries of the former Soviet Union, the Balkans, including Serbia. During 2019, there were numerous cases of airport detention and deportation of Serbian citizens on suspicion of the accuracy of the stated reasons for their stay in Israel. More detailed information on the types of visas and the conditions of stay are available at: https://mfa.gov.il/mfa/consularservices/pages/visas.aspx.
In accordance with the Israeli regulations on the restrictive movement regime, all foreign nationals (including citizens of the Republic of Serbia) of Palestinian origin undergo a special procedure for approving their passage through the territory of Israel, whether state or occupied/controlled. To enter Israel or the West Bank, they may use only the road crossing Allenby bridge/King Hussein Bridge, on the border with Jordan. Entry through the Ben Gurion International Airport is allowed only with the previously obtained permission of the Ministry of Defence of the State of Israel.
Serbian citizens who, in addition to Serbian, have travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, are obliged to present those documents at Israeli border crossings.
If there is any dilemma in connection with the above, citizens of the Republic of Serbia are advised to contact the Embassy of the State of Israel in Belgrade before travelling (https://embassies.gov.il/beograd/Pages/default.aspx).

SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
No social security agreement has been concluded.

USEFUL INFORMATION

SECURITY SITUATION — Due to the declaration of martial law in the State of Israel, citizens of the Republic of Serbia are advised to refrain from traveling to this country.
Citizens of the Republic of Serbia who are in the State of Israel are advised to follow the instructions of the competent civil protection authorities, which include staying in a proper public or home shelter during a rocket attack, i.e. staying at home or in hotel accommodation until public safety is ensured. Detailed information and instructions can be found on Israel's National Emergency Portal.
Serbian citizens interested in repatriation from the State of Israel should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Tel Aviv (http://www.telaviv.mfa.gov.rs; srb.emb.israel@mfa.rs; phone +9723 / 604-55-35; +9723 / 604-93-72), in order to receive relevant information about a possibly organized repatriation flight, as well as for information about other alternative evacuation routes.

TRANSPORT — Most passengers use Ben Gurion International Airport, which is located near Tel Aviv, whereas the other international airport is in the extreme south of the country near Eilat. There are also land border crossings with Egypt and Jordan, but the borders with Lebanon and Syria, with which Israel has no diplomatic relations, are completely closed. There are several border crossings with Palestine ― the West Bank, while entry into the Gaza Strip is allowed in exceptional cases and with a special permit issued by the Israeli authorities. More detailed information on border crossing points and crossing conditions is available at: https://mfa.gov.il/mfa/consularservices/pages/crossing_points.aspx.
Israeli regulations allow the use of foreign licences, including Serbian driver's licences, by persons residing in Israel for up to one year. Conversion of a foreign driver’s licence into an Israeli one is obligatory for all persons who have a temporary stay longer than a year or are already in the procedure of immigrating to Israel.

OTHER INFORMATION — The official languages in Israel are Hebrew and Arabic, and English and Russian are widely used. During the Sabbath, which begins on a Friday at sundown and ends on a Saturday at sundown, public institutions and most shops are closed. At that time, traditionally observant Jews do not use electrical appliances, mobile telephones or drive vehicles. Foreign travellers should keep this in mind if they plan a visit to the neighbourhoods where this group of the population lives.

Contact information
During your stay in Israel, for consular assistance and protection you may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Tel Aviv, at the following telephone number: 00 972 36 04 55 35, and e-mail: srbambil@netvision.net.il.