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U.S. Visas > U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country > Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-1 2 | None | Multiple | 52 Months |
| E-2 2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 41 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 41 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Palestinian Authority
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| A-2 | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| A-3 1 | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-3 | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-1 | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| G-2 | ▲ | ▲ | ▲ |
| G-3 ◉ | None ◉ | Multiple ◉ | 60 Months ◉ |
| G-4 | None ■ | Multiple ■ | 60 Months ■ |
| G-5 ◉ | None ◉ | Multiple ◉ | 60 Months ◉ |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-2 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-3 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-4 | None | One | 1 Month |
| U-5 | None | One | 1 Month |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
▲. Diplomatic relations not in force. The Department has determined that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is a competent authority for passport-issuing purposes as defined in INA 101(a)(30), but the U.S. does not recognize the PA as a "foreign government". Visa applications for categories A-1, A-2, A-3, C-3, G-1, and G-2 made by bearers of Palestinian Authority Passports must be submitted to the Department for an advisory opinion. Requests should be slugged for CA/VO/L/A and NEA/IPA.
◉. G-3 and G-5 visas may be issued to bearers of Palestinian Authority documents who are employed by foreign governments (i.e. not the Palestinian Authority), or who are the immediate family members, attendants or personal employees of accredited officials of foreign governments. Qualified applicants should be issued visas on Form OF-232 following the procedures indicated in 22 CFR 41.113(b).
■. G-4 visas may be issued to qualified applicants directly in their Palestinian Authority Passports.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Israel
Civil documents for Israel are generally available, though some records were destroyed in 1948 or earlier.
Fees may be charged for a particular document listed below. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the appropriate issuing authority to obtain specific information about documents, including mailing addresses and fee requirements.
The Palestinian Authority (West Bank and Gaza)
At various times during the twentieth century, the West Bank and Gaza were under the administration of the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate, Jordan or Egypt, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. Therefore the issuing authority for civil documents depends on both the time and location of the life event being documented.
The West Bank and Gaza are subject to a complex set of governing arrangements involving Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Holders of Palestinian National Authority (PA) travel documents will generally present PA civil documents, but these applicants should apply for police certificates from the government of Israel. Israeli citizens who lived in or live in the West Bank or Gaza are not subject to the Palestinian Authority and obtain their documents from the Government of Israel.
On June 14, 2007, the designated foreign terrorist organization Hamas took de facto administrative control of Gaza, to include the issuance of civil documents for that territory. The U.S. Government does not accept documents issued by Hamas in Gaza unless verified by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. It is the responsibility of the applicant submitting a document issued after June 14, 2007 from any governmental agency in Gaza to obtain verification from the Palestinian Authority. The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem does not assist in this process.
East Jerusalem
Since June 28, 1967, East Jerusalem has been under the law, jurisdiction, and administration of the State of Israel. The Israeli-Palestinian Declaration of Principles, signed September 13, 1993, deferred the settlement of the permanent status of Jerusalem to the final stages of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Since 2002, a few suburbs of East Jerusalem are under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority. Palestinians in East Jerusalem hold the status of "permanent resident" of the State of Israel. For political reasons, most of them did not request Israeli citizenship. Palestinians from the West Bank and East Jerusalem may also have Jordanian documents, including passports.
In some cases, applicants from East Jerusalem are unable to obtain civil documents from either Israel or the Palestinian Authority.
Israel
Available: Birth certificates are always available for applicants born in Israel and East Jerusalem since 1948, and generally available for applicants born before then.
-“Eishor Lidah” “Affirmation of Birth” is available for foreigners born in Israel.
-“Tamsit Rishum” - “Birth Extract” is available for Israeli citizens born abroad when the birth certificate in that country is not available.
-“Tamsit Rishum” is also available for name change and marital status.
Document Name: “Teudat Lidah,” or “Birth Certificate”; “Eishor Lidah” or “Affirmation of Birth” for foreigners; “Tamsit Rishum” or “Birth Extract” for Israeli Citizens, including those born abroad.
Issuing Authority: Israeli Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All of the above documents are light blue with Ministry of Interior (MOI) seal. They are written in Hebrew and English.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Clerk, Israeli MOI
Registration Criteria: The application can be submitted online or may be requested in person at any Israeli MOI office.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requests for birth certificates should be addressed to the office of the Israeli MOI online or in person. The request should include the applicant's name at birth, the date and place of birth, the full name of both parents, the document issued by the hospital where the birth took place, and the applicant's Israeli Identity Card number. There is no need to bring the child if you are applying the child’s birth certificate in person. Parents or immediate relatives can apply for the birth certificate on behalf of the child.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.
Alternate Documents: Israelis who are unable to obtain a birth certificate (either because the records do not exist or because they are unobtainable due to lack of relations between Israel and the birth country) may instead present a “Tamsit Rishum” (see above.)
Exceptions: “Birth and Baptismal Certificate” can be obtained from the Church where the child was baptized in lieu of a “Birth Certificate”. No fee is required for such a document.
Comments: More details on Israeli civil documents can be found on the MOI site: gov.il/en
Arab residents of East Jerusalem may obtain records from the Israeli MOI. However, there have been cases where the MOI has directed applicants without legal residence in Jerusalem to obtain a birth certificate for a newborn from the Palestinian Authority, despite the fact that the birth took place in Jerusalem. These applicants may contact the hospital and obtain hospital records that attest to their birth in Jerusalem.
The Palestinian Authority (West Bank and Gaza)
Available: Generally available for those born in the West Bank and Gaza.
Fees: No fee for 1st original copy. 2 Jordanian dinars for renewal and for a second original.
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Palestinian Authority Ministry of Interior (MOI)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White background with biographical data and MOI seals at the bottom.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Manager of General Administration of Civil Status, Palestinian Authority MOI
Registration Criteria: Completing a form and stamping it at a service office authorized by the ministry of justice.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applications for birth certificates for Palestinian residents of the West Bank must be submitted to the Palestinian Authority MOI office located nearest the applicant's place of residence. Non-residents of the West Bank may approach the nearest overseas representative of the PLO to request a birth certificate or write to the Palestinian Authority MOI office nearest their birth place.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Comments: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem accepts birth extracts issued by the Palestinian Authority for Palestinian applicants born before 1948 within the pre-1967 boundaries of Israel, but who are now residents overseas or in the West Bank and Gaza.
Between 1948 and 1967, the Government of Jordan issued certificates to residents of the West Bank. The Government of Egypt issues certificates to residents of Gaza. However, replacement certificates are issued by the Palestinian MOI The Government of Israel issued birth certificates to Palestinians born between 1967 and 1993. However, replacement certificates are issued by the Palestinian MOI. The U.S. government does not accept birth records issued by Hamas in Gaza. Applicants born after June 14, 2007 should present birth records issued by the Palestinian MOI in the West Bank. .. It is the responsibility of the applicant submitting a document other than the birth certificate issued after June 14, 2007, from any governmental agency in Gaza, to obtain verification from the Palestinian Authority MOI office in Ramallah.
Name change documents are available from the MOI for a fee of 20 Jordanian dinars. Applicants must complete a form and have it stamped by a service office authorized by the PA Ministry of Justice. After that, the applicant visits the Administration of Civil Status office in the city of residence. Issuance takes between one and three days.
Israel
Available: Generally available following the same procedures as birth certificates.
Fees: No fee required
Document Name: “Teudat ptirah” or “Death Certificate”
Issuing Authority: Israeli Ministry of Interior (MOI)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: None
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Clerk, MOI
Procedure for Obtaining: Can be obtained online or in person, but a notice from Ministry of Health is required.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Process will take two weeks
Death certificates issued by the Palestinian MOI
Fees: 2 Jordanian Dinars
Document Name: Death certificate
Issuing Authority: Palestinian Authority
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: MOI seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Manager of General Administration of Civil Status at the Palestinian MOI
Registration Criteria: Individuals must appear with a record from the hospital as well as a burial declaration at the Office of Administration of Civil status in the city where the deceased resided. They must then have the form stamped at a Ministry of Justice-authorized service office.
Procedure for Obtaining: Can be obtained online or in person, but a notice from Ministry of Health is required.
Governmental offices in Israel and the West Bank do not issue certificates for civil marriages. Requests for marriage certificates should be sent to the appropriate religious community.
Jewish marriages in Israel
Available: All information in regarding marriages and divorces for Israeli applicants can be found here: gov.il/he
Fees: No fee required for first copy – NIS 60 for the second original copy
Document Name: “Teudat Nissuim” or “Marriage Certificate”
Issuing Authority: Rabbinical Court
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White. Rabbinical seal. Issued in Hebrew
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipality’s Rabbinical Clerk’s Office
Registration Criteria: The couple submits a request to the Rabbinical Court. The Rabbi issues two copies of the “Ketubah,” or religious marriage contract, which is not acceptable for immigration documentation purposes. The couple provides a copy of the “Ketubah” to the rabbinical court to issue the “Teudat Nissuim”.
Procedure for Obtaining: Can be obtained online or in person, but a notice from Ministry of Health is required.
Certified Copies Available: A second copy of “Teudat Nissuim” can be obtained from the Rabbinical Court for 60 NIS.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Information not available
Muslim marriages in Israel or the West Bank
Available
Fees: 105 NIS for first contract. 350 NIS for the following contract. 40 NIS for a certified copy.
Document Name: Marriage Contract
Issuing Authority: Supreme Judiciary Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Supreme Judge
Registration Criteria: A written and signed request from the individuals in question should be submitted to the local court.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants should complete a written request and schedule an appointment with a marriage officiant. ID cards, birth certificates, proof of guardianship by the second closest relative, and a medical exam from a government-licensed medical center should be must be presented from both parties. Each party should come with a witness. In cases where one or more of the parties is not from the West Bank, or in case one person was previously married, a certificate of absence of impediments to marriage must be presented. A divorce decree must be presented in case one of the parties was previously divorced. The results of an HIV exam must be presented if one of the parties was living outside of the West Bank for more than six months or is not a Palestinian national.
Certified Copies Available: Available for 40 NIS.
Alternate Documents: The Palestinian Sharia Courts in the West Bank authenticate the the marriage certificates issued in Gaza after June 2007.
Exceptions: Information not available
Comments: The U.S. government does not accept marriage certificates issued by Hamas in Gaza unless verified by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
It is the responsibility of the applicant submitting a document issued after June 14, 2007 from any governmental agency in Gaza, to obtain verification from the Palestinian Authority.
Marriage certificates should be requested from the officiating Sharia Court. Sharia courts under different governmental authorities are available to East Jerusalem residents. Applicants should turn to the sharia court that registered their marriage to obtain replacement certificates.
Roman Catholic marriages in Israel or the West Bank
Available
Fees: No fee except for complex cases requiring a legal decision from the Patriarchate Court.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Latin Patriarchate.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White background with the Latin Patriarchate’s stamp
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Parish Priest in the place of celebration
Registration Criteria: Both parties should apply in person to the Latin Patriarchate.
Procedure for Obtaining: See above
Certified Copies Available: The Latin Patriarchate authenticates the original document and copies if needed.
Alternate Documents: Information not available
Exceptions: None
Comments: Roman Catholic Churches do not issue divorce certificates.
Greek Orthodox marriages in Israel or the West Bank
Available
Fees: Depend on the place of issuance. Between 100 – 200 NIS.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Orthodox Church where the marriage took place
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White background with the Orthodox Church seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Parish Priest in the place of celebration
Registration Criteria: Both parties should apply in person
Procedure for Obtaining: See above.
Certified Copies: Available through the church that issued the marriage certificate
Alternate Documents: Information not available
Exceptions: None
Jewish divorces
Available
Fees: Information not available
Document Name: “Teudat Gerushim”
Issuing Authority: Rabbinical Family Courts (“Beit Hadeen HaRabbinut”)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: White Background. Stamped by the Regional Rabbinical court in blue color.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Rabbinical Family Courts (“Beit Hadeen Harabbinut”)
Registration Criteria: The Rabbinical Family Courts issue two types of divorce documents. The first is a “Get” which allows the married individual to remarry under religious law. This document is insufficient to constitute a divorce for Consular purposes. The second document is the “Teudat Gerushim” which constitutes a legal divorce and is accepted for consular purposes.
Procedure for Obtaining: The couple married submits a request to the local Rabbinical Family Court.
Certified Copies: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem will accept a civil divorce certificate for couples married abroad in civil ceremonies in certain circumstances.
Muslim divorces
Available
Fees: 190 NIS
Document Name: “Ba’en” or Divorce Decree
Issuing Authority: Supreme Judiciary Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue seal
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Supreme Judge
Registration Criteria: A typed and signed request from the individual in question presented to the local court. Two witnesses with their personal IDs.
Procedure for Obtaining: One party presents the request to a judge who signs it after hearing the witnesses in the cases. The approved request is forwarded to the family guidance and reconciliation department. If reconciliation fails, the request is forwarded with the husband’s certified statement to the supreme judge. If approved, the request is recorded in the registration office and signed by the requesting party as well as the witnesses.. If the applicant wishes to use the decree outside of the West Bank, it must be certified by the supreme judiciary council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the embassy of the country in which the decree is to be used.
Certified Copies Available: Available for 40 NIS.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Sharia courts will generally accept divorce jurisdiction in a case where the marriage occurred under a different sharia court system.
Greek Orthodox divorces
The Ecclesiastical Court of the Orthodox Churches in Israel and the West Bank can issue a divorce certificate. The cost of the divorce certificate is the same as the marriage certificate, from 100 – 200 NIS. The procedure to obtain the certificate is long and requires an ecclesiastical court decision.
The Immigrant Visa Unit at U.S. Embassy Jerusalem rarely sees adoption certificates issued in Israel or the West Bank. For information regarding adoption documentation in Israel, see: molsa.gov. There is no Muslim adoption in the West Bank. Christian adoptions may be permitted on a case by case basis, but are rare.
Israeli
Available
Fees: No charge for the first ID card. Second issuance costs 115 NIS.
Document Name: “Teudat Zihour” (National ID Card)
Issuing Authority: Israeli Ministry of Interior
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Not available
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Israeli Ministry of Interior clerk.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for obtaining: In person after age 16
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Information not available
Palestinian
Available
Fees: Two Jordanian dinars (JD) for the first card and 12 JD for a renewal
Issuing authority: Palestinian Authority
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Green cover. Laminated page that includes bio-data with a Palestinian eagle image in the background. Photo of the individual on the left. The bottom left has the MOI stamp that covers part of the photo. The identity cards contain information in both Arabic and Hebrew.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Manager of General Administration of Civil Status at the Palestinian MOI
Registration Criteria: The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority MOI issues identity cards for Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza. Applicants complete a form and it is stamped at a service office authorized by the Ministry of Justice.
Procedure for Obtaining: See above.
Comments: The national ID number on the document is generated by the Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank.
Israeli Police Criminal Information Certificates
Available
Fees: No fee
Document Name: Criminal Information Certificate
Issuing Authority: Israeli National Police (INP)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Seal from the National headquarters/ Blue and white/legal size.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Information transfer
Registration Criteria: Crime register and rehabilitation of offenders, Law of 1981
Procedure for Obtaining: Israeli citizens or Jerusalem ID holders must request an Israeli Criminal Information Certificate (ICIC). The certificate should be sent directly to the Consular Section. Applicants may request the certificate at their nearest police station or online at https://forms.gov.il/globaldata/getsequence/getHtmlForm.aspx?formType=criminaldocument@police.gov.il (instructions in Hebrew only). Former residents of Israel may apply in person at an Israeli consular or diplomatic mission, or online using the link above. For requests made online, applicants should specify the U.S. embassy or consulate where they are applying ( e.g., “U.S. Embassy Jerusalem”) as the requesting agency. The Israeli National Police will mail the certificate to the Immigrant Visa Unit at that embassy or consulate. If applicants have their certificates sent to U.S. Embassy Jerusalem even though they are applying elsewhere, U.S. Embassy Jerusalem will email the certificate to the Consular Section at the embassy or consular where they are applying upon request from the consular section.
Under normal circumstances, West Bank and Gaza applicants must apply for the Israeli Criminal Information Certificate (ICIC) from the Israeli DCO (Civil Liaison Office) nearest to their place of residence, or at the nearest Israeli Embassy if residing abroad. The Israeli DCO office is temporarily closed, however, applicants can hire a lawyer to apply for the ICIC in Israel on their behalf.
Palestinians must also apply for a Palestinian Non-Conviction Certificate from the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Justice in their place of residence (see below).
Palestinian Non-Conviction Certificate
Available
Fees: 15 NIS
Document Name: Non-Conviction Certificate
Issuing Authority: PA Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: circle stamp (National Justice Record), Blue
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Office General Manager name is printed, and the issuing officer’s signature is present.
Registration Criteria: Palestinian ID card required.
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants or their designated agents with a power of attorney must present themselves at the Palestinian Authority of Justice. The certificate is issued on the same day. For more details on how to apply for the Non-Conviction Certificate, please visit the Ministry of Justice website. The document must be retrieved in person by the applicant or a designated agent with a power of attorney. Applicants with a Palestinian ID may apply. The certificate is not obtainable outside of Gaza or the West Bank
Israeli
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Names: “Kitvei Ishoum” (Indictment), “Psak din” (Court resolution), “Gzar Din” (verdict),
Issuing Authority: The court were the trial took place (District Court, Magistrate Court, Supreme Court, Military court, Family court, Special Court)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The designated court seal appears on plain paper. There is no special format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge
Registration Criteria: Generally available 10 years after the case has been expunged, except in cases involving "serious" crimes, in which case they are available indefinitely.
Procedure for Obtaining: The court record may be obtained from either the Judicial Court or the Military Court where the trial took place. Applicants may request the court record through the following site gov.il.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Palestinian
Available
Fees: 1 Jordanian Dinar (JD)
Document Name: Court records
Issuing Authority: Court Registration Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Court seal, blue color
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Registry Officer
Registration Criteria: The petitioner submits the request to the appropriate court registration office in order to obtain a certified copy of the court record.
Procedure for Obtaining: See above
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Israeli Military Records
Available
Fees: Information not available
Document Name: Form 807, “Teudat Shikhrur”, or Form 830 “Teudat Ptor”
Issuing Authority: Israeli Defence Force (IDF)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Form 807 is issued digitally.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Israeli Defence Force
Registration Criteria: You may apply for these forms online by visiting the following website: ishurim.aka.idf. (Can only be accessed within Israel.)
Procedure for Obtaining: See above
Certified Copies Available: Information not available
Alternate Documents: In lieu of the military release, form AF435 may be requested from the Office of the Adjutant General, Ramat Gan, Israel. Israelis who have not served in the army should possess an exemption certificate (Teudat Ptor) or a similar document issued by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Israeli Passport and travel document
Available: All information regarding Israeli passports and travel documents can be found on the following site: gov.il
Issuing Government Authority: Both the Israeli Ministry of Interior and Israeli missions abroad issue passports and travel documents.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Israeli passports have a blue cover and are normally issued for ten years. In some cases, the validity of the passport is limited to one year (for example, for someone who lost several previous passports, or for minors).Recent immigrants to Israel carry a red cover "Israeli travel document in lieu of a national passport" issued for one to two years. Travel documents of this kind issued prior to July 2002 had an orange cover. Certain non-Israeli citizens (generally, Arab residents of East Jerusalem, Druze residents of the Golan Heights, or new immigrants not willing to renounce their current citizenship) also carry a red cover “Israeli travel document in lieu of a national passport" or laissez passer issued for a period of two years.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Clerk, Ministry of Interior
Registration Criteria: In person
Procedure for Obtaining: Applicants may request an appointment through the Israeli MOI website, gov.il.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: The Voluntary Repatriation Department of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority issues special travel documents for applicants with no status in Israel. This travel document serves only to one trip to leave Israel.
Palestinian Passports (West Bank and Gaza)
Available
Fees: 230 NIS
Document Name: Travel Document
Issuing Government Authority: The Palestinian Authority
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Diplomatic (red cover), regular (black cover), regular single use (black cover). Front cover – “The Palestinian Authority” appears on top in both Arabic and English, with an eagle in the middle. Underneath the eagle, “The Palestinian Authority” is written again in Arabic.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Manager of Passport unit/section at the Palestinian MOI
Registration Criteria: Applicants should present themselves at the MOI office in the city where they live. It takes one to three days to issue a passport; expedited passports may be issued in two hours.
Procedure for Obtaining: See above
Alternate Documents: Information not available
Exceptions: The PA issues only VIP and regular passports, not official or diplomatic passports. All VIP passports holders whose rank or position, as indicated in the passport or a supplemental diplomatic note, meets the definition of aliens eligible to receive diplomatic visas, as outlined in 9 FAM 402.3-10(C)(1), shall be considered to hold the equivalent of a diplomatic passport. All VIP passport holders whose rank or position, as indicated in the passport or a supplemental diplomatic note, does not meet the definition of aliens eligible to receive diplomatic visas, as outlined in 9 FAM 402.3-10(C)(1), shall be considered to hold the equivalent of an official passport. Consular officers may issue B1 visas in lieu of A or G visas, as appropriate, in PA VIP passports. As authorized in 9 FAM 303.7-4(B)(1), consular officers may waive fingerprinting for applicants holding PA VIP passports who are issued B1 visas in lieu of A or G visas. Furthermore, as required by 9 FAM 402.3-10(C)(1), consular officers are authorized to issue diplomatic-type visas to those PA VIP passport holders who have been determined to meet the definition of aliens eligible to receive diplomatic visas and may extend to them the appropriate associated courtesies accorded to all recipients of diplomatic-type visas.
Comments: 9 FAM 403.9-3(A)(1) states that travel documents issued by the Palestinian National Authority (PA) meet the definition of a passport. The only legitimate PA passports issued after June 2007 are those issued in Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus. Any PA passport issued outside of these areas should be considered fraudulent. Consular officers should be aware that all Palestinian diplomatic missions, including delegations to United Nations bodies, remain under the aegis of the Palestine Liberation Organization, not the Palestinian Authority. Please review the special clearance and issuance procedures for more information. As many Palestinians reside outside of West Bank and Gaza, several other governments in the region, including the governments of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Libya, issue travel documents to Palestinians. These documents generally state "Travel Document for Palestinian Refugees" on the cover. If these travel documents meet the definition of a passport as defined in INA 101(a)(30), the holders of these travel documents should be granted the same reciprocity as holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian authority.
Not applicable.
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Address:
6350 Jerusalem Place
Department of State
Washington DC. 20521-6350
Visa Services: ais.usvisa-info
Comments / Additional Information: il.usembassy.gov
Post Title: U.S. Embassy Branch Office
Address:
9700 Tel Aviv Place
Department of State
Washington DC. 20521-9700
Visa Services: ais.usvisa-info
Comments / Additional Information: il.usembassy.gov
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy Branch in Tel Aviv process nonimmigrant visas for residents of Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and provide Hebrew, Arabic, and Russian language support.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem handles all immigrant visa processing for residents of Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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