Effective immediately, the Israeli Ministry of Interior will issue multiple entry B-2 visitor visas for qualifying Indian business travelers. The visa may be valid for up to five years and authorize stays of up to 90 days. Generally, B-2 visitor visas for Indian nationals authorize a single entry of up to 30 days.

To qualify for the new long-term multiple entry visa, the following conditions must be met:

• The Indian national applicant must not perform any productive work while in Israel. Work activities may  include serving as the company’s permanent representative in Israel, supplying products, engaging in hands on manpower services, etc.
• The Indian national applicant must engage in permissible business activities, including attending business meetings, engaging in negotiations, participating in conferences, investing in Israel, etc.
• The sponsoring entity must be duly registered in the Indian  Company Registry for a minimum of six months prior to filing the B-2 visa application.

B-2 visitor visa applications must be filed at an Israeli consulate. Exact application requirements may vary for each consular post; however, for this type of application it is expected that Israeli consular authorities will give particular scrutiny to the sponsoring entity’s international presence and reputation, as well as the applicant’s prior stays in Israel.

Currently, Israeli consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore are authorized to issue the new long-term visa. Employers with Indian nationals who may qualify for this entry visa should consult their immigration provider prior to the employee’s travel.