How to Apply for an Israel Visa in Tulsa

From the ancient religious landmarks of the Holy Land to the innovative technological center of Tel Aviv, tourists and businesspeople from the Tulsa area and other towns throughout Oklahoma find plenty of reasons to visit Israel.

“At the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa – both geographically and culturally – Israel and the Palestinian Territories have been a meeting place of cultures, empires and religions since history began,” Lonely Planet reported (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories). “Few places on earth stir up passion the way that Israel does: the breathtaking beauty of its hills and valleys, the eerie stillness of the Dead Sea, the multi-colored canyon of Makhtesh Ramon, and the ancient walls and pathways of Nazareth and Jerusalem” the publication also noted. “The call of the muezzin and the quiet prayers of Orthodox Jews at the Western Wall reflect how the religious devotion of the Muslims, Christians, and Jews who live here runs through every facet of life.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/israel)

The State of Israel is located in a region of the Mideast also known as Palestine, the Land of Israel, and Canaan.  Israel borders Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, as well as the Mediterranean, Red, and Dead seas.  The country also occupies the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.  Israel is the only country in the world where Jews comprise the majority of its population, accounting for more almost three-fourths of its 9.9 million people.  However, with its central location in the volatile Mideast region and continuing armed conflicts both within and outside its borders, the U.S. State Department advises visitors to “reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest.” It also advises no travel to “Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict” nor to “Northern Israel within four kilometers/2.4 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to Israel’s continued military presence and activity.” (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.html)

Civilization in the Israeli region dates back more than 4,000 years when it was known as Canaan and later as the Kingdom of Israel.  For centuries afterwards, the area was ruled for centuries by empires ranging from the Romans to the Ottomans.  The Zionist movement in the late 1800s advocated establishing a Jewish homeland, sparking a series of Jewish migrations to what was then known as Palestine.  After World War I, Great Britain took control of Palestine and established a Jewish state under its protection -- despite the objections of Arabs living in the region and neighboring countries.  In 1948, the independent State of Israel was established as a Jewish nation, sparking decades of armed regional conflicts that continue today.

Despite heavy military spending and frequent wars, Israel has built the most advanced country and economy in West Asia and the Middle East, with GDP approaching $560 billion.  Its high-technology industry is considered on par with Silicon Valley, with the world’s second largest number of startups (behind the United States) and third-largest number of NASDAQ-listed companies (trailing only the U.S. and China).  High-tech and industrial manufacturing are major drivers of the economy, with agriculture contributing less than 3% of GDP.  Natural resources are scarce, although diamond cutting and polishing account for 21% of exports.

“Israel has a strong economy, led by an export-oriented high-tech sector and a spirit of innovation that attracts interest from U.S. companies looking for investment, acquisition, and partnership opportunities,” the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) stated. “The market is primed for imports from U.S. manufacturers of high-end equipment with technological advantages over competition and for U.S. components that can be integrated into Israeli systems, either for domestic use or for re-export.” (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/israel-market-opportunities) Top sectors for U.S. exports and investment from Tulsa-based companies include agriculture, aerospace and defense, energy, environmental technology, healthcare, information and communication technology, and safety and security, ITA added.  The technology sector is of particular interest to investors from India, China, and other countries. 

Travel and tourism contributed 4.6% of Israel’s GDP in 2024, reaching a record $23.9 billion and supporting 237,400 jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).  The United States has been the top source for visitors to Israel for several years, WTTC noted.  The most visited city in Israel is also the country’s largest: Jerusalem.  One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is a holy city to three major religions -- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – and a major center of religious and historic sites.  The most popular draw for Tulsa-based travelers visiting Jerusalem for religious purposes is the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) in Old Jerusalem, one of Israel’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Other popular tourist sites include Mount Zion, the traditional resting place of King David; Ein Karem, considered the birthplace of John the Baptist; various locations proposed as the Tomb of Jesus; and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum.

The capital city of Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan, cultural and financial global city.  Known as the “city that never sleeps” because of its vibrant nightlife scene, Tel Aviv features popular Gordon Beach on the Red Sea and the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage area featuring Bauhaus architecture.  Other UNESCO sites include the ancient fortress of Masada; the caves of Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park; the incense routes of the Negev; and the old city of Acre on the Mediterranean Sea.  Leading museums include the Israel Museum and Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space in Haifa.  Another must-see is the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa, where formal gardens cover 19 steep terraces to reach a domed shrine.  The Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem and Jaffa Flea Market in Tel Aviv offer fruits, vegetables, clothing, and souvenirs.

While Israel is best known for historic and religious attractions, it also offers plenty of outdoor attractions and ecotourism opportunities for residents of the Tulsa area.  It has 67 national parks and 190 nature preserves, such as the desert spring at Ein Gedi, near Masada and the Dead Sea.  Hiking trails abound: the 55-mile Sea to Sea trail links the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee, while the 40-mile Jesus trail winds from Nazareth to the River Jordan.  The Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Sea of Galilee are known for sunny beaches and hotel resorts, with the Red Sea drawing scuba divers and snorkelers to its coral reefs. “The lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea (431 meters below sea level) brings together breathtaking natural beauty, compelling ancient history and modern mineral spas that soothe and pamper every fiber of your body,” Lonely Planet noted.

 

Requirements for Entering Israel

Citizens of the United States and foreign residents are required to obtain permission to enter Israel.  Citizens of countries that are exempt from Israeli visa requirements (including U.S. citizens) can obtain an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) for short-term tourism and business travel.  Those who do not hold national passports from visa-exempt countries, plus those traveling for other reasons, need to apply for an e-Visa or for an embassy-issued visa.  While many countries are exempt from visa requirements, others (including China and India) are not.  Visit https://www.gov.il/en/departments/dynamiccollectors/ashrotzarim?skip=0 for a list of visa-exempt countries.

The main requirement to obtain an ETA or a visa is holding a passport valid for at least three months beyond your arrival date and containing at least one blank page.  Visa applications require several other documents, such as digital photos and proof of health insurance.  Visit https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/visa-option/ to determine which option is best for you and for a description of additional requirements and documents for each type of visa.

 

Option 1: Apply Online for Israel ETA-IL (Visa-Exempt Countries)

Since January 2025, passport holders from visa-exempt countries have been required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization for short-stay visits to Israel for tourism and business purposes.  The ETA-IL is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows you to stay in Israel for up to 90 days per visit.

The process to apply for the ETA is completely online and straightforward.  You must have a valid passport and a working email address to apply.  Each person in your party must obtain an ETA; parents can submit applications for their minor children.  The government encourages applicants to fill their paperwork at least 72 hours before departure from the U.S.

  • Check your eligibility with the tool at https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/eligibilitynational/. If you are not eligible for the ETA, you will need to obtain a traditional visa using the process described in the next section.
  • Fill out your online application. The application includes information about the purpose and duration of your trip; passport details; personal data; and any previous trips to Israel.
  • Pay the ETA fee of 25 Israeli shekels (about $7 US).
  • Submit your application.
  • Health Insurance.  Although not required for the ETA-IL, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Israel.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.

You will receive a response through your email.  Most applicants get an immediate response, although it can take up to 72 hours to process some forms.  You will either be informed whether your ETA application has approved, denied, or needs additional information to process.  If approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to your passport.  If you do not have an approved ETA or visa, you will not be allowed to board an airplane to Israel.  Detailed FAQs about the ETA can be found at https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/get-help/.

 

Option 2: Apply Online for Israel e-Visa (Non-Visa-Exempt Countries)

Citizens of non-visa-exempt countries living in the Tulsa area who plan to short visits to Israel can apply online for an e-Visa.  The e-Visa/B2 allows you enter Israel one time and stay for up to 90 days for purposes of tourism, medical tourism, business meetings, or short-term non-academic study.  The visa is valid for up to 90 days after issue and the fee is 100 shekels (about $27).  The validity period is determined by the consulate; length of stay is set by Border Control when you arrive in Israel.

To apply for the e-Visa, you must have:

  • A passport issued by a non-visa-exempt country that is valid at least through the end of your stay.
  • Current passport photo.
  • Round trip ticket.
  • Health insurance for the trip valid in Israel. (NOTE: Visa Supply can help you obtain travel health insurance.)
  • Proof of residence in Israel, such as hotel confirmation or letter from friends/family who will host you.
  • Proof of financial ability to support yourself during your stay, such as a bank statement, letter of approval from a bank, or similar document.
  • Depending on the purpose of your trip, you would need an invitation to participate in a conference, letter from an inviting sports affiliation, etc.

The application process is:

  • Gather all your supporting documents, plus a working email and valid phone number.
  • Complete the application (https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/apply-for-an-evisa-b2-1/). You will only have 30 minutes to complete the application once you begin, so make sure you gather all the necessary data and documents before you start.
  • Pay the handling fee using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
  • Receive a response via email within 10 days with either approval, denial, or a request for more information.

Step-by-step instructions and a link to FAQs can be found at https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/learn-about-evisa-b2/#. (NOTE: Although the process is online, the consulate may require you to visit the consulate or embassy serving your state for an in-person interview.  Consular office information can be found in the next section.)

 

Option 3: Apply In Person at Consular Office

Residents of the Tulsa area who are not eligible for the ETA-IL or e-Visa/B2 will need to obtain a traditional visa by making an appointment with the Israeli consular office that serves the state where you live and appear there in person.  The Consulate General of Israel in Houston, located in Greenway Plaza, serves residents living in Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma.  Israel has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and eight consulates across the country.  A complete list of U.S. diplomatic offices can be found at https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/dynamiccollectors/israeli-consular-services?skip=0&limit=10. (NOTE: Click through to the embassy/consulate website for your area, to confirm which embassy/consulate serves your state or territory.)

Israel offers several visa types beyond the short-term tourist and travel electronic visas listed previously. (See https://embassies.gov.il/washington/ConsularServices/Pages/Visa-Information.aspx).  They include:

  • Student temporary resident (A/2)
  • Work (B/1)
  • Foreign expert (B/1)
  • Volunteer (B/4)
  • Clergy (A/3)
  • Diplomatic
  • Investor

Applications can be found at https://www.gov.il/en/services?subject=certificates_and_passports under the boxes to the right side of the page. (For example, the tourist visa form can be found at https://new.embassies.gov.il/sites/default/files/media_upload/application_form_for_granting_an_entry_visa_to_israel-tourist.pdf.) Details about requirements vary among the different types of visas, and can be found at https://embassies.gov.il/washington/ConsularServices/Pages/Visa-Information.aspx.

The requirements for a visitor visa include:

  • Completed and signed application, downloaded from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website in the preceding paragraph.
  • For non-U.S. citizens applying in the United States, a copy of their permanent residence card (green card, scan front and back), or valid U.S. visa and Form I-94.
  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond the requested visa period.
  • Two recent passport-size (2x2 inch) color photographs.
  • Round-trip flight itinerary. (NOTE: You do not have to present plane tickets.)
  • Hotel reservation or other place of residence during your stay.
  • Health insurance valid during your stay in Israel.
  • Evidence of funds for your trip (last three bank statements).
  • Letter from your employer confirming you will return to work after your trip, or proof of self-employment.
  • Fee payment. (Consular fees vary by type of visa and your passport country, so check the government website.)

Other types of visas may have additional or fewer requirements.  For example, the temporary resident/student visa (A/2) requires your passport to be valid for one year beyond your visit end date, plus you must provide an original letter of acceptance for study at a recognized educational institution in Israel.  The work visa (B/1) requires a certified medical examination, fingerprints, and a “verified certificate of good conduct.”

Once you download and complete your application and gather your documentation, you must make an appointment to apply in person at the consulate or embassy serving your state.  Once you visit the consulate, it usually takes five to seven days to receive your visa.  The Houston consulate website is https://new.embassies.gov.il/houston/en/services.  The address and phone number are:

Consulate General of Israel in Houston
24 E Greenway
Houston, TX 77046
Tel: 832-301-3500

 

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Tulsa or anywhere in the state of Oklahoma and have difficulty applying for a visa or ETA to visit Israel, or require assistance with any part of the process, you can call our office at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment online at the link on this page.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Israel visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Israel.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.

We provide the following Israel visa services for our customers in Tulsa:

  • Israel Tourist Visa and ETA
  • Israel Student Visa
  • Israel Business Visa and ETA
  • Israel Family Visa
  • Israel Medical Insurance
  • Israel Hotel Accommodations
  • Israel Flight Tickets
  • Israel Tour Packages