The Israeli parliament has ratified a multiple-entry visa agreement with China under which Chinese business visitors and tourists can enter Israel multiple times with the same ten-year visa and vice versa. Until recently, both Israeli and Chinese tourists and business visitors had to obtain a single-entry visa for each trip. Visitors cannot conduct work under the visa, and may face penalties if they do.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to publish processing rules soon. Travelers can apply for the visa at their respective consular post.

Rules for Stay in Israel

Chinese nationals visiting Israel under this visa are limited to a three-month stay in Israel, subject to the border officials' discretion.

Rules for Stay in China

The Chinese immigration authorities have not yet determined the allowable duration of stay for Israeli nationals in China under the agreement.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Chinese and Israeli business travelers should benefit from the multiple-entry visa arrangement since they will no longer need to obtain a new visa for every entry. Interested travelers should contact their immigration professional for application instructions.

More information will be reported regarding Israeli nationals in China when it becomes available.

Fragomen worked closely with Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm (Israel) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to emea@fragomen.com.

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