
At a Glance
- Israeli consular posts in China, India and Turkey have suspended visa processing since June 26, 2019 until further notice.
- The impact is expected to differ in each country and foreign nationals applying for Israeli visas in the affected countries should check if their local visa application centers will process any pending or new applications.
The issue
Since June 26, 2019, Israeli consular posts have suspended visa processing in China, Turkey and India with some exceptions. The suspension is expected to continue until further notice from the State of Israel.
A closer look
- China. All Israeli visa applications submitted from the afternoon of June 26, 2019 are suspended except A/2 student visas. Applications submitted before the afternoon of June 26, 2019 will be processed, but applicants should expect delays. Foreign nationals can submit visa applications to TLS Contact Centres, however their applications cannot be transferred to the consular post for processing until further notice.
- India. All applications for B/2 – Tourism/Business/Conference Visit visas are suspended. The Israeli Visa Centre is still accepting applications for all other visa types (A/2 Student, A/4 Dependent, B/1 Expert, B/1 Caregiver, B/4 Volunteer).
- Turkey. All Israeli visa applications are suspended with the exception of student visas and health care employees.
Impact
Foreign nationals applying for Israeli visas in China, Turkey and India should check the official notice at their local visa application center before submitting applications and should expect delays in visa processing until the suspension is lifted.
Looking ahead
The service recovery time for affected visa applications has not been confirmed and the suspension is expected to continue until further notice. Fragomen will report on the suspension once further notifications are released.
Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China. Fragomen in India is Fragomen Immigration Services India (Pvt) Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in India. Fragomen worked closely with the Bener Law Office in Istanbul and with Kan-Tor & Acco Law Firm in Israel to prepare this alert. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.
Work authorization
Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals.
Brexit
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.
Awards
Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.
Video
In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.
Work authorization
Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses Middle East-based UHNW clients making short-term moves driven by schooling and timing considerations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.
Media mentions
Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala comments on a draft regulation restricting work for citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela in Poland during visa-free stays.
Awards
Partners Chris Spentzaris and Sasko Markovski, Practice Leader Sarah Tan and Counsel Robert Walsh are recognized by Best Lawyers in Australia for their work in immigration law.

