
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
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood and Senior Associate Kimberley Ong explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood and Senior Associate Kimberley Ong explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.
Media mentions
Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.
