Israel Visa requirements & common rejection reasons for Chinese citizens

Planning a trip to Israel? If you’re a Chinese citizen, you’ll need to apply for the Israel B2 Visa before your trip.

Avoid rejection or delays and find out the available Israel visa types, common mistakes to avoid, and interview tips.

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Israel?

Yes, Chinese passport holders must apply for a visa before traveling to Israel.

Unfortunately, there is no ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) option for Chinese travelers, so you will need to go through the Israel embassy to get a traditional embassy visa.

Israel visa types for Chinese citizens

There are several visa categories available, but the most common ones include:

• B/2 Tourist Visa – For tourism, visiting family and friends, or short business trips.

• B/1 Work Visa – For individuals with a job offer in Israel.

• A/2 Student Visa – For those studying at an Israeli institution.

• A/4 Visa – For spouses and children of A/2 visa holders.

For most Chinese travelers, the B/2 Tourist Visa is the way to go.

How to get the Tourist (B/2) Visa in China

To apply for a B/2 Tourist Visa, you must submit your application through the Israeli Embassy in Beijing or designated consular offices in China.

Here’s what you need to do:

1️⃣ Complete the application form: Fill out the visa application form (available on the embassy’s website).

2️⃣ Gather documentation: Prepare the required documents and info (see the list below).

3️⃣ Schedule an appointment: Sometimes an interview is required (depending on your personal situation).

4️⃣ Pay the visa fee: Make sure your credit card is approved for international payments.

5️⃣ Submit your application: Wait for processing and pick up your passport.

💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, adds:

"Some countries do not recognize Israel as a separate state, so the visa is issued as a separate piece of paper to avoid issues with passport stamps for future travel."

For more details, visit or contact the Israeli Embassy in Beijing.

Do Chinese citizens need a visa interview to visit Israel?

Not always. In most cases, if your paperwork is in order, you won’t need an interview. However, if the embassy requires further clarification about your application, they may invite you for one.

If you are called for an interview, don’t worry. Just be honest and clear. Here are some typical questions:

Israel Visa requirements for Chinese applicants

To ensure a smooth application process, prepare the following documents:

✔️ Completed visa application form

✔️ Valid Chinese passport (with at least 6 months validity from the arrival date in Israel)

✔️ Recent passport-sized photos

✔️ Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, etc.)

✔️ Travel itinerary (flight and hotel bookings)

✔️ Invitation letter (if visiting family, business, or attending an event)

✔️ Health insurance coverage (recommended but not always required)

Israel Visa processing time and visa fees for Chinese citizens

Standard processing takes around 10–20 business days, but it’s always best to apply at least a month in advance.

➡️ Wang Li, a recent applicant shares her experience:

"I made the mistake of applying in peak season, and my Israel Visa application took 3.5 weeks! I almost missed my flight and tour."

The Israel Visa (B/2) fee is approximately CNY 250–500. Fees may change over time, so always check with the embassy for the latest rates.

Common rejection reasons for Chinese applicants

Unfortunately, some visa applications by Chinese citizens get denied for simple mistakes. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Incomplete or incorrect documents – Always double-check your paperwork before submission.

• Lack of proof of financial stability – You must show you can afford your trip.

• Unclear travel itinerary – Having a confirmed flight and hotel booking helps.

• Previous visa violations – If you overstayed in another country, it could raise red flags.

• Security concerns – Background checks are strict, and any discrepancies can lead to rejection.

💡Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert, adds:

"Visa denials can affect future travel to Israel or other countries. Always make sure to back up any information with proof and documentation."

Is it safe to travel to Israel from China right now?

We recommend checking the travel advisory of the Chinese Embassy in Israel before planning your trip due to the current political situation.

When traveling, be prepared for detailed questioning about your trip.

💡Michael Angelo from The Project Kosmos shares his experience:

"I was questioned for almost 4 hours at immigration since I’m a filmmaker traveling the world. It was intense, but once done, the rest of the process was smooth."

Check all entry rules for Israel in 2025 and make sure you're fully prepared.