Immigration & Aliyah

Can a foreign national extend their stay in Israel for medical treatment?

Yes. The Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952 gives the Population and Immigration Authority discretion to extend a B/2 visitor permit, and medical treatment is an accepted ground. The application is made at a PIBA bureau before the current permit expires, supported by a letter from the treating Israeli physician or hospital, a treatment plan with an expected end date, proof of who is paying, and private health insurance. Extensions are normally granted in blocks of up to three months and can be renewed while treatment continues. A companion or carer can apply on the same file, but no B/2 permit allows work.

The Entry into Israel Law gives the Minister of the Interior discretion over visas and permits, and PIBA exercises that discretion through published internal procedures. A B/2 visitor permit is the standard status for someone entering for a defined, non-employment purpose, and medical care fits within it. Bureaus look for a treatment plan with a foreseeable end point, because an open-ended stay drifts toward de facto residence and is refused on that basis. Where treatment runs past the cumulative period a local bureau may approve, the file escalates to district or headquarters level, and in exceptional cases to the inter-ministerial humanitarian committee.

Timing decides most of these applications. Apply while the current permit is still valid, because a person who has already fallen out of status is handled under the overstay rules, with a fine and a possible entry ban. Bring original medical documentation with a Hebrew or English summary, evidence that the hospital has been paid or that insurance is in force, and a written undertaking from the Israeli relative hosting the patient. Israel's public health funds do not cover visitors, so treatment is billed privately and hospitals normally require a deposit before admission. Keep copies of every receipt, since PIBA asks for proof of funding at each renewal.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952, Sections 2 and 6; Entry into Israel Regulations 5734-1974
  • Competent authority: Population and Immigration Authority (Rashut HaOchlusin VeHaHagira), bureau in the district where the patient is staying
  • Fee: visitor permit extension approximately NIS 175 per application (2026)
  • Duration: extensions usually granted for up to 3 months at a time, renewable while treatment continues
  • Required documents: treating physician's letter, treatment plan and expected duration, proof of funding or insurance, passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Restrictions: no employment permitted on a B/2 permit, and public health fund (kupat holim) cover is not available to visitors

From the full guide: Visa Extension in Israel: How to Stay Legally Beyond Your Permitted Period


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