Israel Visa and Passport Photo in 2026: Requirements for Ukrainians
Israel
In short. For an Israeli visa at the consulate you need 2 identical colour photos 5×5 cm on a white background, full face, without glasses, taken within the last 6 months. For the passport (darkon) and teudat zehut the photo is 35×45 mm, but during in-person submission at the Population Authority it is taken on the spot free of charge.
- Visa at the Israeli consulate: 2 identical colour photos measuring 5×5 cm on a white background, full face.
- Passport (darkon) and teudat zehut: 35×45 mm format, face from chin to hairline 32-36 mm.
- When applying in person for a biometric passport/ID at the Population Authority (Misrad HaPnim), the photo is taken on the spot free of charge.
- A printed 35×45 mm photo is needed for a temporary passport (laissez-passer), young children and submissions from abroad.
- The photo must be recent (within 6 months), without glasses, with a neutral expression and without headwear (except religious).
Photo requirements for Israel depend on the document. For a visa (tourist, for repatriation/aliyah, study) the photo is submitted to the Israeli consulate. For a passport (darkon) and identity card (teudat zehut) — to the Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) already in Israel, where the biometric photo is usually taken on the spot.
Photo requirements
| Parameter | Visa (consulate) | Passport / teudat zehut |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 5×5 cm | 35×45 mm |
| Quantity | 2 identical | 1 (or taken on the spot) |
| Background | white | light grey or white, no shadows |
| Face | full face | from chin to hairline 32-36 mm |
| Colour | colour | colour |
| Recency | within 6 months | within 6 months |
Common rules for both documents: look straight into the lens, neutral expression (mouth closed, no smile), even lighting without shadows or glare, no glasses (except for confirmed medical reasons and without glare on the lenses). Headwear is not allowed, except in cases of religious beliefs — provided it does not cover the forehead and chin.
Please note: individual consulates and visa centres may require a slightly different size (for example, 5.5×5.5 cm or 2×2 inches), so before submitting, check the requirements of your specific consulate. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs standard is 5×5 cm.
Where to submit
- Visa: the consular section of the Israeli embassy. For aliyah and work employment a personal appearance is usually required; 2 photos of 5×5 cm are submitted together with the documents. A work visa is not issued at the consulate — the application is submitted by the employer to the Israeli Ministry of the Interior, and the consulate only issues the visa after approval, with the applicant appearing in person.
- Passport (darkon) and teudat zehut: in person at a bureau of the Population and Immigration Authority in Israel. When issuing a biometric document, the photo and other biometric data are captured on the spot free of charge — you do not need to bring a ready-made photo.
A printed 35×45 mm photo will be needed separately: for a temporary travel document (laissez-passer / teudat maavar), for young children and when the document is issued from abroad.
Why photos get rejected
- incorrect size (for example, 35×45 mm instead of 5×5 cm for a consular visa);
- grey, coloured or uneven background, shadows behind the head;
- smile, open mouth, tilt or turn of the head;
- glasses, glare on the lenses, hair on the face or eyes;
- outdated photo (older than 6 months) or a low-quality printout.
How to prepare the photo
First clarify the format: for a consular visa — 5×5 cm (2 copies), for a passport/ID — 35×45 mm. Photograph yourself full face under even light against a light plain background, without glasses or headwear, with a neutral expression. Check sharpness, the absence of shadows and glare, and that the face occupies the correct part of the frame. An online tool will automatically set the size, background and margins for the chosen document.
Related guides
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel — Application for work visa in Israel (photo: two photos 5×5 cm, white background)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel — Entry visa for visiting or touring Israel
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel — Issuance of travel documents (passport) for citizens and residents of Israel
- Population and Immigration Authority (gov.il) — Get a biometric identity card / documents (photo taken on site)
Questions
- What is the photo size for an Israeli visa?
- For submission through the Israeli consulate you need 2 identical colour photos measuring 5×5 cm on a white background, full face. This is the format stated on the official pages of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (embassies.gov.il). Individual consulates may require a different size (for example 5.5×5.5 cm), so check the requirements of your consulate.
- Do I need to bring a photo for a biometric passport (darkon)?
- No. When applying in person for a biometric passport or teudat zehut at the Population and Immigration Authority, the photo is taken on the spot free of charge. A ready-made 35×45 mm photo is only needed for a temporary travel document (laissez-passer), young children or submission from abroad.
- Can I be photographed wearing glasses?
- No. Glasses must be removed. The exception is confirmed medical reasons, and even then there must be no glare on the lenses, and the eyes must be clearly visible.
- What background should the photo have?
- For a visa — a white background. For a passport and teudat zehut — a plain light grey or white background without shadows.