Population and Immigration Authority
The Israel Knesset approved on March 19, 2024, a bill submitted by Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, that will allow the issuance of passports and identity cards through an application submitted online, without a personal presence at the Population and Immigration Authority.
Interior Minister Arbel explained that this is a step by the Population and Immigration Authority to improve service by providing a smart solution for a large part of the population.
In accordance with the approved law, established as a one-time order for six months (with provision for potential renewal of an additional six months), an adult citizen over the age of 18 who already has a biometric identification document and whose fingerprints have been saved in the biometric database, will be able to apply remotely and receive an identification document valid for up to five years (it will not be a 10-year passport).
This pilot program will enable the Population and Immigration Authority to examine the processes and results and determine the long-term viability of issuing biometric documentation via the Internet.
Important to know
- As of April 30, 2024, it will be possible to submit applications remotely via a form embedded on the website.
- The process will only be possible for those aged 18 and over.
- Issuance of a biometric passport using this online service will be possible for those who were issued a previous biometric passport that expired in the last six months or is valid for up to 1 year ahead.
- Issuance of a passport using this online service will be possible only for those between the ages of 21 and 60 years old who previously applied at the Population and Immigration Authority for biometric documentation.
- Anyone with a biometric passport or identity card, who approved the storage of fingerprints in the database at the time of the previous issuance, can submit an application remotely.
- Application approval will only be granted to those who are physically in Israel at the time of submission. The tracking system is always up to date, so anyone attempting to apply from outside of Israel may be blocked.
- The identity card or passport that will be issued will be biometric and valid for a maximum of five years.
