GETTING YOUR TEUDAT MAAVAR &

DARKON

Israeli Travel Documents - Complete Guide for New Olim

UNDERSTANDING ISRAELI TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Israel issues THREE types of identification documents:

**1.        Teudat Zehut (זהות תעודת) **- Internal ID card (Israel only)

**2.        Teudat Maavar (מעבר תעודת) **- Travel document/Laissez-Passer (international)

**3.        Darkon (דרכון) **- Full Israeli passport (international)

This guide covers the two international travel documents: Teudat Maavar and Darkon.

PART 1: TEUDAT MAAVAR (LAISSEZ-PASSER)

WHAT IS TEUDAT MAAVAR?

**Full Name: **Teudat Maavar bimkom darkon leumi (לאומי דרכון במקום מעבר תעודת)

**Translation: **"Travel document in lieu of national passport"

**Common Names: **Laissez-Passer, Provisional Passport, Travel Document

**Color: **Red cover

**Validity: **Typically 5 years

**Visa-Free Access: **Approximately 50-61 countries

The Teudat Maavar is Israel's travel document issued to citizens who don't qualify for a full passport, confirming Israeli citizenship abroad.

WHO GETS TEUDAT MAAVAR?

All New Olim:

ï           During first year after aliyah: Can ONLY get Teudat Maavar (not Darkon)

ï           After first year: Get Teudat Maavar if haven't established residence

Israelis Who Don't Reside Permanently in Israel:

ï           Citizens who live abroad most of the time

ï           Citizens who don't meet residence requirements for Darkon

ï           Those who lost their passport multiple times

Other Categories:

ï           Citizens who choose Teudat Maavar over Darkon (personal preference)

ï           Non-citizen permanent residents (to'shav keva)

NEW JANUARY 2025 RULES - CRITICAL CHANGES

Effective January 22, 2025, major protocol updates:

First 3 Months After Aliyah:

ï           **CANNOT **receive Israeli travel document or passport at all

ï           Instead: Receive exit letter allowing travel on foreign passport

ï           This applies to both minors and adults

After 3 Months (90 Days):

ï           Eligible to apply for Teudat Maavar

ï           Must wait exactly 90 days OR 3 full months, whichever is longer

ï           Example: Aliyah on January 4 → Can apply April 5

Exit Permission (Ishur Yetziya):

ï           Requirement temporarily waived through December 31, 2025

ï           Will be required starting January 1, 2026

ï           For first 120 days, can travel on foreign passport with aliyah visa

ARLI Waiver:

ï           Olim who sign ARLI waiver only eligible for 5-year Teudat Maavar

ï           Cannot upgrade to Darkon later

WHEN CAN YOU APPLY?

Timeline:

Months 1-3:

ï           Cannot apply for ANY Israeli travel document

ï           Use foreign passport with exit letter

ï           Keep aliyah visa valid in foreign passport

Month 3+ (After 90 Days):

ï           Can apply for biometric Teudat Maavar

ï           Should apply as soon as eligible if planning international travel

ï           Book appointment at Misrad Hapnim

Month 12+ (After First Year):

ï           Can choose between Teudat Maavar (5 years) OR Darkon (1-5 years)

ï           Choice depends on residence requirements

HOW TO APPLY FOR TEUDAT MAAVAR

Step 1: Book Appointment

**When: **After 90 days from aliyah date

**Where: **Any Misrad Hapnim (Population and Immigration Authority) branch

How:

ï           Online: https://myvisit.com

ï           Phone: *3450

**IMPORTANT: **You can book at ANY branch nationwide, not just your local one.

Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/scheduling-appointments-for-government-offices/

Step 2: Gather Documents

Required Documents:

ï           ☐ Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) - MUST have permanent biometric version

ï           ☐ Valid foreign passport

ï           ☐ Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate)

ï           ☐ Israeli credit card for payment (or cash)

ï           ☐ Proof of address (utility bill, rental contract)

For Children Under 18:

ï           ☐ Both parents must be present OR

ï           ☐ Notarized consent from absent parent

ï           ☐ If parents not legally married: Both must consent in person (can come separately) **CRITICAL: **All family members requesting Teudat Maavar (including children) must be physically present at Misrad Hapnim.

Step 3: Complete Application

Options:

Option A - Online Application (Recommended):

1.        Complete application online at Misrad Hapnim website
2.        Pay fees online in advance
3.        Print completed forms
4.        Bring to appointment

Option B - At Branch:

1.        Fill out forms at Misrad Hapnim
2.        Pay at the branch
3.        Takes longer

**Application Form: **Available at https://www.gov.il (search for Teudat Maavar)

Step 4: Appointment Day

What Happens:

ï           Document verification

ï           Biometric photo taken (no need to bring photos)

ï           Fingerprint scan (if biometric version)

ï           Payment processing

ï           Forms signed

**Duration: **30-60 minutes typically

**Urgent Travel: **If traveling very close to 3-month mark and normal processing won't work:

ï           Bring copy of plane ticket to prove urgency

ï           Misrad Hapnim will expedite to issue before flight

ï           Go as soon as possible after 3-month mark

Step 5: Receive Your Teudat Maavar

Delivery:

ï           Mailed to home address on your Teudat Zehut

ï           Processing time: 7-14 days typically

ï           Verify address with Misrad Hapnim before applying!

ï           Biometric version (applied for in Israel): 5-year validity

ï           Non-biometric version (from consulates abroad): Shorter validity

FEES (2025)

Standard Fees:

ï           Adult (18+): 265-435 NIS depending on booking method

◦           265 NIS: Off-season, online booking

◦           335-435 NIS: In-office, summer, or without appointment

ï           Child (under 18): 141-270 NIS depending on age and booking method

Discounts:

ï           Soldiers: 50% discount (bring military ID in uniform)

Payment Methods:

ï           Israeli credit card (preferred)

ï           Cash

ï           Some branches accept checks

**Fee Updates: **Check current prices at Misrad Hapnim website

TRAVELING WITH TEUDAT MAAVAR

What You CAN Do:

Primary Use:

ï           Enter and exit Israel

ï           International travel to visa-free countries

ï           Proof of Israeli citizenship abroad

ï           Access to Israeli consular services worldwide

**Visa-Free Access: **Approximately 50-61 countries including:

Schengen Zone (Most Countries):

ï           Up to 90 days within 180-day period

ï           All Schengen countries EXCEPT Malta (visa required)

ï           Passport must be valid 3+ months from departure date

Other Visa-Free Destinations:

ï           Russia

ï           Japan

ï           Taiwan (90 days)

ï           Many EU countries

ï           Various others

**Complete List: https://pravoisrael.us/laissez-passer-list-of-countries/

What Requires VISA:

Countries Requiring Visa with Teudat Maavar:

ï           United Kingdom (since Brexit)

ï           United States

ï           Canada

ï           South Africa

ï           Argentina (as of May 2024)

ï           Australia

ï           New Zealand

ï           Albania

ï           Uzbekistan

ï           Thailand

ï           Macedonia

ï           Bahamas

ï           UAE (cannot enter even with visa; need 5-10 year Darkon)

ï           Many others

**CRITICAL: **Always verify visa requirements with specific country's embassy/consulate before booking travel. Visa-free access with Darkon does NOT automatically apply to Teudat Maavar.

Travel Considerations:

Advantages:

ï           No residence requirement in Israel (unlike Darkon)

ï           Can live/work abroad full-time

ï           Can buy property worldwide without restrictions

ï           Can register companies internationally as Israeli citizen

ï           Valid 5 years

Disadvantages:

ï           More limited visa-free access than Darkon (60 vs. 160 countries)

ï           May face additional scrutiny at borders

ï           Some countries may not recognize it

ï           Considered "provisional" document

ï           Cannot be issued at Israeli consulates abroad (biometric version)

PART 2: DARKON (ISRAELI PASSPORT)

WHAT IS DARKON?

**Full Name: **Darkon (דרכון)

**Translation: **Israeli National Passport

**Color: **Blue cover with gold Israeli emblem **Validity: **1, 5, or 10 years depending on residency **Visa-Free Access: **Approximately 160 countries **Global Ranking: **23rd most powerful passport

The Darkon is Israel's full biometric passport, serving as official identification for international travel.

WHO CAN GET DARKON?

Eligibility After First Year:

**Important: **As of July 10, 2023, new olim CANNOT receive Darkon during first year in Israel. This change was made to prevent "passport aliyah" (getting citizenship without intent to live in Israel).

Timeline for New Olim:

Year 1 (First 12 Months):

ï           Cannot get Darkon at all

ï           Only Teudat Maavar available (after 3 months)

After 1 Year:

ï           Can apply for 1-year Darkon IF:

◦           12 full months passed since aliyah date

◦           AND spent 75% of that time (9 months) physically in Israel

ï           If don't meet requirement: Get 5-year Teudat Maavar instead

After 1-5 Years:

ï           Can get 5-year Darkon IF:

◦           Spent 75% of time in Israel since aliyah

ï           If don't meet requirement: Get 5-year Teudat Maavar

After 5+ Years:

ï           Can get 10-year Darkon IF:

◦           Spent 36+ full months out of last 60 months in Israel (60% requirement)

ï           If don't meet requirement: Get 5-year Teudat Maavar

**Key Point: **Passport validity depends on time actually spent IN Israel, not just time since aliyah.

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED

What Counts as "Time in Israel":

ï           Physical presence in the country

ï           Days spent continuously

ï           Tracked by immigration stamps

ï           Verified by Misrad Hapnim

What Doesn't Count:

ï           Time abroad for any reason

ï           Business travel

ï           Family visits

ï           Tourism

ï           Medical treatment

How It's Calculated:

For 1-Year Passport:

ï           Must spend 75% of first year in Israel

ï           365 days × 0.75 = ~274 days minimum

ï           Can apply earliest: Day 366 after aliyah (even if stayed whole year)

For 5-Year Passport:

ï           Must spend 75% of time since aliyah in Israel

ï           Calculation from aliyah date to application date

For 10-Year Passport:

ï           Must spend 36 full months out of last 60 months in Israel

ï           Rolling 5-year calculation

ï           60% requirement (less strict than 75%)

Proof Required:

ï           Entry/exit stamps in foreign passport

ï           Flight records

ï           May be asked to provide documentation

HOW TO APPLY FOR DARKON

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before Applying:

ï           Calculate exact time in Israel

ï           Check if you meet residence requirements

ï           Confirm at least 1 year passed since aliyah

ï           Ensure biometric Teudat Zehut is valid

Self-Assessment:

ï           Review all entry/exit stamps

ï           Count days abroad vs. days in Israel

ï           Be honest - Misrad Hapnim will verify

ï           If unsure, apply anyway (worst case: get Teudat Maavar instead)

Step 2: Book Appointment

Same Process as Teudat Maavar:

ï           Online: https://myvisit.com

ï           Phone: *3450

ï           Any branch nationwide

**Appointment Required: **Walk-ins generally not accepted

Step 3: Documents Needed

Required:

ï           ☐ Biometric Teudat Zehut

ï           ☐ Valid foreign passport (with all stamps showing travel)

ï           ☐ Previous Israeli passport (if renewing)

ï           ☐ Israeli credit card for payment

ï           ☐ Proof of residence in Israel

May Also Need:

ï           ☐ Teudat Oleh

ï           ☐ Proof of time spent in Israel (if questioned)

ï           ☐ Employment verification

ï           ☐ Rental contract or property ownership

For Minors:

ï           Both parents must consent

ï           Both should be present or provide notarized permission

Step 4: Application Process

At Appointment:

1.        Document review and verification
2.        Residence requirement check
3.        Biometric photo taken
4.        Fingerprint scan
5.        Payment
6.        Form signing

Decision:

ï           If meet requirements: Approved for Darkon (1, 5, or 10 year)

ï           If don't meet requirements: Offered Teudat Maavar (5 year)

ï           Can accept or decline

Step 5: Receive Passport

Delivery:

ï           Mailed to address on Teudat Zehut

ï           Processing time: 10-14 days typically

ï           Can track online

ï           Must confirm receipt

Activation:

ï           May need online activation

ï           Follow instructions with passport

FEES (2025)

Darkon Fees:

ï           Adult (18+): 265-435 NIS

◦           265 NIS: Off-season, online booking

◦           335-435 NIS: In-office, summer, or without appointment

ï           Child (under 18): 141-270 NIS depending on age

Replacement Fees (Lost/Stolen):

ï           Higher fees for replacement documents

ï           Must file police report if stolen

Soldiers:

ï           50% discount with military ID

DARKON ADVANTAGES

Visa-Free Travel:

ï           Approximately 160 countries

ï           23rd most powerful passport globally

ï           Includes:

◦           All of Europe (Schengen + UK)

◦           United States (ESTA)

◦           Canada

◦           Australia

◦           Japan

◦           South Korea

◦           Most of South America

◦           Many more

Full Recognition:

ï           Recognized as full passport worldwide

ï           No "provisional" status

ï           Standard travel document

ï           Less scrutiny at borders

Validity:

ï           Up to 10 years (longest option)

ï           Don't need to renew as frequently

DARKON DISADVANTAGES

Strict Residence Requirements:

ï           Must maintain 60-75% time in Israel

ï           Risk losing renewal eligibility

ï           Constant monitoring of travel

ï           Must plan international trips carefully

Limited for Non-Residents:

ï           If move abroad: May only get Teudat Maavar at renewal

ï           Lose eligibility if don't maintain residence

ï           Hard to maintain if working internationally

TEUDAT MAAVAR VS. DARKON - COMPARISON

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU GET?

Choose Teudat Maavar If:

ï           Plan to live/work outside Israel significantly

ï           Want flexibility to travel without residence requirements

ï           Don't mind applying for visas to certain countries

ï           Visiting mainly Schengen/Europe

ï           Not planning to visit US/UK/Canada frequently

ï           Want to maintain Israeli citizenship while living abroad

ï           Business requires international base

Choose Darkon If:

ï           Planning to live in Israel permanently

ï           Need visa-free access to US/UK/Canada

ï           Want maximum visa-free travel options

ï           Can maintain 60-75% residence in Israel

ï           Willing to track and limit international travel

ï           Want full passport recognition everywhere

ï           Meeting residence requirements easily

Strategy for Many Olim:

Years 1-2:

ï           Get Teudat Maavar after 3 months

ï           Use for initial travel needs

ï           Establish life in Israel

Year 2+:

ï           If staying in Israel: Apply for Darkon

ï           If traveling extensively: Keep Teudat Maavar

ï           Reassess every renewal period

RENEWING YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Teudat Maavar Renewal:

**When: **Before 5-year expiration

Process:

ï           Same as initial application

ï           Book appointment at Misrad Hapnim

ï           Bring current Teudat Maavar

ï           Pay renewal fees

ï           NO residence requirement needed

Result:

ï           New 5-year Teudat Maavar issued

Darkon Renewal:

**When: **Before expiration (1, 5, or 10 years)

Process:

ï           Book Misrad Hapnim appointment

ï           Bring current Darkon

ï           Calculate residence time

ï           Pay renewal fees

Decision Based on Residence:

ï           **Met requirements: **Get Darkon again (5 or 10 year)

ï           **Didn't meet requirements: **Offered Teudat Maavar (5 year)

**Important: **If you don't meet residence requirements at renewal, you'll be downgraded to Teudat Maavar.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS

Lost or Stolen Travel Document

Immediate Steps:

1.        File police report (if in Israel)
2.        Contact nearest Israeli consulate (if abroad)
3.        Report to Misrad Hapnim
4.        Apply for replacement

Replacement:

ï           Higher fees apply

ï           Need police report

ï           May get temporary document first

ï           Multiple losses may affect future documents

Traveling During First 3 Months

Current Rules (Through December 31, 2025):

ï           Travel on foreign passport with aliyah visa

ï           First 120 days: Can exit and re-enter freely

ï           Don't need exit permission (Ishur Yetziya)

Starting January 1, 2026:

ï           Will need Ishur Yetziya to leave Israel

ï           Get at local Misrad Hapnim branch

ï           Or obtain at border when leaving

Urgent Travel After 3 Months

If need to travel immediately after becoming eligible:

ï           Go to Misrad Hapnim with plane ticket

ï           Request urgent processing

ï           Explain situation

ï           May expedite Teudat Maavar

Name Differences

If name on foreign passport differs from Teudat Zehut:

ï           Israeli documents will use Teudat Zehut spelling

ï           May cause issues at borders

ï           Consider keeping consistent spelling

ï           Can carry both documents showing name

COMMON QUESTIONS

**Q: Can I have both Teudat Maavar AND Darkon? **A: No, you get one or the other, not both simultaneously. You choose at application based on needs and eligibility.

**Q: Will Teudat Maavar affect my ability to get Darkon later? **A: No, having Teudat Maavar doesn't prevent future Darkon. Once you meet residence requirements, you can switch.

**Q: Can I travel to US with Teudat Maavar? **A: No, US visa required. Darkon holders get visa-free ESTA entry.

**Q: What if I'm not sure I meet residence requirements? **A: Apply anyway. Worst case: they offer Teudat Maavar instead of Darkon. Best case: you get Darkon.

**Q: Can I get Darkon at Israeli consulate abroad? **A: No, biometric Darkon must be issued in Israel at Misrad Hapnim. Consulates can only issue non-biometric temporary documents.

**Q: If I get Teudat Maavar, am I still Israeli citizen? **A: Yes! Both documents confirm full Israeli citizenship. Teudat Maavar is NOT a lesser citizenship.

**Q: Can dual citizens get Darkon? **A: Yes, Israel allows dual citizenship. Having another passport doesn't affect Israeli document eligibility.

**Q: How do airlines know which document I have? **A: Your Israeli travel document number is in your passport. Airlines see document type when checking in.

EXPERT TIPS

Before Aliyah:

ï           Research visa requirements for countries you'll visit

ï           Decide if you plan to live in Israel full-time

ï           Keep all travel records organized

ï           Understand residence requirements early

First 3 Months:

ï           Keep foreign passport valid

ï           Save all entry/exit stamps

ï           Track days in/out of Israel from day 1

ï           Plan when to apply for Teudat Maavar

After 3 Months:

ï           Apply for Teudat Maavar even if not traveling immediately

ï           Good to have before you need it

ï           Processing takes time

ï           Book appointment early

Tracking Residence:

ï           Keep spreadsheet of days in/out of Israel

ï           Photograph all passport stamps

ï           Save flight confirmations

ï           Document helps prove residence

At Renewals:

ï           Calculate residence time accurately

ï           Bring supporting documentation

ï           Be honest about travel

ï           Consider switching documents if needs changed

HELPFUL RESOURCES

Official Websites:

ï           Misrad Hapnim: https://www.gov.il

ï           Appointment Booking: https://myvisit.com

ï           Phone: *3450

Nefesh B'Nefesh Guides:

ï           Israeli Passport Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/obtaining-an-israeli-passport/

ï           Teudat Zehut Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/teudat-zehut-israeli-identification/

ï           Appointment Scheduling: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/scheduling-appointments-for-government-offices/

Support:

ï           NBN Answers: *3680

ï           Email: answers@nbn.org.il

Visa-Free Countries List:

ï           Teudat Maavar: https://pravoisrael.us/laissez-passer-list-of-countries/

ï           Updated regularly

COMPLETE TIMELINE SUMMARY

Month 0-3:

ï           No Israeli travel documents available

ï           Travel on foreign passport with exit letter

Month 3:

ï           Apply for Teudat Maavar (5 years)

ï           Must have biometric Teudat Zehut

Month 12:

ï           Can apply for Darkon (1 year) if met 75% residence

ï           OR keep Teudat Maavar (5 years) if prefer flexibility

Year 2-5:

ï           Can apply for Darkon (5 years) if met 75% residence

ï           OR renew Teudat Maavar (5 years)

Year 5+:

ï           Can apply for Darkon (10 years) if spent 36/60 months in Israel

ï           OR renew Teudat Maavar (5 years)

FINAL ADVICE

Getting your Israeli travel document is a significant milestone. Whether you choose Teudat Maavar or Darkon depends entirely on your lifestyle and plans.

Remember:

ï           Both confirm Israeli citizenship equally

ï           Neither is "better" - they serve different needs

ï           You can switch between them at renewals

ï           Residence requirements are strictly enforced

ï           Plan ahead for international travel

ï           Keep meticulous records

The most important thing is having a valid Israeli travel document so you can travel internationally while maintaining your Israeli citizenship.

Welcome to the world of Israeli travel documents!

Questions? Contact:

ï           Misrad Hapnim: *3450

ï           Nefesh B'Nefesh: *3680

ï           Your local Olim community

B'hatzlacha (Good luck) with your Israeli travel documents!

Updated on: 02/02/2026