Investors' Questionnaire

Middle East / N. Africa - Jerusalem

February 29 2008

The American Consulate has received reports that some investors are having problems obtaining visas to enter the West Bank and/or visa extensions. This is despite the Government of Israel’s March 2007 visa policy stating that investors may be granted a three month entry visa valid for extension up to 27-months.

While the American Citizen Services section frequently speaks with tourists, professors and volunteers about visa issues, we’ve had limited feedback from businessmen. If any member of OSAC has experienced difficulties while trying to enter as a businessman or investor, we’d like to hear from you.

Information that you provide will be used to compile statistics for presentation to the Israeli Ministry of the Interior. Confidentiality will be protected unless you grant express permission for us to share your story.

Please send an email to jerusalemacs@state.gov with a subject line reading: OSAC Investor or call us at 02 622 7214 and explain any difficulties you’ve had either in obtaining the initial visa or the extension, include in your email as many of the following details as possible:

Have you ever been issued an Israeli Visa? If yes, what type of a visa? For how long?

Approximately how many times have you been issued an Israeli visa?

Have you ever hired a lawyer to help you in obtaining / renewing your Israeli visa? Was this successful?

What is your area of business or investment?

In your point of view, what obstacles do you face in obtaining or renewing your Israeli visa? What is the best way to address this problem?

How does the visa policy affect your investment and the economy in the West Bank in general?

May we share your story with the Government of Israel?