Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) announced on March 19, 2026, that all visas expiring during April and May 2026 will be automatically extended by three months. The extension is automatic — there is no need to visit a PIBA office. This is the second round of automatic visa extensions since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion (מבצע שאגת הארי), Israel’s military response to the conflict with Iran that began on February 28, 2026.
Which Visas Are Covered#
The following visa types are included in the automatic extension:
- B/1 – General Work Visa: The most common visa for Asian workers in Israel, covering agriculture, construction, caregiving, and other sectors
- B/2 – Tourist Visa: For visitors currently in Israel on tourist visas
- B/4 – Volunteer Visa: For those volunteering through recognized organizations
- A/1 – Temporary Resident Visa: For temporary residents
- A/2 – Student Visa: For students currently studying in Israel. Important: Agricultural trainees are excluded from this extension
- A/3 – Clergy Visa: For religious workers and clergy members
- A/4 – Companion Visa: For family members accompanying visa holders
- A/5 – Temporary Resident Visa: For long-term temporary residents
- DCL permit: For family reunifications and humanitarian cases
- Inter-visa: For workers between visa assignments
What This Means in Practice#
The extension is applied automatically by PIBA. You do not need to take any action, visit any office, or submit any paperwork. Your visa is extended by exactly three months from its original expiration date.
For example, if your visa was set to expire on April 15, 2026, it is now valid until July 15, 2026. If your visa expires on May 30, 2026, it is extended to August 30, 2026.
Keep your existing visa document — it remains your proof of legal status. The extension is recorded in PIBA’s systems automatically.
Previous Extension Round#
This is the second round of automatic extensions. On March 2, 2026, PIBA announced that visas expiring between February 22 and March 31, 2026 would be extended by three months. That announcement also covered approximately 4,600 inter-visas for workers who were abroad at the time, extending them through April 30, 2026.
The new March 19 round covers visas expiring in April and May 2026, ensuring continued coverage as the security situation continues.
Background: Operation Roaring Lion#
The visa extensions are part of Israel’s broader emergency measures during Operation Roaring Lion (מבצע שאגת הארי), the military operation responding to the conflict with Iran that began on February 28, 2026.
During this period, PIBA offices are open only for emergency services between 8:00 and 12:00, and visits require an appointment. Israel’s airspace has been subject to closures, affecting the ability of foreign workers to enter and leave the country by air. Workers can still enter Israel through land border crossings.
PIBA has also been conducting webinars for Filipino and Sri Lankan workers to provide safety information and guidance during the security situation.
If Your Visa Type Is Not Listed#
If your visa type does not appear on the list above, contact PIBA directly:
- Phone: 3450* (from within Israel)
- Website: gov.il
- PIBA Telegram: @pibaIsrael
Note that A/2 visa holders who are agricultural trainees are not covered by this extension. If you hold an A/2 visa, check whether your specific category is classified as a student visa or an agricultural trainee visa. Most Thai workers in Israel hold B/1 work visas, which are fully covered, but some may be on agricultural trainee visas that are not included.
Sources: PIBA official Telegram channel, gov.il visa extension announcement (March 2, 2026), PIBA official WhatsApp channel (March 19, 2026)
