A temporary passport, also known as an emergency passport, may allow for international travel when it is not possible to obtain a regular biometric passport in time. However, it is not an automatic solution for those who discover at the last minute that their passport has expired: issuance is subject to conditions, presentation of documents, and the discretion of the Population and Immigration Authority.
In this guide, we will explain where you can apply for a temporary passport, what you need to bring, the difference between the offices and Ben Gurion Airport, and what must be checked before arriving.
What is a Temporary Passport?
A temporary passport is a non-biometric travel document issued in exceptional cases where there is an urgent need and it is not possible to wait for the issuance of a regular passport. It is also known as an emergency passport.
The validity of a temporary passport is shorter than that of a regular biometric passport. According to government information, the temporary passport is usually issued for a limited period, and it is important to check the exact validity that will appear on your document.
Who Can Obtain a Temporary Passport?
The Population Authority does not commit to issuing a temporary passport to every applicant. An urgent need must be demonstrated, and the conditions published on the official website must be met. The decision is made after reviewing the application and documents.
Circumstances that may be relevant include an urgent medical or humanitarian case, the death of a relative abroad, an urgent mission, or an imminent trip that could not have been planned in advance. The list and conditions may be updated, so it is important to check the official page of the Population Authority before arriving.
A close flight ticket alone does not guarantee that the application will be approved. Even after paying the fee, issuance is subject to the authority’s review.
Where to Obtain a Temporary Passport?
An application for an emergency passport can be submitted at several designated offices of the Population Authority as well as at the office at Ben Gurion Airport, according to the published conditions and operating hours.
Temporary Passport at Population Authority Offices
At authorized offices, the passport is not necessarily delivered on the spot. The government website states that the issuance process may take up to a week from the date of application submission. Therefore, those whose flight is several days away should check if a designated office is the appropriate option and not wait until the last minute.
Temporary Passport at Ben Gurion Airport
The Population Authority office at Ben Gurion Airport provides service in emergency cases for travelers who meet the conditions. According to the government appointment scheduling system, the service at Ben Gurion is provided without an appointment, and it is recommended to arrive after paying the fee.
Operating hours may vary on Friday evenings, holidays, special occasions, or due to malfunctions. It is advisable to check them on the day of arrival on the official page of the Population Authority office at Ben Gurion Airport. Do not rely on hours previously mentioned on a news site or social media.
What is needed to issue a temporary passport?
The required documents may vary according to the applicant’s age, the reason for the request, and the status of the previous passport. In most cases, you should prepare with:
- An Israeli identity card.
- The previous passport, if it is in your possession.
- Two printed, recent, and identical passport photos, according to the authority’s requirements.
- A flight ticket or proof of upcoming travel.
- Documents proving urgent circumstances.
- Proof of fee payment.
- In the case of a minor, the parents’ documents and consents according to the authority’s requirements.
If the passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, a declaration, additional documents, and a different fee may be required. It is recommended to read the requirements for your specific case in advance.
How much does a temporary passport cost?
The fee for a temporary passport is generally higher than that for a regular biometric passport, and at Ben Gurion Airport, it may be higher than the fee at the office. Rates are updated, so it is not advisable to rely on a price listed in an old article.
Before arriving, check the updated fee schedule of the Population and Immigration Authority and pay through the appropriate official channel. Keep the payment confirmation on your phone and as a file that can be opened without an internet connection.
Is the temporary passport issued on the spot?
At Ben Gurion Airport, when the request is approved and all conditions are met, the issuance is intended for emergency cases close to the flight. However, there is no commitment to a fixed processing time, and approval is not guaranteed.
In other offices, the document is not necessarily issued on the spot, and processing may take up to a week. It is advisable to check in advance which office provides the service and what the expected processing time is.
Does every country accept a temporary passport?
Not necessarily. Countries and airlines may have different requirements regarding the type of travel document, its validity, the number of blank pages, and the period remaining until its expiration.
Before issuing a temporary passport, check with the destination country’s embassy or its official website if the document is accepted and if a visa is required. Additionally, it is recommended to obtain confirmation from the airline that it allows boarding with the document.
A transit country during a connection may also have its own requirements. Check all countries on the route, not just the final destination.
Temporary passport for children and minors
A request for a minor requires presence and consent according to the family status and the procedures of the Population Authority. The requirements differ when parents are married, divorced, separated, or when one of them cannot attend.
Do not arrive at Ben Gurion Airport with a child before checking which parents are required to be present and what documents or approvals are necessary. The absence of a single document may prevent processing.
What to Do if the Passport is Lost or Stolen?
Report the loss or theft and follow the authority’s guidelines. You may be required to fill out a declaration and pay an additional fee. If the passport is lost abroad, contact the nearest Israeli representation and not the office in Israel.
A passport reported as lost or stolen may be canceled, and it cannot be assumed that it will be usable if found later.
What to Check Before Traveling to Ben Gurion Airport?
- That the flight is indeed taking place and the ticket details are correct.
- That you meet the conditions for submitting an emergency request.
- That you have an ID card, photos, and all supporting documents.
- That the fee has been paid and you have kept the payment confirmation.
- What the current operating hours of the office are.
- That the destination country and the connection accept a temporary passport.
- That the airline approves boarding with the document.
- That you have allowed enough time for processing and security checks.
It is also recommended to contact the Population Authority’s service center before heading to the airport. A representative can refer you to official information, but the final decision is made during the application process.
Temporary Passport or Biometric Passport?
If the trip is not urgent, it is preferable to issue a regular biometric passport. It is issued for a longer period, its fee is usually lower, and it prevents the need for another renewal shortly after the trip.
A temporary passport is intended for emergencies and not as a permanent alternative for pre-planning. Immediately after returning from the trip, it is advisable to schedule an appointment and apply for a biometric passport.
How to Avoid the Problem Next Time?
- Check the validity of your passport before purchasing a flight ticket.
- Verify the validity requirements of the destination country and the transit country.
- Set a reminder several months before the passport expires.
- Do not wait for the summer season or holidays to schedule an appointment.
- Ensure the name on the flight ticket matches the name on the passport.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Passports
Can a Temporary Passport Be Issued Without a Flight Ticket?
An emergency request requires proof of urgent need. At Ben Gurion Airport, a close travel date and appropriate documents must be presented. Full conditions are available on the Population Authority’s website.
Is an Appointment Required for a Temporary Passport at Ben Gurion Airport?
According to the government service system, the service at the Ben Gurion Airport office is provided without an appointment. It is advisable to check before arrival for any changes and to verify operating hours.
How Long is a Temporary Passport Valid?
The passport is issued for a limited validity, usually shorter than that of a biometric passport. It is important to check the validity printed on the document and the requirements of the destination country.
Does Paying the Fee Guarantee Approval of the Application?
No. Issuance is subject to conditions and the discretion of the Population Authority. Payment alone does not constitute approval.
Can You Travel to Any Country with a Temporary Passport?
Not necessarily. It is essential to check in advance with the destination country, transit countries, and the airline.
The information in this article is general and procedures may change. Before arriving at the office or Ben Gurion Airport, check the latest information on the Population and Immigration Authority’s website.
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