Israel Reduces Online Passport Fees for Winter Season

The Population and Immigration Authority of Israel has lowered the cost of obtaining foreign travel documents for citizens applying online during the winter months. The new, reduced fees went into effect on Sunday, November 1, and will remain valid until February 28, 2027. This initiative aims to ease the workload at the authority's offices before the busy spring and summer tourist seasons by encouraging Israelis to renew their passports in advance.

To qualify for the discounted rate, applicants must use the government's digital platform. Adults applying online will pay 185 shekels for their first passport (darkon) or a replacement for an expired one, a significant reduction from the standard 290 shekel fee, resulting in a saving of 105 shekels. This discount applies to both biometric passports and temporary laissez-passer documents for eligible individuals.

The authority stressed that the reduced prices are exclusively for cashless online payments. Payments made at an office terminal or cashier will be charged at the full standard rate. After completing the online payment, applicants must schedule an in-person appointment at a local branch to provide biometric data and finalize the process.

The fee paid remains valid for three years from the transaction date, allowing applicants to book an appointment even after the winter discount period ends. This seasonal discount has become an annual practice to manage the surge in demand for passport renewals, which traditionally peaks before the Passover holiday and school breaks, often leading to appointment shortages and office congestion. The winter discount helps distribute applicant flow more evenly throughout the year. The standard pricing will resume on March 1.