Israel to Offer Discounted Passports This Winter

Israel will introduce a discounted passport issuance fee starting November 1, 2026, running until February 28, 2027. This initiative aims to assist citizens planning winter vacations and international travel for the upcoming year. The reduced fee for adults will be 185 shekels, a saving of 105 shekels compared to the regular price of 290 shekels. For minors, the cost will drop to 110 shekels from the usual 145 shekels, a difference of 35 shekels. Soldiers, reservists, and national service volunteers may be eligible for an even lower rate of 90 shekels, down from 145 shekels, representing a saving of 55 shekels. Eligibility for these reduced rates for military and national service personnel will be determined by information provided by the relevant authorities. Payments at the discounted rate can only be made online and must be completed by February 28, 2027. However, individuals who pay by this deadline can still complete the passport application process at a service center until the end of April 2027, meaning an in-person visit is not strictly required before the payment deadline. To schedule appointments for passport or ID card issuance, citizens are advised to use the Govisit application, with recommendations to book in advance and check for available slots, particularly on Thursday mornings when more options may appear. Self-service stations are also available and may expedite the process. Those planning immediate travel abroad are urged to check their passport validity and appointment availability to avoid last-minute delays and take advantage of the discounted period.