Initial Prep Stage
So I decided to visit Israel this spring. First step? Diving into the visa mess. Scanned official sources for hours – tourist visa? Business? Ended up on the tourist application path.
The Form Monster
Downloaded that beastly PDF application. Filled in every stupid detail: past jobs, mom’s maiden name, travel history from the last decade. Accidentally hit save wrong once and almost lost everything. Tip: Save after every section.
- Photo Drama: Took ten selfies against a white wall before one finally passed. Cropping tool practically needed a PhD.
- Proof Panic: Bank statements? Flight itinerary? Hotel booking? Printed everything.
- Fee Stress: Payment portal crashed mid-transaction. Had to restart.
Submission Circus
Went to the visa center at 8 AM sharp. Lines already snaking out the door. Saw three people get turned away for forgetting printouts. Clerk scanned my docs silently while I held my breath. Finally got the receipt. Relief lasted five minutes until tracking said “Under Processing.”
The Waiting Game
Checked that damned tracking link daily for two weeks. Nothing changed. Day 16? Status flipped to “Decision Made.” Heart almost stopped. Courier envelope arrived next morning. Ripped it open – visa stamp sitting pretty inside.
Afterthoughts
Whole process took almost three weeks. Would’ve collapsed if I hadn’t:
- Triple-checked the photo specs
- Brought photocopies of EVERYTHING
- Paid fees two days early
Not “easy” like those clickbait blogs promised. Just doable if you obsess over every freaking checkbox. Still glad I did it myself.
