On January 22, 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Interior changed the instructions regulating the issuance of Darkons to new repatriates.
It is now possible to obtain a Dakron for a spouse whose family (husband and children) permanently resides in Israel but is forced to be away from the country for an extended period.
The applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Simultaneous or sequential repatriation of the family (in a short period) occurred more than a year ago;
- One of the spouses is forced to spend most of the time outside of Israel due to work needs, and his/her income is the source of income for the entire family;
- The second spouse and minor children reside in Israel permanently.
If the above conditions are met, the breadwinner spouse is eligible to apply to the Ministry of Interior for a 5-year travel document (Darkon).
Other Important Changes:
- A citizen who made Aliyah more than one year ago but less than five years ago will be eligible to apply for a five-year Darkon, provided they have spent at least 60% of this period in Israel. In the previous version of the guidelines (as of July 2023), the requirement was 75% of the time.
- A repatriate who made Aliyah more than a year ago but had not previously lived in Israel long enough to qualify for a Darkon may now apply for a five-year Darkon, provided they have spent at least 60% of the past year in Israel (a little over seven months).
In the previous version of the guidelines, this option also existed, but the requirements were much stricter: applicants were required to have spent 100% of the year (365 days) in Israel, and the Darkon was only issued for one year.
What Kind of Darkon Does a New Repatriate Receive?
In the first year from the date of Aliyah, a citizen can only apply for a teudat maavar (laissez-passer) valid for five years. There is no option to apply for a Darkon during this period.
How Can a Repatriate Obtain a Darkon for 10 Years?
An applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be a repatriate who made Aliyah more than five years ago;
- Live in Israel for at least three years (36 full months) within any five-year period from the date of Aliyah.
If the applicant have ever been issued a 10-year darkon, they retain the right to receive it in the future, regardless of their place of residence. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs system must include a corresponding record in their file, as stated in the official guidelines.
Holders of a 10-year Darkon also have the option to apply for an ESTA, which allows visa-free entry to the United States.
