Israel Sunday enacted new visa requirements for visitors entering or exiting the West Bank. According to the new regulations, a foreigner who maintains a spousal relationship with a resident of the West Bank must apply for a visa permit. Spousal permits will be issued for a maximum term of one year and may be extended to an overall period not exceeding 27 months.

If the relationship starts after the foreigner has arrived in the specified area, then the appointed Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) official must be informed as part of the foreigner’s request to renew or extend the existing visa. The new regulations also include rules for students, lecturers, relatives, volunteers and consultants in unique disciplines, and senior employees with permits to work visiting the area.

Tom Nides, US ambassador to Israel, said he “continue[s] to have concerns with the published protocols, particularly regarding COGAT’s role in determining whether individuals invited by Palestinian academic institutions are qualified to enter the West Bank, and the potential negative impact on family unity.”

The new procedure will enter into force on October 20, 2022.