Ben Gurion Airport is relatively empty of passengers during this period due to the war, and the numbers are reminiscent of, or even lower, those at the height of the COVID-14 pandemic. On Tuesday, a total of <>,<> passengers passed through Ben Gurion Airport, about half of them departing from Israel.
Despite the low numbers, the Population Authority announced the introduction of the winter tariff for issuing passports, a new rate that in certain situations will reduce the issuance of a passport by more than NIS 100, a step that can save hundreds of shekels per family.
Unusual congestion at Ben Gurion Airport on the third day of the war // Photo: Elegant Abroad
According to the new tariff, which will take effect from midnight tonight and will be valid for online payers, anyone who wants to issue a first passport or renew a passport (without theft or loss) will pay NIS 165 instead of NIS 280. The price for the same operation for minors drops from NIS 150 to NIS 100.
The prices of issuing passports at Ben Gurion Airport are also falling, and issuing or renewing a first passport will cost NIS 760 instead of NIS 875, when here too this is a renewal that does not include theft or loss. There are also discounts for those who have lost their passport or had their passport stolen, but in any case the cost of renewal will be higher than renewal due to the expiration of a passport.
Israeli passport, photo: Rafael Ben Ari
The Population Authority clarifies that there are also double discounts for soldiers included on the IDF's list. Reservists are also included in the discounts, but it is important to check the issue in advance because there are different criteria for this, and not every reservist is entitled to double the discounts.
About half of Israelis do not hold a biometric passport, which means that the possibility of entering the United States without a visa is not valid for them. Now, at the new rate, they will be able to renew for a biometric passport at a tens of percent discount.
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