It is a well known fact that any person who wants to enter a country, not of his citizenship, should have an entrance permit . Less known facts are the rules for the different types of visas which serve different purposes and hence authorize different length of stay.

Due to different agreements between various countries & Israel their citizens do not need a visa before arriving Israel, others should obtain one in advance. Please, look up  the added  list to see if your country is one  of  the countries whose citizens should have a visa before coming to Israel(click here).   
 
Here are some  more facts about tourist visa :  

v      A visa is not just an entry permit it is also a declaration by the hosting country that it will be responsible for the well being of the visa holder during his stay.

v      A visa is not an unconditional entry permit. One should remember that the Border Police is authorized to stop a person from entering a country and sent him back to the country from where his flight has originated.

v      A visa is given only to a valid passport (at least 6 months upon the day of return) holder.

v      Due to various agreements citizens of many countries do not need to obtain an entry visa before arriving Israel. They will receive an entry permit upon arrival to Lod airport.

v      Citizens of countries (consult the list) who need a visa before arriving in Israel should consult the nearest Israeli embassy/consulate for formalities needed.

v      It is advised for travelers who need visa before coming to Israel to ask for it in an embassy/consulate in the country of their permanent residence.

Important: All people, including citizens of countries exempted from having a visa in advance, who travel with Travel Document (Laissez-Passer) not a passport!! , should obtain a visa, stamped in their Travel Document, at one of Israel's Embassies or Consulates around the world, before coming to Israel.