Traveling to israel

The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making it easy for visitors to communicate. Most signs, menus, and information are available in English. All hotels, sites, and restaurants that cater to tourists will also have English speaking staff.

Israel is a small country, which makes getting around fast and convenient. There are many different modes of transportation available. Buses, Trains, taxi, rental cars, electric scooter, bicycle etc. Busses and trains are the main forms of public transportation, both offering a convenient, reasonably priced means of travel to nearly every destination in the country. Light Rail is also available in Tel Aviv region and Jerusalem. Public transportation doesn't operate during Shabbat (form the evening of Friday until the evening of Saturday), although Tel Aviv and Haifa offer some services through private bus companies. You can plan your trip with moovitapp.com

Taxi - Taxis are common in Israel for urban and interurban travel and can be flagged in the street, or booked via phone or designated apps such as Gett and Yango. Drivers are required to turn on their meters. Some smaller cities do have set rates for rides within that city so inquire first. It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver at the end of a ride. Shared taxis or “Sherut” are also popular. There are “Sherut” stations throughout the cities. Ask at your hotel for the nearest Sherut stand.

Road Conditions/car rental - Israel’s roads are modern, and signage is in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Most Israeli roads, nature parks and other attractions are well-marked.

Israel drives on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 30 to 50km/h in cities, 80-90 on freeways, 110 on highways and 120 on Highway 6. Safety belts are mandatory, and if you’re enjoying a night on the town, keep in mind there is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, so find a designated driver and get home safely!

Renting a car - Most international car rental companies and local companies have offices in the large cities and at Ben Gurion Airport. It is recommended to reserve a car in advance from abroad. To rent a car in Israel the driver must be over 24 years of age, and must hold a valid international driver’s license and an international credit card.

Renting a car is a convenient way for exploring, though driving in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem can be busy and challenging. Watch for high parking fees in urban areas. GPS and apps like Waze are commonly used for navigation. Israel has only one toll road, Highway 6. Tourists renting a car will be charged via their credit card. Please inquire with the rental company for conditions and tariffs. Also note that most Rental Car companies will not offer insurance for the areas in the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Tourists wishing to drive with rented cars into the areas of the Palestinian Authority are recommended to secure appropriate insurance.

The work week in Israel is Sunday-Thursday from about 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. Shops and businesses are normally also open on Fridays but close early afternoon for the Jewish Sabbath. Shops closed Saturdays for the Sabbath tend to open up Saturday night.

During the workweek (Sunday through Thursday), stores and shops are open from approximately 9 AM until 7 PM in the big cities. Most shops in Jewish areas are not open on Saturdays and Holidays, though one can find many boutiques, wineries, restaurants etc. open in the non-religious areas of the country. There are a large number of malls throughout the country which have more flexible hours (usually 10 AM to 9 PM), and some are open on Shabbat. On some of the working days, especially on Friday morning you have an open market in each city in Israel, which sales everything, food, cloths, kitchen items, toys etc. Having small bills of US$/Shekels will be helpful for you, since not everywhere in markets vendors use credit card.

Israeli cuisine is vibrant, blending Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and European influences. Popular dishes include falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and sabich. There’s also a thriving café culture, fresh produce in markets, as well as a many Chef Restaurants and a growing culinary and wine scene.  Most restaurants will offer a selection of meat, fish, salads, pasta and vegetarian/vegan options.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS/NIS). ATM machines are widely available, and most credit cards are commonly accepted. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas or markets. Exchange rates are better at local currency exchange offices than at airports/hotels.

Tipping is customary in Israel, with a 12-15% tip expected at restaurants. Tipping is also appreciated for services like hotel staff, tour guides and private drivers.

Free Wi-Fi is available in most cafes and public areas. As well, most hotels provide free wi-fi. Many hotels also have Business Centers where you can access e-mail and the internet without charge. For staying connected on the go, you can purchase local or electronic SIM cards, offering affordable data and call packages.

American cell-phones that work overseas will work in Israel too. Israel is 6 or 7 hours ahead of the East Coast of the USA depending on the season.

With around merely 40 rainy days a year on average, Israel is known for its sunny disposition, yet keep in mind this is a 4-season country. Summers are long, lasting from April to October and the height of heat and humidity is usually around July-August. Fall and winter last from November to March. The southmost city of Eilat enjoys nearly 360 (!) sunny days a year, making it the hottest city in Israel. The Israeli Meteorological Service: www.ims.gov.il

The best time to visit Israel is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable and ideal for sightseeing. Summers (June to August) can be very hot, especially in the south and desert regions, while winters (December to February) are rainy in northern areas but mild in the south.

Israel is a compact country, and itineraries can range from a few days in Jerusalem and/or Tel Aviv to longer stays that include tours of the Dead Sea, Galilee / Golan Heights and the Negev Desert. Customized itineraries for religious pilgrimages, adventure travel, or cultural explorations are common. Average stay is about 7-night/8 days, however In order to cover as much as possible, a minimum of a 10-night/11 days trip is recommended.

Israel offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and international chains in main cities to budget hostels and Airbnb options. Many travelers also enjoy unique stays at kibbutzim or eco-lodges in rural areas such as the Galilee and Negev. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during holidays and peak seasons.

Yes, guided tours are actively operating in Israel. Both group tours and private guided tours are available, offering various itineraries that cover historical, religious, and natural attractions such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and more. Tours are led by licensed, certified tour guides.

Tour operators have adapted to any changing conditions, including health and safety regulations, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of travelers. Many tours are also tailored to specific interests, such as religious pilgrimages, archaeology, adventure tourism, and food and wine tours. It's recommended to book with established tour companies that are experienced and knowledgeable about the region.

Tourists from many countries, including the United States, Canada, and most EU countries, do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s important to check specific visa requirements based on nationality before traveling. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entering Israel.

Upon arrival, visitors receive an entry slip instead of a passport stamp, which is important for re-entry and exiting the country, as well as to prove your tourist/visa status in order to avoid VAT payment at hotels. This slip must be kept at hand at all times as proof of the traveler’s visa status.

Please note that as of January 2025, Israel will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before arrival. This authorization costs 25 NIS/ILS (approximately $6.80) and is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires. The application should be completed online at least 72 hours before your flight.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, all you need is a passport that’s valid at least six months longer than your date of arrival in Israel. (For stays up to three months, you don’t need a visa.) If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, the same conditions apply to citizens of most western countries, but it is still advisable to check with your local Israeli Embassy/consulate or with the Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Israel is a modern country with the world’s highest number of doctors per capita, and an advanced health and hospital system. No vaccinations are required to visit Israel (unless you have recently been in an area where there have been epidemics of yellow fever, cholera or ebola). You can buy most standard over-the-counter equivalent of North American drugs in Israel. You can also bring supplies of your standard prescription drugs with you. (If you need to bring syringes and vials of medicine – bring along a letter from your doctor attesting to your needs, just in case.) If you need to see a doctor in Israel, check with your hotel concierge. Travel insurance (including medical coverage) is always highly recommended for all foreign travel.

Travel insurance is not a must but is highly recommended when traveling to Israel for several reasons. First, it provides coverage for medical emergencies, which can be costly if treatment is needed while abroad. Israel has a high standard of healthcare, but non-residents are not covered under the country's public health system, so travel insurance can help cover any unexpected medical expenses. Additionally, travel insurance can protect against trip cancellations or delays due to unforeseen events such as political unrest or natural disasters, which can occasionally occur in the region. It also covers lost or stolen belongings, ensuring that travelers can recover the costs of valuable items like luggage, electronics, or important documents.

The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pinholes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. 

Almost all hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers, and all have shaver sockets. For other appliances, 110V-220V transformers can be used. If you don’t have an adapter that seems to work, call the hotel’s front desk or visit a hardware store.

Israel’s dress code is very casual so unless you are coming on business, it is very unlikely you will ever need a suit or tie. For everyday sighting, bring good walking shoes or sneakers and dress in "layers." Most religious/ holy sites require modest dress (arms and legs covered).

Israel is a modern, developed country, and you can purchase virtually anything you need during your stay, including clothing, cosmetics, and hygiene products. We recommend travelling light and dressing in layers.

If you are visiting Israel during the summer you will need lightweight clothing - short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals, beach shoes and a bathing suit.  It’s also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights in the mountains and the desert can be cool.

If you are visiting Israel in the winter, you will need warm clothing, a coat (preferably a raincoat as well), good shoes, an umbrella, gloves, a scarf and other warm clothing.  Weather in Israel is not cold as it is in Europe, but days can be rainy and cold.

Always keep a change of clothes and any medications you may need in your carry-on.

It’s a good idea to bring a small bag for day trips.  If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, it’s a good idea to bring a bathing suit and plastic shoes, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter. Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year. Comfortable walking shoes are also very important.

It is always a good idea to find out as much as possible about the current situation before travelling to the Palestinian Territories and to check first to make sure your passport is valid for travel to both Israel and the territories. Reaching to Palestinian territories involves border crossing/check point. For Bethlehem, the most used crossing for tourists is the border at Rachel’s Crossing, just south of Jerusalem. It is simple to pass here as long as you have a valid American, European or other passport in hand. Arab taxis are allowed to travel freely into Bethlehem and beyond. Some travellers prefer to take an Arab taxi from East Jerusalem directly across the border and into Bethlehem.

Traveling from Israel into Jordan is rather easy. there are three border crossings between Israel and Jordan: the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Araba Crossing, the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Terminal) and the Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Crossing. However, VISA requirements have changed frequently in the last few years so we highly suggest to learn more about the requirements or check with the Jordanian Tourism site. Note that Visa cannot be issued on the spot at Allenby Bridge.

The only border point which permits travel to Egypt for tourists is the Taba border crossing in north of Egypt with Eilat, Israel's southernmost city.

Israel has a highly developed water purification system, and tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Bottled water is also widely available if preferred, but tap water is fine for refilling bottles and staying hydrated.

Travel insurance is not a must but is highly recommended when traveling to Israel for several reasons. First, it provides coverage for medical emergencies, which can be costly if treatment is needed while abroad. Israel has a high standard of healthcare, but non-residents are not covered under the country's public health system, so travel insurance can help cover any unexpected medical expenses. Additionally, travel insurance can protect against trip cancellations or delays due to unforeseen events such as political unrest or natural disasters, which can occasionally occur in the region. It also covers lost or stolen belongings, ensuring that travelers can recover the costs of valuable items like luggage, electronics, or important documents.

Israel has an advanced healthcare system. While tourists are not covered by the national healthcare system, emergency medical services are widely available, and the quality of care is high. It is highly recommended to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses and accidents. If you need medical attention, you will be required to pay for services upfront unless you have coverage. Pharmacies are easily accessible in cities and towns, with many offering over-the-counter medications.

In case of a medical emergency, dial 101 for an ambulance. Israel has well-equipped hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are widespread, and some are open 24/7. Ensure you carry adequate health insurance and your prescription medications, as certain medicines might not be available without a doctor’s note.

Israel is a safe travel destination, with highly efficient security measures in place. Tourists may notice security checks at public venues, but these are part of daily life and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Despite occasional political tensions, tourist areas are generally calm and secure.

Yes, travel to Israel is currently possible. While many governments are advising essential travel only, tourists continue to arrive in Israel daily. Selected airlines are operating flights to and from the country, and accommodations remain available. However, due to ongoing conflicts along the northern and southern regions, we prioritize your safety by thoughtfully adapting our tours and selecting staff to respond to the evolving needs of our country and cities.

Overall, life is operating as normal. Israelis are highly resilient and accustomed to navigating difficult circumstances. Visitors in less affected areas can expect a calm experience, with beaches, museums, restaurants, and bars all open and welcoming as usual.

At the time of writing, the National Emergency Portal of Israel declares that all areas, excluding the Gaza Envelope and the Confrontation Line at the northern border, are safe to operate as normal with no restrictions. Any changes will be communicated in real time by all local medias and by our staff. The majority of the communities in the conflict zones have been evacuated and the residents have been relocated to various accommodations throughout the rest of the country.

Generally speaking, we will not charge our clients cancelation fee, if the trip was cancelled due to security reasons.

Most areas of the country, especially in the center of large urban areas, are safe after dark.

If you are flying EL AL Israel Airlines (or from Europe on Arkia Israel Airlines or Israir), please know that the security precautions taken by Israeli airlines are very high. On check-in for your flights you will be asked a variety of questions during a security interview. Some of the questions may seem un-PC, intrusive, irrelevant or repetitive. Just answer truthfully, go with the flow and don’t lose your cool. Remember, the questions are designed to protect you and your fellow passengers. When you leave Israel, the departure process is identical to that outlined above for all airlines.

Israel no longer stamps passports at airports and most Land Crossings. Instead, tourists are provided with an electronic gate pass (visa slip). Nonetheless, because at times technical difficulties arise, it can happen that in rare occasions the border control will have no choice but to revert back to the method of stamping passports. In this case, tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries must officially request that an Israeli stamp does not appear on their passport. The tourist must notify the clerk of this request before documents are stamped.

The “Electronic Gate Pass” is a modern technological system providing the tourist with the credentials necessary to prove his visa status. This entry pass/card/slip replaces the system whereby passports were stamped. It includes the principle details of the traveler as in the first page of the passport. The card will also depict the date of arrival and visa information. At the airport, this card allows the traveler to exit the arrival terminal without further delays.

This pass/card is an official form of identification while in Israel. All travelers must keep this pass at hand at all times as proof of their visa status. At the airport and designated Land Crossings, this card allows the traveler to exit the arrival terminal and continue to the luggage pickup area. At hotels, this pass allows the traveler to avoid VAT payment (for travelers holding foreign passports only). Without it, there is no proof of tourist/visa status and VAT will be charged in accordance to the law.

The VAT (value added tax) in Israel is currently 17% and is already included in most prices of the goods purchased in Israel.  There is no VAT charged for tourists at hotels in Israel (you will be required to present your entry slip in order to prove tourist status). In addition, VAT is waived for tourists and they can receive a refund of VAT on purchases they made when departing the country.

VAT is added on most of the items tourists buy while visiting Israel. The current VAT in Israel is 17%. Tourists can apply for the refund of that extra tax money before leaving the country.

What qualifies for a VAT Refund:

• Store that participates in this refund.
• Purchase must have cost more than 400 NIS.
• At the time of purchase, request a special tax-refund invoice from the store. This invoice, along with the original receipt, is necessary when applying for the refund.
• The goods must be unused and intended for personal use o
• Items cannot be food, drinks or tobacco.

Where to get a VAT refund:

• Ben Gurion Airport (Terminal 3)
• Ramon Airport (near Eilat)
• Seaports: Ashdod, Eilat, Haifa
• Arava Border Crossing between Israel and Jordan

You may be required to present the items at the refund counter.

Please note: once you have left Israel and then returned to it (for example, to visit Jordan), you will no longer be eligible for a VAT refund.

For comprehensive details on the VAT refund process, refer to the Israel Tax Authority's official guide.