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.