F A Q


Israel Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about traveling to Israel. If you didn’t find an answer to your question, please feel free to contact us here.

1. VISA

Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?

Americans, Canadians and citizens of most western countries* need just a passport to come to Israel: no visa is required. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country.

*For more information and a list of countries that do not need a visa, click here.

2. SAFETY

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Israel is an extremely safe country to visit and tour. In 2012, close to four million tourists came to Israel, an all-time record, and all of them went back home again safe and sound. We would not encourage tourists to come if we felt they would be in the slightest danger.

Are tourists allowed to enter areas outside of the Israeli responsibility (Palestinian areas)?

Crossing from Jerusalem to Bethlehem is direct, easy and no prior authorization is required. Hundreds of tourists make the crossing in both directions every day. As always, it’s wise to check on the political situation before entering the Palestinian Authority.

Please note to take your passport with you, you’ll need to present it to re-enter Israeli-controlled territory.

3. HEALTH 

Do I need to receive any special vaccination before my trip to Israel?

Not at all. Israel is an entirely western country with an advanced level of hygiene, health care, diagnosis and medicine that is the envy of much of the world and on a par with the best of North America and Western Europe. Click to know more.

Can you drink tap water in Israel?

Tap water in Israel is safe and delicious. However, you will also find bottled mineral water everywhere. (It’s important to make sure you drink a lot, especially if you are walking, hiking or exercising during hot weather.)

4. TRAVELING TO AND FROM ISRAEL

Can I combine visits to Jordan with my visit to Israel?

Absolutely, many visitors to Israel take a day tour to Petra in Jordan. You can fly between Tel Aviv and Amman, or travel overland through a number of border crossings. (You should check with the Jordan tourist offices if you need to obtain a visa before you leave home.)

Can I choose not to have an Israel stamp in my passport in case I travel to some countries that don’t recognize Israel?

Sure. Israel no longer stamps tourists’ passports. Records are now kept electronically.

What are the distances between major cities? 

Tel Aviv to Jerusalem 37 miles, 50 minutes
Tel Aviv to Tiberias/Galilee 81 miles, 100 minutes
Tel Aviv to Masada 63 miles, 90 minutes
Tel Aviv to Haifa 90 miles, 70 minutes
Jerusalem to Tiberias 109 miles, 120 minutes
Jerusalem to Masada 56 miles, 90 minutes

 

5. ELECTRICITY

Will I need an adapter/converter for my appliances in Israel?

The electric current in Israel is 220 volts, C, single phase, 50 Hertz, the same as in Europe.

Most Israeli sockets are three-pronged but most accept European two-pronged plugs. If your appliance/charger works on 220 volts, you will at most need an outlet adapter. If your appliance does not work on 220 volts, you will need a converter.

Your hotels should have adapters available. Most hotel bathrooms have hair-dryers as well as low-wattage American-style sockets for electric shavers in which you can usually charge your cell-phone, camera or tablet.

6. COMMUNICATIONS

Will I have easy internet access?

Most hotels in Israel have free Wi-Fi available for hotel guests. Many cafes and restaurants also offer a complementary Wi-Fi service.

Since September 2013, Tel Aviv offers a citywide free Wi-Fi network which provides 80 free Internet “hot spots” across the city.

Will I be able to use my cell phone in Israel?

If you have an international plan, your cell phone may work in Israel, please check with your local provider.

What is the country code to dial to Israel?

+ 972

7. WEATHER

What is the weather like in Israel, when is the best time to visit?

Israel is a year round destination.

Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers and generally mild wet winters with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Snow can be expected during really cold weather on the higher elevations. Temperatures can vary widely so just pack for the “right” weather and you’ll be fine.

For more specific information, click here.

What kind of  clothing should I pack?

In Summer, lightweight T-shirts, sleeveless shirts, shorts, and a bathing suit are recommended. Pack a sweater or a jacket for nights in the mountains or the desert,

In Winter, bring long sleeve shirts, sweaters and a scarf, gloves, a warm coat, and a raincoat and an umbrella. Some religious sites require long pants for men and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for women.

8. MONEY AND CURRENCY

 What is the currency in Israel?

The Shekel; you’ll find it abbreviated as NIS (New Israeli Shekel) or ILS (Israeli Shekel). Exchange rates of the Shekel to all foreign currencies as well as other information can be found here.

What credit cards are accepted?

You can use your ATM card to obtain Shekels at ATM’s throughout Israel. You can also use American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards at most Israeli hotels, restaurants and stores.

What taxes can I expect to pay in Israel?

The VAT (Value Added Tax) in Israel is 17%. It’s already included in most prices in Israel. VAT is waived for tourists at hotels, tour companies and car rental agencies. Like in Europe and elsewhere, tourists can receive a refund of the VAT they paid on purchases when departing the country, the refund program and the purchase amount in one tax invoice including VAT must exceed 400NIS. For more information, click here.

9. RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS

Is everything closed on Shabbat in Israel?

Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the Jewish holy day of the week observed every Saturday. Shabbat starts at sunset on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday evening.

  • All public offices are closed on Shabbat, as are banks, most stores and businesses; throughout Israel there is a growing number of shops open on Shabbat.
  • In most cities, public transportation (trains and buses) do not operate on Shabbat.
  • Most non-kosher restaurants are open on Shabbat.
  • It is recommended to check in advance if you are planning on visiting a specific location.
  • Radio and TV broadcasts operate as usual.

For more information about Shabbat, click here.