Israel Planning & Practical Guide

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Israel, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and visas if needed.

Always verify with your airline and home country requirements, as some nationalities face additional scrutiny at Ben Gurion Airport.

Digital copies or photos of your passport are recommended for quick access during travel.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, provided they have the ETA-IL approval.

Stays longer than 90 days require a B/2 tourist visa application in advance through an Israeli embassy.

Arab nationalities or those with stamps from certain countries may face restrictions; check specifics early.

Visa Applications

For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at an Israeli consulate with documents including a valid passport, invitation letter or hotel booking, proof of funds (around ₪500/day), and comprehensive travel insurance.

The B/1 or B/2 visa fee is approximately $25-50 USD, with processing times of 2-4 weeks depending on your location and embassy workload.

Include flight itineraries and a detailed travel plan to strengthen your application and avoid delays.

Border Crossings

Entry is primarily via Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, where security checks are thorough but efficient for pre-approved travelers; expect questions about your itinerary.

Land borders like Allenby Bridge from Jordan or Sheikh Hussein require pre-arranged permits and can take 2-4 hours; sea arrivals via Eilat are quicker for visa-free visitors.

Always carry your ETA-IL confirmation and hotel bookings to facilitate smooth processing at all entry points.

Travel Insurance

While not mandatory, strong travel insurance covering medical evacuation (up to $100,000), trip cancellation, and activities like hiking in the Negev is highly recommended due to potential regional risks.

Policies from global providers start at $5-10/day; ensure coverage for high-altitude activities in the Golan Heights or water sports in the Dead Sea.

Israeli healthcare is excellent but expensive for non-residents, so insurance prevents out-of-pocket costs in emergencies.

Extensions Possible

Short-term extensions for up to 30 additional days can be requested at the Population and Immigration Authority in Israel for reasons like medical needs or extended tourism, with a fee of about ₪100.

Apply at least two weeks before expiry with proof of onward travel and sufficient funds; approval isn't guaranteed and depends on your original entry status.

Overstaying can result in fines up to ₪1,000 or entry bans, so plan extensions carefully if needed.

Book Flights Early

Find the best deals to Tel Aviv by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.

Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak seasons like Passover.

Eat Like a Local

Opt for shawarma stands or falafel joints in markets like Carmel in Tel Aviv for meals under ₪30, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food costs by up to 60%.

Self-cater with fresh produce from shuks (markets) and join food tours for value-packed tastings of hummus and sabich.

Public Transport Passes

Purchase a Rav-Kav card for unlimited bus and train rides at ₪30-50 for multi-day use, drastically reducing intercity travel expenses between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Shared taxis (sheruts) offer flexible, affordable options at half the price of private rides, ideal for groups heading to the Dead Sea.

Free Attractions

Explore free beaches in Tel Aviv, hike in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve (entry ₪0 for trails), and wander Old City alleys in Jerusalem without guided fees.

Many national parks offer discounted or free access on holidays, and sunset views from Mount of Olives are priceless and cost nothing.

Card vs Cash

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in cities, but carry shekels for street vendors, Arab markets, and small kibbutz shops where cash is king.

Use ATMs from major banks like Leumi for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions up to 10%.

Site Passes

Get the Israel Nature and Parks Authority annual pass for ₪250, granting entry to multiple sites like Caesarea and Banias, which pays off after 3-4 visits.

Combination tickets for Jerusalem's holy sites bundle access to the Western Wall tunnels and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, saving 20-30% on individual fees.

Clothing Essentials

Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot, dry climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection during desert hikes in the Negev.

For religious sites like the Temple Mount, include modest attire such as knee-length skirts, long pants, and shoulder-covering tops; scarves are useful for women.

Layer for cooler evenings in Jerusalem (down to 10°C) with a light fleece, and quick-dry fabrics for Dead Sea floats.

Electronics

Bring adapters for Type H and C plugs (230V), a portable charger for long days exploring Tel Aviv's markets, and a VPN app for secure Wi-Fi in cafes.

Download offline maps of Israel via apps like Maps.me, and a translation tool for Hebrew and Arabic phrases beyond English signage.

A waterproof phone case is ideal for beach days in Eilat or splashing in the Jordan River.

Health & Safety

Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic med kit with motion sickness pills for winding roads to Masada, and high-SPF sunscreen (50+).

Include allergy meds for pollen in spring Galilee blooms, hand sanitizer for kosher food handling, and a hat for intense Mediterranean sun.

Prescription copies and any antimalarial if venturing to Eilat; water purification tablets for remote hikes.

Travel Gear

Pack a durable daypack for carrying water (at least 2L) on trails like the Israel National Trail, plus a reusable bottle to stay hydrated in the heat.

Include a money belt for valuables in crowded markets, passport copies, and a compact umbrella for occasional winter rains in the north.

Travel towel and laundry bag for extended stays, as laundromats are common in hostels.

Footwear Strategy

Choose closed-toe hiking sandals or sturdy sneakers for rocky paths in the Judean Desert and comfortable walking shoes for 10+ km days in Jerusalem's Old City.

Aqua shoes are essential for Dead Sea mud baths and coral reefs in the Red Sea; avoid flip-flops on uneven ancient sites like Caesarea.

Break in boots before travel to prevent blisters during multi-hour explorations of the Golan Heights.

Personal Care

Pack travel-sized toiletries with high moisturizer for dry air, lip balm with SPF, and salt-resistant shampoo after Dead Sea dips.

Include wet wipes for dusty bus rides and a small flashlight for evening walks in blacked-out areas during holidays.

Biodegradable sunscreen and eco-friendly products respect Israel's sensitive ecosystems in nature reserves.

Spring (March-May)

Perfect for wildflower blooms in the Negev and mild weather of 15-25°C, ideal for hiking Timna Park or exploring Jerusalem without summer heat.

Fewer crowds at holy sites during pre-Passover, with comfortable days for beachcombing in Tel Aviv and wine tours in the Golan.

Shoulder season means lower hotel rates by 20-30%, great for budget travelers seeking vibrant outdoor activities.

Summer (June-August)

Peak beach season with hot temperatures around 30-35°C, excellent for snorkeling in Eilat's coral reefs and nightlife in Tel Aviv.

Festivals like Jerusalem Season of Culture draw crowds, but expect high prices and book sites like Masada sunrise hikes early.

Desert nights are cooler for stargazing, though midday heat limits outdoor time in the south.

Autumn (September-November)

Post-summer bliss with pleasant 20-30°C days, ideal for harvest festivals in the Galilee and comfortable visits to the Dead Sea spas.

Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot bring cultural events but manageable crowds; perfect for cycling the Yarkon River trails.

Falling leaves in northern forests offer scenic drives, with accommodation savings as tourism dips slightly.

Winter (December-February)

Mild and budget-friendly with 10-20°C temperatures, rainy but great for indoor museums in Tel Aviv and Hanukkah lights in Jerusalem.

Christmas in Nazareth and New Year events attract fewer visitors; hike rain-refreshed trails in Ein Gedi.

Off-peak deals on flights and hotels up to 40% off, ideal for cozy cafe-hopping and avoiding summer scorch.