Travelers to Israel often have a number of similar questions worrying them. Most of these questions are addressed in greater detail elsewhere on the site but we thought that an area with a number of questions addressed simultaneously could be of help.

1. Do I need a visa in order to enter Israel?

All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months. Nationality-less people must hold a laissez passer and a visa back to the country that issued it. The following country’s citizens will receive a tourist visa for free at every port or entrance terminal to Israel:

Europe

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany (born after 01.01.1928), Gibraltar, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Asia & Oceania

Australia, Fiji Islands, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea.

Africa

Central African Republic, Losoto, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland

The Americas

Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, el Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, St. Kitts and Nevis, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Uruguay, USA.

 

2. Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, nowhere in the world is perfectly safe. The security situation in Israel has been much better in the past few years thanks to the incredible work of the security forces. In fact, Israeli technology, developed to safeguard national security, is among the best in the world. Numbers of tourists is the best reflection of  how comfortable people feel in Israel and let’s just say that an amazing 3.4 million tourists visited in the year 2011 and numbers just keep rising…

 

3. Can tourists enter areas in Israel that are under Palestinian authority?

For tourists wanting to visit Bethlehem and Jericho, no prior clearance or authorization is required. regarding other areas, it is recommended to request permission from the IDF Public Relations Office by fax (02-530-5724) and to include name, passport number, nationality, destination, name o departure in to Palestinian Area Crossing if known, name and details of driver if crossing by car and car registration number. Replies will only be sent to Israeli fax numbers.

 

4. Can I cross into Jordan or Egypt from Israel?

Absolutely. Check with the relevant embassies if you will need a visa in order to enter the countries.

 

5. Do I need vaccinations before coming to Israel?

No- Israel is a highly developed country with hygiene and health levels on par with western countries.

 

6. Can I drink the tap water in Israel?

Yes you can. There is also mineral water on sale everywhere and the main thing is to make sure to keep hydrated, especially when out and about.

 

7. Can I use electrical appliances from my country in Israel?

The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most sockets are three-pronged but some accept two-pronged plugs too. Small electrical appliances such as shavers and travelling irons may need adaptors and\or transformers- both of which can be purchased in Israel.

 

8. What is the weather like in Israel?

Long, dry summers and generally mild winters are enjoyed in Israel . rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center and almost negligible in the south. Conditions vary from region to region with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hills; hot, dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley and semi-desert conditions all year round in the Negev.

 

9. Are all the restaurants in Israel kosher?

A place offering kosher food will have a Kashrut certificate prominently displayed. Most hotels serve kosher food but levels of kosher observance varies from place to place. It is worth checking out each place before because in some cities it is harder to find kosher places.

 

10. Is everything closed on Saturday in Israel?

All public offices are closed on Saturday and so are most private businesses. In most cities there is no public transport and most restaurants are closed. Radio stations and television channels operate as normal.

 

11. How do I dial to my country from Israel?

Dial the three-digit code of the company you choose to dial from (012, 013, 014), followed by the country code, area code and telephone number.