How do I get there?

Air:
El Al, Israel's National Airline, flies to Israel directly from New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Washington, Miami and Canada. For reservations call 1-800- 223-6700.
Other airlines that have direct flights are TWA, Tower Air and Air Canada . Almost every European airline flies to Israel, too.

Sea:
If you prefer to get to Israel by sea, many of the Mediterranean cruises include Israel in their itineraries. You can also sail to Israel by ferry from Cyprus, Greece or Turkey. Yachts and other pleasure craft may enter Israel via the ports of Haifa, Ashdod, Eilat or Tel Aviv.

Land:
Areas under Palestinian Authority: When entering Palestinian areas visitors may need to show their passports at checkpoints to enter Hebron, Jericho, Bethlehem and Gaza.

Egypt: The two crossing points from Egypt into Israel are open year round, seven days a week (except for Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim Feast of Id El-Adha).
Rafiah Terminal: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Southern Sinai:
Visitors crossing the border from Israel to the Taba Hilton Hotel only are not required to have an Egyptian visa; a valid passport must be presented at the border, which is open 24 hours a day.
A special Egyptian visa may be obtained at the border, valid for two weeks only. There is departure fee.

Jordan: There are three border crossings and more are expected: the Jordan River crossing, in the north, also known as the Sheik Hussein Crossing, Arava in the south, and the Allenby Bridge. Tourists must have a passport valid for at least six months after the date of the crossing.
The Arava terminal: Open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jordan River/Sheik Hussein Bridge: Open Sunday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Allenby Bridge: Open on the Israeli side Sundays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to midnight, and on Fridays (and the eve of major holidays) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Every tourist passing through the Allenby Bridge must have an entry visa to, and an exit visa from, Jordan. Travelers cannot obtain a visa at the bridge itself. There is an exit fee upon leaving Jordan.
For groups traveling into Jordan, travel agents' local ground operators will make arrangements with the Ministry of Tourism prior to crossing.

Back to top

Do I need a Visa For Israel?
Americans and Canadian citizens only need a valid passport to visit Israel. They don't need visas. Other nationals should contact the Israeli consulate in their area for more information. A tourist entering Israel is allowed to stay up to three months. To extend your stay after three months, contact the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

Back to top

Can I rent a car with my American or Canadian Driver's License?
You can use your driver's license in Israel for up to three months.
NOTE: Travelers with small children should be cautioned to bring their own car seats for use in rental cars. This is one of the best suggestions to any traveling parent.

Back to top

Health Regulations?
There are no vaccinations or immunizations requirements for Israel.

Back to top

Can I use my electrical appliances in Israel?
The electric current in Israel is 220 Volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are three-pronged, but many of them can accommodate other varieties. Most luxury hotels provide hair-dryers and all hotels have sockets for U.S. shavers. Most other appliances require a converter or transformer that can be purchased at any hardware store in Israel.

Back to top

What to pack?
Dress is casual by day, but dressier wear may be necessary at some restaurants and night spots in the evening. Conservative dress is needed for religious sites.


Can I bring my pet with me?
Dogs or cats accompanying visitors must be over four months old and bear a valid official veterinary health certificate from the country of origin certifying the animal is free of disease.

Back to top

How can I call home?
To direct dial home from Israel, dial 001- , then the area code and then the rest of the number. Direct toll-free service is available to international operators for holders of the following credit card numbers: AT&T-177-100-2727; MCI-177-150-2727; Sprint-177-102-2727. The international dialing code for Israel is 972 (from outside Israel) To direct-dial Israel from overseas, omit the "0" in the local Israeli area code. Public telephones are either operated with tokens or magnetic cards, which are available at post offices, hotel gift shops and lobbies, automatic vending machines and private vendors.

Back to top

Tipping
It is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides and drivers. Service charges are often included in tour packages. A 15 percent tip is the average in restaurants. While tipping is not mandatory in taxis-locals usually don't- visitors are free to do so.

Back to top

What about Customs?
Israel has a dual channel customs clearance system. Use the Green Channel if you are only bringing
A. Personal clothing, B. Alcoholic Drinks (up to one liter per person aged at least 17)
C. Perfumes (up to 1/4 liter per person) D. Tobacco (up to 250 cigarettes per person at least 17) E. Gifts, up to $200.
If you are bringing more than this, select the Red Channel.

Back to top

Money...
The Israeli currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) that is divided into 100 Agorot. The approximate rate is 3.5NIS to $1 or 2.5NIS to 1 Canadian Dollar. For exact daily rates click here.
Most banks are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; also from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays and the eves of major Jewish holidays. Bank branches in major hotels usually offer convenient additional banking hours.
Restrictions: There are no restrictions on the amounts of local and foreign currencies visitors may bring into Israel. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport or at any bank and in many hotels throughout Israel. Payment in foreign currency exempts tourists from paying Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain purchases.
ATMs: Linked with major American systems, ATMs are prevalent throughout Israel. Major credit cards-American Express, Diners' Club, Visa and MasterCard/ Access/Eurocard-are widely accepted throughout Israel. Holders of Visa or MasterCard/Access/Eurocard credit cards may withdraw funds at the foreign currency counters of affiliated banks or at certain ATMs.

Back to top

Where can I get information about facilities and accessibility for the handicapped?
Contact Milbat, the Advisory Center for the Disabled at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv
Tel: 011-972-3-530-3739
To borrow medical equipment or wheelchairs, call Yad Sarah organization in Jerusalem:
tel: 011-972-2- 624-4242

Back to top

Jewish, Christian and Muslim Holidays Calendar:
Please note that during major Jewish holidays and on Saturdays, banks and most businesses are closed. Except in Haifa and Eastern Jerusalem, there is no public transportation except for taxi service.