Israel Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All foreign passengers to Israel must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Additionally, visitors should hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that holders of a visa category "Aliyah" are allowed to enter Israel on a one-way ticket. Passengers intending to proceed from Israel to Arab countries other than Egypt, Jordan or the United Arab Emirates should ensure that their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamps, since no passenger is allowed to enter other Arab countries with such passports. Passengers who, after a three months' stay in Israel are permitted to stay for a longer period, will obtain the extension stamp in their passport - it is NOT possible to have it stamped on a separate sheet. Note that travelers may enter Jordan directly from occupied territory, but must hold a visa for Jordan (to be obtained from a representation of Jordan abroad), otherwise entry will be refused. The Jordanian authorities will NOT permit re-cross to occupied territory. Travelers may also enter occupied territory directly from Jordan. The Israeli authorities will permit a re-cross to Jordanian territory. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Healthcare

There are no special precautions required for travel to Israel, but insect protection from August to November is recommended due to the prevalence of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as well as a tetanus vaccine. Bird flu has been discovered in Gaza as well as in a number of towns in Israel. The risk to travelers is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical facilities are excellent but treatment can be very expensive so it is essential that travelers take out full insurance.

Safety

Travelers in Israel should maintain a high level of vigilance and keep up to date with developments. The risk of terrorist attacks remains high and travelers to the region, including Jerusalem, need to exercise caution particularly around locations specifically targeted by attacks in the past such as bars, nightclubs, markets and buses. Suicide bombers have targeted crowded public areas resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries over the years, and although foreigners have not been specific targets, many have been caught up in the attacks. Check with local embassies for the latest travel advisory notices. All travel to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank should be avoided. There is also a continuing threat of kidnap of foreign nationals in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Tension between Palestine and Israel has resulted in rocket fire being exchanged over the Israel/Gaza border, and travel to within three miles (5km) of the border area should be avoided. Palestine has also threatened further attacks in Israel.