Passports must be valid for at least six months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay in
Israel. Travelers intending to visit Arab countries (other than
Egypt, Jordan or
United Arab Emirates) after leaving Israel should ensure that their passport does not contain Israeli visas or stamps, otherwise entry into Arab countries with such passports will be denied; it is sometimes possible to have a separate sheet of paper stamped instead. However if traveling to the Occupied Territories proof of entry to Israel must be shown
in passports.
Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
Canadians: Canadian citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
Australians: Australian citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
South Africans: South African citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Health
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. 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 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.
