Israel is located in the Middle East. It borders Lebanon and Syria to the north, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. To the west, it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, while the Red Sea lies to the south. Israel is also home to the
Saturday is a day of rest in Israel. All Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening of the previous day and end at nightfall the following day. Accordingly, the Sabbath (Shabbat) starts after sunset on Friday (around 5–7 PM, depending on the season) and lasts until nightfall
Upon arrival to and departure from Israel through international airports, no stamps are placed in passports at border control. Instead, travelers are issued special personalized entry slips with a barcode, which must be kept throughout the entire stay in the country. Tourists in Israel are exempt from paying
Public transportation in Israel is undergoing rapid growth and development. In recent years, an extensive railway network has been created, connecting major cities and the airport. Buses remain the primary mode of transportation. The largest bus company in Israel is Egged, whose green buses operate most intercity and
Car rental is a popular way to travel around Israel. You can pick up a rental car directly at the airport or in any major city, provided the driver is at least 21 years old and holds an international driving licence and a valid international credit card. Buses
We are often asked: What should you buy in Israel? What gifts should you bring back for friends, family, or colleagues? We’ve tried to answer these questions by putting together a list of 10 of the most popular souvenirs and products that visitors typically bring back from Israel.
What to Pack for Israel: Climate, Seasons, and Dress Code. What should you bring with you to Israel? Here’s a quick guide to the country’s climate across different regions, along with a few notes on appropriate dress. Book tours and excursions in Israel > Israel’s climate is typically
Visa Regulations Every tourist arriving in Israel must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Georgia benefit from a simplified visa regime for visiting Israel and do not need to obtain entry permission in advance. Citizens of other CIS
There are two international airports in Israel: Ben Gurion International Airport, which handles the main flow of tourists, is located 60 km from Jerusalem and 20 km from Tel Aviv. Terminal 1 usually serves domestic and low-cost flights, while Terminal 3 handles regular international flights. We recommend checking
Dining Culture and Restaurants Local cuisine is rich and diverse, shaped by culinary traditions brought by immigrants from many countries around the world. Numerous restaurants, small eateries, and cafés offer a wide variety of dishes. Menus are usually available in Hebrew and English, and sometimes also in Russian.
Hotels and beaches There is no official hotel star rating system in Israel; however, an approximate classification is used for the convenience of guests, which does not always correspond to standards adopted in other countries. Most hotels are members of the Israel Hotel Association and are licensed by
In Israel, as in many countries around the world, tourists who are not Israeli citizens can receive a VAT refund on certain goods they purchase. Among these goods, the most popular with tourists are: Dead Sea cosmetics, which can be purchased in shopping malls and specialized stores, such
Luggage Storage at the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem The luggage storage lockers (blue and gray) are located on level -1. From the main entrance on Jaffa Street, turn left and go down one flight of stairs. The lockers are situated near the exit to the parking area
When is the swimming season in Israel? When is the rainy season? When is the “velvet season”? What is the coldest month, and what is the weather like in summer? Is it worth visiting Israel during the holidays, and when do they take place? These are the first
Starting January 1, 2025, Israel has adopted a widely used global practice and introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Tourists and other travelers are required to obtain a valid visa or an ETA-IL in advance. Detailed information can be found on the official website of the Israel