DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO ISRAEL?

All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO ISRAEL?

No place in the world is 100% safe but Israel is a relatively safe country to travel in. In the past few years the security situation in Israel has been increasingly calm. As a result, tourism to Israel has been growing steadily and last year alone approximately 2 million tourists visited the country.

DO I NEED TO RECEIVE ANY SPECIAL VACCINATION BEFORE MY TRIP TO ISRAEL?

Not at all. Israel is an entirely western country with an advanced level of hygiene, health care, diagnosis and medicine that is the envy of much of the world and on a par with the best of North America and Western Europe.

CAN YOU DRINK TAP WATER IN ISRAEL?

Absolutely: tap water in Israel is safe and delicious. But, you will also find bottled mineral water everywhere. (It’s important to make sure you drink a lot, especially if you are walking, hiking or exercising during hot weather.)

CAN I COMBINE VISITS TO JORDAN WITH MY VISIT TO ISRAEL?

Yes you can. Many visitors to Israel take a day tour to Petra in Jordan. You can fly between Tel Aviv and Amman, or travel overland through a number of border crossings. (You should check with the Jordan tourist offices if you need to obtain a visa before you leave home.)

WILL I NEED AN ADAPTER FOR MY APPLIANCES IN ISRAEL?

The electric current in Israel is 220 volts, C, single phase, 50 Hertz, the same as in Europe. Most Israeli sockets are three-pronged but most accept European two-pronged plugs. If your appliance does not work on 220 volts, you will need an adapter. Your hotels should have adapters available. Most hotel bathrooms have hair-dryers as well as low-wattage American-style sockets for electric shavers in which you can usually charge your cell-phone or tablet.​

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN ISRAEL, WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

Israel is a year round destination. Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers and generally mild winters with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Temperatures can vary widely so just pack for the "right" weather and you'll be fine. High season is June through August, Christmas week, Passover and Easter Holidays. Low season is September through December 20 and January through May. January or February is a great time to visit as this is low season and prices are lower than the rest of the year during this time.

IS EVERYTHING CLOSED ON SHABBAT IN ISRAEL?

Shabbat (the Sabbath) is the Jewish holy day of the week observed every Saturday. Shabbat starts at sunset on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday evening. All public offices are closed on Shabbat, as are banks, most stores and businesses but all over Israel, especially in Tel Aviv, there is a growing number of shops open on Shabbat. In most cities, public transportation (trains and buses) do not operate on Shabbat. ​​Most non-kosher restaurants are open on Shabbat. ​Best to check opening hours on line or through your hotel concierge