Israel

Israel is a small but significant country at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, serving as a cultural and religious crossroads between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Despite its size—roughly 22,000 km²—Israel attracts millions of visitors annually, drawn by religious pilgrimage sites, historical landmarks, beaches, and a vibrant tech scene.

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv is the country's main gateway, handling the vast majority of international flights. Israel's geographic position makes it accessible from Europe (4-5 hours), and it serves as a bridge to Middle Eastern destinations.

Air travel to and from Israel involves enhanced security procedures—arrive at least 3 hours before international flights, as security screening is more thorough than most countries. This applies to departure from TLV and when boarding Israel-bound flights abroad.

Primary Gateway

Airport	Code	City	Role
Ben Gurion International	TLV	Tel Aviv	Main international hub, 90%+ of traffic
Sde Dov	SDV	Tel Aviv	Closed (2019)
Ramon	ETH	Eilat	International gateway to Red Sea
Ovda	VDA	Eilat area	Military, limited charter flights

Ben Gurion International (TLV) — Israel's primary airport, located 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv and 50 km west of Jerusalem. Handles virtually all international traffic.

• Terminal 3: Main terminal for international flights (opened 2004, modern facilities)
• Terminal 1: Domestic flights and some low-cost carriers

Key characteristics:

• Security: World-renowned security procedures. Expect questioning and bag checks. Arrive 3+ hours early for departures
• Train: Direct rail link to Tel Aviv (15 min), Haifa (70 min), Jerusalem (30 min)
• Operating hours: 24/7, but reduced overnight activity
• Free WiFi: Available throughout

Ramon Airport (ETH) — Opened 2019 as Eilat's new international airport, replacing Ovda for civilian use. Located 18 km north of Eilat. Receives flights from Europe during tourist season (winter months). Shuttle buses connect to Eilat (30 min).

Domestic Routes

Domestic flying is limited due to Israel's small size. Key routes:

• Tel Aviv ↔ Eilat: Most common domestic route (1 hour flight vs 4+ hours driving)
• Haifa ↔ Eilat: Occasional service

Most travelers use ground transport for domestic travel.

Flag Carrier

El Al Israel Airlines (LY) — Israel's flag carrier, headquartered at TLV. One of the world's most secure airlines with enhanced security protocols. Flies to Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.

• Hub: Ben Gurion (TLV)
• Alliance: None (former partner of oneworld)
• Fleet: Boeing 737, 787, 777
• Known for: High security, kosher meals, no Saturday flights (Shabbat)

Israeli Airlines

• Israir Airlines (6H) — Domestic and regional carrier. TLV base. Flights to Eilat and seasonal European destinations.
• Arkia Israeli Airlines (IZ) — Charter and scheduled flights. Domestic routes to Eilat, seasonal international.

International Airlines Serving Israel

Major carriers with TLV service:

European:

• British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Swiss, KLM
• Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air (low-cost options)
• Turkish Airlines, Aegean, Austrian

North American:

• United, Delta, American
• Air Canada

Middle East (limited due to regional politics, expanding since normalization):

• Emirates, Etihad, flydubai (UAE routes, since 2020)
• Royal Jordanian

Asian:

• Cathay Pacific, Air India, Thai Airways
• Hainan Airlines

Visa-Free Entry

Most Western visitors can enter Israel visa-free for up to 90 days:

No visa required (90 days):

• United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• All EU/EEA countries
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong
• Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico
• South Africa

Entry process:

• Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay
• Return/onward ticket may be requested
• Entry card (blue slip) issued instead of passport stamp upon request

Visa Required

Citizens of most Middle Eastern and African countries need advance visa. Apply through Israeli embassy or consulate.

Entry Card vs Passport Stamp

Israel issues an entry card (small blue paper) rather than stamping passports by default. Keep this card—it's needed for:

• Hotel check-in
• Exit from Israel
• Crossing to Palestinian territories

If you need proof of visit, you can request a stamp. Note: Israeli stamps generally don't affect travel to other countries anymore, though some travelers still prefer the card for onward Middle East travel.

Palestinian Territories

• West Bank: Accessible from Israel; same entry rules apply
• Gaza: Access restricted; special permits required

Official information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Domestic Flights

Limited domestic network due to small country size:

Route	Time	Alternative
Tel Aviv ↔ Eilat	1 hour	4-5 hours driving
Haifa ↔ Eilat	1 hour	5 hours driving

Flights operate frequently to Eilat, especially in tourist season. Book on El Al, Israir, or Arkia.

Trains (Israel Railways)

Modern, efficient train network connecting major cities:

Route	Time	Frequency
TLV Airport ↔ Tel Aviv	15 min	Every 20 min
TLV Airport ↔ Jerusalem	30 min	Every 30 min
Tel Aviv ↔ Haifa	1 hour	Frequent
Tel Aviv ↔ Beer Sheva	1.5 hours	Frequent

Rav-Kav card: Rechargeable transport card for trains, buses, and light rail. Purchase at stations.

Note: Trains don't run from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening (Shabbat).

Buses

Egged is the main intercity bus operator. Comprehensive network covering all cities and towns.

• Tel Aviv ↔ Jerusalem: 1 hour, frequent service
• Tel Aviv ↔ Haifa: 1.5 hours
• Tel Aviv ↔ Eilat: 5 hours

Buses also stop for Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).

Car Rental

Practical for exploring beyond cities:

• International licenses accepted for tourists
• Drive on the right
• Well-maintained highways
• GPS essential (Hebrew road signs can be confusing)
• Parking challenging in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Toll roads: Highway 6 uses electronic tolling. Rental companies usually handle billing.

Crossing checkpoints: Be prepared for security checks when entering certain areas, especially near the West Bank.

Taxis & Rideshare

• Taxis: Insist on meter ("moneh") or agree on price beforehand
• Gett: Israeli rideshare app (like Uber)
• Uber: Limited availability

High Season (March-May, September-November)

Best weather for sightseeing. Spring (March-May) features:

• Pleasant temperatures (20-28°C)
• Passover period busy with pilgrims
• Wildflowers in bloom

Fall (September-November):

• Jewish holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot) can affect services
• Comfortable temperatures
• Fewer European tourists

Summer (June-August)

Peak tourist season despite heat:

• Very hot: 30-40°C, especially inland and in Eilat
• Beach season in Tel Aviv
• Highest prices, crowded sites
• Schools out—family travel peak

Winter (December-February)

Low season with benefits:

• Mild in Tel Aviv and coast (15-20°C)
• Cool/cold in Jerusalem (8-15°C, occasional snow)
• Eilat warmest (20-25°C)—good escape from European winter
• Lower prices (except Christmas/New Year)
• Rain possible, especially in north

Religious Calendar Considerations

Period	Impact
Shabbat (Friday sunset-Saturday night)	Public transport stops, many businesses close
Jewish holidays	Banks, businesses closed; transport affected
Passover (spring)	Busy period, some restaurants limited menus
Christmas/Easter	Jerusalem extremely crowded
Ramadan	Affects East Jerusalem, Palestinian areas

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Tel Aviv	TLV (15 km)	Beaches, nightlife, tech hub, Bauhaus architecture
Jerusalem	TLV (50 km)	Old City, religious sites, history
Haifa	TLV (90 km)	Baha'i Gardens, port city, tech
Eilat	ETH (18 km)	Red Sea beaches, diving, resorts

Regions

• Dead Sea: Lowest point on Earth, therapeutic resorts (1.5 hours from Jerusalem)
• Galilee: Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, nature (1.5 hours from TLV)
• Negev Desert: Craters, hiking, Bedouin culture (2-3 hours from TLV)
• Golan Heights: Wine country, nature, skiing in winter

Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights
Jerusalem	1 hour	Old City, Western Wall, museums
Dead Sea	2 hours	Floating, Ein Gedi nature reserve
Caesarea	1 hour	Roman ruins on coast
Haifa	1.5 hours	Baha'i Gardens, German Colony
Masada	2 hours	Ancient fortress, sunrise hike

Money

• Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS/NIS, symbol: ₪)
• Exchange rate: ~3.7 ILS = $1 USD (varies)
• Cards: Widely accepted. Visa/Mastercard universal
• Cash: Needed for small vendors, markets, tips
• ATMs: Plentiful. Use bank ATMs for best rates
• Cost: Israel is expensive—comparable to Western Europe

Security

Israel has visible security throughout:

• Armed soldiers common (mostly young conscripts)
• Bag checks entering malls, bus stations, train stations
• Metal detectors at many public venues
• Don't be alarmed—it's routine

Practical tips:

• Unattended bags will be treated as suspicious (don't leave bags)
• Carry ID/passport
• Check travel advisories for current situation

Airport Security

Ben Gurion is famous for thorough security:

Expect:

• Questions about your trip, who packed your bags, contacts in Israel
• Multiple bag scans and possible hand searches
• Security interview before check-in
• Additional screening if flagged

Tips:

• Arrive 3+ hours before international departure
• Answer questions directly and calmly
• Don't joke about security matters
• Pack electronics accessibly

Shabbat (Saturday)

Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday night) significantly affects travel:

What stops:

• Public buses and trains
• Many restaurants and shops
• Ben Gurion Airport operates, but ground transport limited

What operates:

• Taxis (higher prices)
• Some restaurants (especially in Tel Aviv)
• Hotels, tourist sites
• Shared taxis ("sherut")

Planning tip: If arriving Friday evening, arrange airport transfer in advance.

Electrical

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
• Plug type H: Three pins in V-shape (unique to Israel)
• Plug type C: European two-pin also widely works
• Adapters: Most hotels provide; otherwise cheap to buy locally
• Note: Type H sockets accept Type C plugs

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, Hot Mobile
• Tourist SIM: Available at airport and malls. ~100 ILS for 2-4 weeks
• eSIM: Airalo and others work well
• WiFi: Excellent in hotels, cafes, public spaces
• Coverage: Good nationwide, including Dead Sea area

Cultural Notes

• Kosher: Many restaurants are kosher (no mixing meat/dairy, no pork/shellfish)
• Modesty: Cover shoulders/knees at religious sites
• Photography: Ask before photographing religious individuals (especially ultra-Orthodox)
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants; taxi tips not expected
• Languages: Hebrew primary; English widely spoken; Arabic in Arab areas

Useful Apps

• Moovit: Best for public transport routing
• Gett: Ride-hailing
• Google Maps: Works well for navigation
• Waze: Israeli-developed, excellent for driving
• Israel Railways: Official train app

• Tourism: Go Israel
• Visa/Entry: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ben Gurion Airport: iaa.gov.il
• Israel Railways: rail.co.il
• El Al: elal.com
• Egged Buses: egged.co.il
• Travel Advisory (US): travel.state.gov