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IsraelTravel guide

Explore Israel visa rulesCommon scams in Israel

Israel is a small Middle Eastern country with ancient sites, modern cities, deserts and coastlines. A warning updated 22 June 2026 reports armed conflict, a state of emergency and closed airspace; many governments advise reconsidering or avoiding travel.

Why go

  1. Holy and historic sites linked to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith.

  2. National parks with ancient ruins, walking trails and information in English.

  3. Desert, mountain, forest and coastal landscapes close to cities.

  4. Red Sea reefs near Eilat and nightlife in Tel Aviv.

Best time to go: April, May, October and November are popular when security conditions allow. Summers are very hot, while winter can bring heavy rain and cold weather in the mountains.

Getting there

By air

  • Ben Gurion International Airport is the main international airport. It is about 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv and 45 km northwest of Jerusalem.
  • Ramon Airport is 20 km north of Eilat. During peaceful periods, it also receives some flights from Europe between November and March.
  • Haifa Airport also receives international flights. The article lists services from Athens and Larnaca as of early 2025.

By land

  • Land crossings connect Israel with Egypt and Jordan. There are no land routes to Syria or Lebanon.
  • Jordan has three crossings: Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Bridge and Arava/Yitshak Rabin near Eilat.
  • From Egypt, use the Taba Border Terminal near Eilat. Bus 16, bus 30 or a taxi connects the terminal with Eilat.

By sea

  • There are no regular ferries, so arriving independently by boat is difficult.
  • Private yachts and small boats arriving from abroad may enter at Haifa, Herzliya, Tel Aviv or Ashkelon.

Customs

  • Land crossings have security checks similar to those at airports.
  • Private boat arrivals must arrange immigration and customs clearance before entering Israeli waters.
  • Travellers may face extra questioning if they have Arab-Muslim names or evidence of visiting countries that do not recognise Israel.

Getting around

  • Buses

    Buses are the most common and cheapest public transport. They can be slow because of traffic or infrequent services. For most routes, you cannot and do not need to buy tickets in advance. Buses to Eilat are an exception. Signs in languages other than Hebrew are limited. Ask the driver or another passenger for help with your stop. Buses do not have toilets. Journeys longer than three hours normally include a short stop.

  • Trains

    Trains are generally faster and more comfortable than buses. They serve many main cities and Ben Gurion Airport. Stations are often far from visitor attractions. You may need another bus or taxi after arriving. Trains stop from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. On Fridays, they finish earlier than buses.

  • Shabbat and holiday travel

    Shabbat is the Jewish weekly day of rest. Most public transport stops from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening, including services to Ben Gurion Airport. Nazareth, Haifa, East Jerusalem and Eilat have exceptions. Tel Aviv also has municipal weekend shuttles. Taxis are limited during Shabbat and charge a weekend surcharge. Public transport also usually stops on major holidays.

  • Taxis

    Only some drivers accept cards or mobile payments. Check before travelling. Uber and Gett are listed as options for paying through an app. Taxi tipping is not customary. You can refuse requests for a tip.

What to see and do

  • Holy and historic sites

    The country has major pilgrimage sites linked to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith.

  • Masada

    The historic landscape includes a Roman siege camp on a neighbouring mountain.

  • National parks and nature reserves

    About 75 parks and reserves offer scenery and history. Many provide maps and explanations in English.

  • Eilat's Red Sea coast

    The reefs offer accessible snorkelling and diving. The Marine Park around Moses Rock is a highlight.

  • Hiking

    Forest, desert, mountain and coastal walks are close to cities and historic sites. Avoid desert trips during rain because of flash floods.

  • Israel National Trail

    This marked trail runs 940 km from north to south and is described as suitable for hiking or cycling.

Food and drink

  • Middle Eastern and international food

    Many popular dishes are Middle Eastern. Immigration has also brought a wide range of other cuisines.

  • Kosher food

    Food prepared under Jewish dietary rules is widely available. Some restaurants follow parts of these rules without having a certificate.

  • Street food

    Street food is described as generally clean and safe. Use common sense and avoid food that looks suspicious.

  • Passover meals

    Most places do not sell or serve leavened bread and many grain products during Passover. This also affects beer and some other alcoholic drinks.

  • Restaurant payments

    Most restaurants accept credit cards but not personal cheques. Tell staff before paying if you want to add the tip to your card payment.

  • Tap water

    Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Israel. Avoid taps in cultivated fields, which may supply recycled irrigation water.

Money

New Israeli shekel, written as ₪, ILS or NIS. One shekel equals 100 agorot.

  • Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted. Smaller shops may still require cash.
  • Card payments over ₪300 require a personal identification number, usually called a PIN.
  • Cash machines are widely available. Some charge a fee, which is displayed.
  • Use shekels when paying cash, and avoid large notes for small purchases. Paying in foreign currency can mean a poor exchange rate.

Tipping: Around 15% is usual for table service and when sitting at a bar. Do not tip for fast food, takeaway drinks or taxi rides; check for an included service charge before adding a tip.

Typical costs

  • Israel is expensive, with prices similar to the higher end of western and northern Europe.
  • National park and nature reserve entry is listed at ₪20–40. International students often receive discounts.
  • Some restaurants add an optional security fee of roughly ₪1–2 per person. You can ask for it to be removed.
  • A ₪10 tip is described as common for good food delivery service, though tipping is less common when a delivery charge applies.

Language

  • Hebrew is the official language.
  • Arabic is spoken by the Arab population.
  • English is widely understood, though ability varies.
  • Russian is widely spoken.
Shalom
Hello.
Toda
Thank you.
Toda Raba
Thank you very much.
Ani Lo Medaber Ivrit
I don't speak Hebrew, said by a man.
Ani Lo Medaberet Ivrit
I don't speak Hebrew, said by a woman.

Staying safe

  • Many governments advise reconsidering or avoiding travel. Check your government's travel advice a few hours before departure because conditions can change quickly.
  • Missile, rocket and terrorist attacks can happen anywhere at any time. The warning updated 22 June 2026 reports active fighting and a state of emergency.
  • The warning advises against travel within 5 km of the borders with Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
  • Check your embassy's information about evacuation arrangements. Some countries are registering their citizens for evacuation.
8 common scams in Israel, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Dress modestly at religious sites. Shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops may lead to refused entry.
  • Men should cover their heads in synagogues and in the prayer section of the Western Wall.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
  • Stand silently for two minutes when the Holocaust Remembrance Day siren sounds.
  • Expect direct speech and lively discussion. These do not necessarily mean someone is angry or trying to offend you.

Don't

  • Do not assume a loud debate is a sign of hostility.
  • Avoid tank tops and shorts in conservative cities such as Jerusalem, Nazareth and Safed.
  • Do not continue ordinary activities during the Holocaust Remembrance Day silence; follow the people around you.

Staying healthy

  • Travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Foreign visitors are expected to pay for treatment at hospitals and clinics.
  • Hospitals and pharmacies are available in major cities. Medical staff and pharmacists generally speak enough English to help visitors.
  • Ask the pharmacist for medicines you need, including medicines available without a prescription.
  • A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. The health advice also recommends considering typhoid and hepatitis B vaccinations for travel to the West Bank and Gaza.

Phone and internet

  • Google Maps and Moovit provide public transport directions.
  • BusStation.co.il provides bus information in English, Hebrew, Russian and Arabic.
  • Many Israeli travel websites have English versions for planning trips.

Where to stay

  • Choices range from camping and hostels to luxury hotels. Prices and service are broadly similar to Western standards.
  • You can book accommodation by phone. Agree on the total price in shekels before booking.
  • Hotel star ratings may be awarded by the hotels themselves. Treat them with caution.
  • Israel Hostels is a network of independent hostels, guest houses and lodges. Confirm prices by phone or online because advertised prices may be unreliable.

Outdoor adventures in Israel

Israel has desert trails, forest walks, Mediterranean beaches and Red Sea reefs. You can also raft on the northern Jordan River or ski at Hermon in mid-winter. The security situation can worsen quickly, so check your country’s travel advice shortly before travel.

  • Israel National Trail

    TrekAcross Israel

    Follow the marked trail from north to south. Maps and planning resources are available through the Israel National Trail website.

    • Summer heat can make outdoor activity unbearable.
    • Drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • Eilat Coral Beach and Moses Rock reef diving

    Scuba divingRed Sea coastnear Eilat

    Easy

    Use the dive clubs at Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve for courses and reef diving. Moses Rock is a highlight of the marine park.

    • The coast is protected, and divers must follow nature reserve rules.

  • Eilat Coral Beach snorkelling

    SnorkellingRed Sea coastnear Eilat

    Visit Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve to snorkel along the protected reef coast.

    • Follow the rules for the protected coastal area.

  • Hermon snow resort

    SkiingGolan Heights

    Mid-winter only

    Ski at the Hermon snow resort during its mid-winter operating season.

    • Travel warnings cover areas less than 5 km from the borders with Lebanon and Syria.

  • Jesus Trail

    HikeGalileenear Nazareth

    Walk the route from Nazareth to Capernaum.

    • Drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • Northern Jordan River rafting

    RaftingNorthern Jordan River

    Head to the northern stretch of the Jordan River for rafting.

  • Masada sunrise or sunset

    More to do

    Sunrise or sunset

    Visit Masada for the recommended sunrise or sunset views.

    • Outdoor heat is a major concern in summer.
    • Desert travel on rainy days is dangerous because of sudden floods.

  • Tel Aviv beaches

    BeacheMediterranean coastnear Tel Aviv

    Summer

    Choose a beach with lifeguards. Friday afternoons are especially lively.

    • Strong currents can cause drownings. Swim at beaches with lifeguards and follow flags and signs.
    • Jellyfish may be present in early summer; ask lifeguards or locals about conditions.

  • Jaffa–Tel Aviv Port and Yarkon River ride

    CyclingTel Aviv coast and Yarkon Rivernear Tel Aviv

    Rent a bike. Ride the coastal boardwalk from Jaffa to Tel Aviv Port, turn inland along the Yarkon River banks, then return.

    • Drink plenty of water and use sun protection in hot weather.

  • Dolphin Reef

    SnorkellingEilat South Beachnear Eilat

    Early morning for a swim or dive

    Visit Dolphin Reef, 3 km south of town towards the Egyptian border. Book a dolphin swim or dive early in the morning.

    • Cost: Entry: ₪42 adults and ₪28 children. Dolphin snorkelling options start at ₪227.

  • Negev rappelling

    ClimbingNegev

    Head to the Negev for rappelling, which means descending a steep face using ropes.

    • Desert travel on rainy days is dangerous because of sudden floods.
    • Summer temperatures can make outdoor activity unbearable.

  • Negev off-roading

    More to doNegev

    Explore the Negev by off-road vehicle.

    • Avoid desert travel on rainy days because of sudden floods.
    • Drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • Beer Sheva Circumferential Trail

    TrekNegevnear Beer Sheva

    At least 2 days; can be split over 5 days

    Walk the trail around the outside of Beer Sheva. It has five sections, starting and finishing at the Negev Brigade Memorial.

    • Summer heat can make outdoor activity unbearable.
    • Drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

  • Nativity Trail

    HikeSea of Galilee to Bethlehemnear Bethlehem

    Follow the trail from the Sea of Galilee to Bethlehem.

    • Pay attention to road signs prohibiting entry into Palestinian-controlled areas with Israeli vehicles.

  • Nesher Park forest trails

    HikeNeshernear Haifa

    Visit Nesher, a suburb of Haifa, and walk the park’s forest trails.

  • Haifa Trail

    TrekHaifanear Haifa

    Follow the Haifa Trail through the city’s landscapes.

  • Students’ Beach

    BeacheSouthwest Haifanear Haifa

    Take a train or bus to Hof HaCarmel station and walk straight to the beach. Students’ Beach is south of the boardwalk area.

    • Cost: Free

  • Beach north of Akko’s Old City

    BeacheMediterranean coastnear Akko

    Head to the beach north of the Old City to relax.

  • Akko coastal boat ride

    More to doAkko coastnear Akko

    Take a boat ride around the Old City walls.

  • Beer Sheva River Park boating

    More to doNegevnear Beer Sheva

    Visit Beer Sheva River Park and rent a small boat on its artificial lake.

  • Ariel Sharon Park mound walk

    HikeSoutheastern suburbs of Tel Avivnear Tel Aviv

    Walk to the top of the former Hiriya rubbish mound. Alternatively, park at the entrance and take a shuttle up.

  • Eilat North Beach camping

    BeacheRed Sea coastnear Eilat

    Go past the main hotels to North Beach, near the Jordanian border, to camp by the sea.

    • Cost: Free camping
    • Temperatures can be extremely hot, even at night.
    • You need to find water and shower facilities.

  • Eilat South Beach camping

    BeacheCoral Beach, Red Sea coastnear Eilat

    Take bus 15 to Migdalor bar. Walk along the shore to find a camping spot, preferably south of the bar.

    • Cost: Free shore camping
    • Temperatures can be extremely hot, even at night.
    • You need to find water and shower facilities.

  • Coral Beach windsurfing

    SurfingRed Sea coastnear Eilat

    Go windsurfing at Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve.

    • Follow the rules for the protected coastal area.

  • Coral Beach kitesurfing

    SurfingRed Sea coastnear Eilat

    Go kitesurfing at Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve.

    • Follow the rules for the protected coastal area.

Airports, metros and trains in Israel

Airports with scheduled flights

  • TLVBen Gurion International AirportTel AvivMain international airport
  • ETMRamon International AirportEilatMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
1,511 km
Electrified
700 km

People and safety in Israel

Religion

Most people are Jewish. Mixed.

  • Jewish76%
  • Muslim19%
  • No religion3%
  • Christian2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #84 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

63% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 102 of 198 countries can visit Israel easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required2
  • eTA required100
  • eVisa4
  • Visa required91
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe45 of 46 countries
  • Oceania12 of 14 countries
  • Americas29 of 35 countries
  • Asia10 of 49 countries
  • Africa6 of 54 countries

Questions

Is it safe to visit Israel?

Many governments advise reconsidering or avoiding travel because of armed conflict and terrorism. Attacks can happen anywhere, and security conditions can worsen quickly.

When is the best time to visit?

April, May, October and November are popular when security conditions allow. Summer is very hot, while winter can be rainy and cold in mountainous areas.

Can I get around without a car?

Yes. Buses are the cheapest and most common option, while trains serve many main cities and Ben Gurion Airport.

What happens to transport during Shabbat?

Most public transport stops from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. Some cities have exceptions, and Tel Aviv runs municipal weekend shuttles.

Can I pay by card?

Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, but smaller shops and some taxis may require cash. Ask before buying or starting a taxi journey.

How much should I tip?

Around 15% is usual for table service and when sitting at a bar. Taxi rides, fast food and takeaway drinks do not normally require a tip.

Will I manage without speaking Hebrew?

English is widely understood, though ability varies. Most road signs include English as well as Hebrew and Arabic.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water is generally safe in Israel. Avoid taps in cultivated fields, and expect very salty tap water near the Dead Sea.

Can I book a room by phone?

Yes. Confirm the total price in shekels before booking, as currency quotes and advertised accommodation prices can be confusing.

What should I wear at religious sites?

Wear modest clothing that avoids shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops. Men should cover their heads in synagogues and the Western Wall prayer section, and visitors must remove shoes before entering mosques.

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