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Israel Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Israel in 2023

Welcome to Israel

Israel ETA

The country is a land of contrasts, where the ancient and modern coexist harmoniously. The government has a great history, and many sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It also offers some of the best beaches and world-renowned cuisine.

Israel is located between Europe and Asia, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. Today, around 8 million people are living in this small country, 99% of which are Jewish.

We have for you the ultimate Israel travel guide, where you will find the essential information before traveling to this beautiful country.

Document Checklist for Israel

Visa
Valid passport
Sufficient funds
Return airline ticket

Essential Israel Travel Information

Currency - New shekel (ILS). $1 is equivalent to approx. ILS 3,54
Daily budget for 1 person - The budget for 1 person daily is around ILS 347 (USD 98)
Languages - The official language is Hebrew, but Arabic is a recognized language as well
Socket type - For Israel, there are three associated plug types, C, H and M. Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Time zone - Israel Standard Time (GMT+02:00)
Top 3 cities to visit - Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Top 3 landmarks/monuments - The Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Baha’i Gardens.

eVisa Information for Israel

More than 140 countries and territories are required to obtain a visa to enter Israel for tourist purposes, following Israel’s visa policy. Visitors to Israel will soon be able to get the eVisa via the Internet, thanks to the Israel eVisa system.

The maximum length of stay for Israeli tourist visas is three months.

Typical Costs and Budget for Israel

Here you can find out around how much you will spend to plan your travel budget with peace of mind.

Daily spending per person - The budget for one person per day is around ILS 347 (USD 98).

Meals - Per day in meals, you can spend around ILS 99 (USD 28).
Transport - Local transportation can be around ILS 24 (USD 6.90).
Hotel - Accommodation is around ILS 197 (USD 55.,14) for 1 person, , and around ILS 394 (USD 110.28) for a couple.

A week-long vacation to Israel usually costs around ILS 2,431 ($686) for one person. So, a two-person trip to Israel costs around ILS 4,862 ($1,371) for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs ILS 9,724 ($2743) in Israel.

Transport and Ways to Travel around Israel

Israel has recently improved in terms of public transport, so you can feel comfortable traveling from one place to another.

Its transport system is vast, so you can choose which of the following options is more beneficial for you. Remember that each system works much better in the busiest cities, such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Bus - Buses in Israel have a vast network throughout the country that connect passengers with more than a thousand routes. You can travel short and long distances; so do not panic, you can move with tranquility within the same cities or travel to others using this method of transport.

Most buses are paid with a card called Rav-Kav. You can get it at tourist information centers, Rav-Kav stations, or train stations, and also at the airport. You can top up money for your travels using the Rav-Kav app.

Train - You can use the train to travel through the coastal regions of Israel along the Mediterranean coast. The trains are spacious, air-conditioned, and have free Wi-Fi. You can buy tickets at the train station itself or by recharging the Rav-Kav card.
Bicycles and scooters - Renting a bike or scooter can be great if you travel short distances to explore. This type of transport is trendy in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, even for locals. Tel-O-Fun in Tel Aviv and Jerufun in Jerusalem are where you can book and pay through the apps.
Taxis - This is an option that you can also choose easily. You can take a taxi on the street in a traditional way, or you can have an app like Gett and Yango, where you can order the service and see the rates.
Bubble dan - It is a shared transport system that has been popular in recent years because it is more economical than taking a taxi and better for reducing carbon emissions. You can download the app and order your car.

Safety in Israel

Israel is safe to travel to, as its crime rates are low. Tourists can feel safe exploring. However, you should be alert, especially on public transport, as Palestinian terrorist groups are known to attack buses and bus stops.

Traveling to Israel is relatively safe, of course, when there is no danger of riots and confrontations between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Here is some advice for your trip to Israel:

Get good health insurance for international travel.
Read about local laws so you don’t have any problems.
Try not to be close to Israel’s borders. Avoid the areas near Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, which is where terrorist attacks may occur.
If you need help, ask local authorities or the local police.
Monitor local media to be up to date with the information.

Weather in Israel

The climate in Israel is famous for hot and sunny summers, which have extended periods of sunshine from May to September. The rainy weather is between November and March. The west coast of Israel has a Mediterranean climate, with very mild and rainy winters and hot and sunny summers.

It is up to you to choose what weather you want most to enjoy your holiday.

Popular Cities and Towns in Israel

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and the country's financial center. It is one of the most dynamic cities with very desirable nightlife. Its Mediterranean beaches are charming for a walk, and its markets have lovely local food that will awaken new tastes.
Jerusalem is considered a holy city and one of the oldest cities in the world. It attracts thousands of faithful believers of the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. So if you are curious about this city, you should visit its passages full of history.
Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel. You can tour the port and its lively beaches while enjoying the beautiful landscape. You can also find the Baha’i Gardens on the flanks of Mount Carmel.
Eilat is a port city since the days of King Solomon located in the Red Sea. Its beaches will steal all your attention, and if you like diving, they make it the perfect place; it has a coral reef and a variety of marine life.
Nazareth is an old city and the largest city in Galilee. It is a pilgrimage destination for Christians because, according to the Bible, it was the home of Joseph and Mary and where Jesus spent his childhood. You can hike through the picturesque neighborhoods and visit the local markets, plus you’ll find the Annunciation Church, the largest Catholic church in the Middle East.

Must Do and See in Israel

The Western Wall - The Wailing Wall is located in the old city of Jerusalem. Each year it receives hundreds of people who come to pray or write their prayers on paper and put them in the wall's cracks. You don’t have to be religious to visit the wall. Be curious about what was lived in the history of the past!
The Dome of the Rock - It’s the most famous Islamic site in the old city of Jerusalem and it can be seen from anywhere in the city. A place for believers and also those interested in ancient history and architecture.
The Baha’i Gardens - They are impressive gardens located in Haifa. They were also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings are constructed in a Neoclassical style. This place transmits peace and harmony so it should be in your travel schedule.
The Dead Sea - This is one of the most famous natural wonders in Israel and the world for its high salinity levels of 34%, almost ten times higher than the ocean while being below sea level. This characteristic makes swimming almost impossible since you cannot avoid floating.
Masada - Judea's desert is a beautiful rocky plateau. A fortress that is very important in Jewish history. Inside the Masada complex are the remains of a luxurious palace built in a classic Roman style. A complex marvel of the architecture of the Roman past.

These places are perfect for religious holidays or for its touristy sites.

Typical Israel Food to Try

Hummus is one of the most delicious dishes to try in Israel. It is a comprehensive meal with whole chickpeas, a little olive oil, and a little pepper. It is eaten with hot pita bread, and if you want to look more local, accompany it with an ice-cold lemonade.
Falafel is a sandwich filled with chopped salad, hummus, tahini, pickles and amba sauce. Do not forget to try it, as it is one of the most famous dishes in Israel, not to mention delicious.
Shakshuka is eaten for breakfast in Israel. It is made with poached eggs in a pan of tomato sauce, chili, and garlic. The dish is served with an Israeli salad, tahini, and a piece of bread.

Vaccine Information for Israel

To enter Israel, read about the Covid vaccine information or other vaccine requirements and health advice. We recommend you to click on the CDC website and check all the information you need.

Israel Has the Most Significant Number of Technicians and Scientists in the World per Capita

Although Israel’spopulation is smaller compared to other countries, it has the highest number of technicians and scientists per capita:140 per 10,000 employees, more scientists than Japan and the United States.

Fun Facts about Israel

There are some fun facts that you should know before entering Israel.

Over a million pounds of hummus is eaten in Israel every year.
The cherry tomato, a beloved salad garnish and snacking vegetable, was invented in Israel.
The smallest desert in the world is located in Israel and it’s the Judaean Desert.
The Israeli air force is the fourth-largest in the world.
Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.
There are not any fish or plants in the Dead Sea.