Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens Do Not Travel to: Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict, and to Northern Israel within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to the rising tensions between Hizballah and Israel. Reconsider Travel to: Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest, and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[972] (2) 630-4000; US Embassy Jerusalem, 14 David Flusser Street, Jerusalem 9378322, Israel; JerusalemACS@state.gov; https://il.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
972
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 101; Fire: 102; Police: 100
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Israel: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas
Currency (Code)
New Israeli shekels (ILS); the shekel is also commonly referred to as NIS
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, H
Major Languages
Hebrew, Arabic, English (most commonly used foreign language)
Major Religions
Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, Friday before the last Sunday in March, ends the last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes, but many opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Jerusalem (includes Temple Mount, al-Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulcher Church, Mount of Olives); Bethlehem; Timna Park; Sea of Galilee; Masada; Dead Sea; Haifa & Mount Carmel
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
Orthodox Jewish areas of Israel closely observe Shabbat, which begins at sunset Friday and continues until sunset Saturday. This time is a day of rest, and as a result, driving and using electricity and digital devices are usually restricted.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip servers 10-15% at restaurants. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected.
Souvenirs
Religious artifacts, jewelry, olive wood carvings, olive oil and Dead Sea mineral beauty products, antiquities replicas including Roman coins, olive oil and kosher foods
Traditional Cuisine
Falafel — deep-fried balls or patties of mashed chickpea most often served with tahina/tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds), hummus, vegetable salad, or other sides
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, August 01, 2024
