Israel

Israel is a land suffused with the importance of its position, as the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. This cultural complexity is further reflected by the diversity of its natural landscape, which varies from the salty serenity of the Dead Sea, to verdant national parks and parched desert plateaus.

Most visits to the Holy Land are ushered in with a trip to the capital city of Jerusalem. The vibrant streets bustle with the activity of modern city-dwellers and busy markets spill out onto ancient cobbled streets against a skyline of sacred sites. The modern commercial centre of Tel Aviv is dedicated to the more hedonistic pursuits of life, that come in the form of sun-drenched beaches, good restaurants, designer clothing stores and sophisticated night clubs. Sunbathing and scuba diving is the allure of the Red Sea port of Elat, while relaxation and spa resorts are a specialty of the Dead Sea experience. The Galilee area, north of Jerusalem, is the destination of pilgrims and nature-lovers alike. Its concentration of holy sites provides a fascinating visit, particularly around the azure stretches of the Sea of Galilee. The cosmopolitan reaches of the Jewish-Arab city of Haifa provide a glorious base from which to explore the Galilee area, as well as the magnificent sea grottoes of Rosh Hanikra.

Home to over 200 museums, Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the whole world - further underlining its status as one of the most culturally-rich tourist destinations on the planet - while its national parks are roundly celebrated for their accessibility and beauty, as well. Nearly 3.5 million people visited Israel on holiday last year, confirming its reputation as a chief international tourist destination.

Climate

Israel has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool and wet winters.

Money

The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can be changed in the small exchange bureaux found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country and linked to American systems. Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, and are open again from 4pm till 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques, though commission on these is high.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Israel must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. Additionally, visitors should hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that holders of a visa category "Aliyah" are allowed to enter Israel on a one-way ticket. Passengers intending to proceed from Israel to Arab countries other than Egypt, Jordan or the United Arab Emirates should ensure that their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamps, since no passenger is allowed to enter other Arab countries with such passports. Passengers who, after a three months' stay in Israel are permitted to stay for a longer period, will obtain the extension stamp in their passport - it is NOT possible to have it stamped on a separate sheet. Note that travellers may enter Jordan directly from occupied territory, but must hold a visa for Jordan (to be obtained from a representation of Jordan abroad), otherwise entry will be refused. The Jordanian authorities will NOT permit re-cross to occupied territory. Travellers may also enter occupied territory directly from Jordan. The Israeli authorities will permit a re-cross to Jordanian territory. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required for stays of up to three months for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Israel. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Health

There are no special precautions required for travel to Israel, but insect protection from August to November is recommended due to the prevalence of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as well as a tetanus vaccine. Bird Flu has been discovered in Gaza as well as in a number of towns in Israel. The risk to travellers is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical facilities in Israel are excellent but treatment can be very expensive, so it is essential that travellers take out full insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• Israeli Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 364 5500.
• Israeli Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7957 9500.
• Israeli Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 6450.
• Israeli Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6215 4500.
• Israeli Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 470 3500.
• Israeli Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 230 9400.
• Consulate of Israel, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 475 7622.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Tel Aviv: +972 (0)3 519 7617.
• British Embassy, Tel Aviv: +972 (0)3 725 1222.
• Canadian Embassy, Tel Aviv: +972 (0)3 636 3300.
• Australian Embassy, Tel Aviv: +972 (0)3 693 5000.
• South African Embassy, Tel Aviv: +972 (0)3 525 2566.
• Irish Embassy, Tel Aviv: +972 (0)3 696 4166.
• New Zealand Embassy, Ankara,Turkey (also responsible for Israel): +90 312 467 9054.