Frequently Asked Questions

It’s much easier than you may think. A nonstop flight from New York takes about 10–11 hours — less than flying from New York to Hawaii — and about 14–15 hours from Los Angeles. Several major airlines fly nonstop from North America to Israel, and you can also connect through many European cities.

U.S. and Canadian citizens need:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Israel.
• An approved ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization). Since January 1, 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries must have one before boarding their flight. No traditional visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.

The ETA-IL is applied for online through the official Israeli government site at israel-entry.piba.gov.il. The fee is 25 NIS (about $7), and approval is generally valid for up to two years or until your passport expires. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight — we recommend doing it as soon as your tour is booked.

Citizens of most Western countries follow the same rules. If you hold a different passport, contact us and we’ll help you confirm the requirements.

Yes! Our guests come from all over the world, and we can help you get there. Dozens of airlines fly into Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport — let us help you find the right flights.

Spanish-speaking travelers can also join our tours with Spanish-speaking guides through our sister site, TierraSantaIsrael.com.

Israel no longer stamps visitors’ passports. Instead, you receive a separate entry card at the airport — keep it with your passport during your stay. Your passport itself won’t show that you visited Israel.

Many of our tours already combine Israel with Jordan and Egypt. See our Holy Land tours.

Millions of tourists visit Israel each year. Our tours are fully escorted by government-licensed guides with a private coach, and we monitor conditions closely and adjust itineraries whenever needed. Your safety is always our first priority.

Before you travel, we recommend checking the current advisory from the U.S. Department of State (or your own government) and enrolling in the State Department’s STEP program. As anywhere, take the usual precautions: don’t leave personal items unattended, use your hotel safe, be mindful of where you go at night, and stay with your group when possible.

We also strongly recommend travel insurance for every trip.

Israel is a modern country with excellent healthcare and one of the highest numbers of doctors per capita in the world. No vaccinations are required to enter Israel, unless you have recently been in an area with epidemics such as yellow fever, cholera or Ebola.

Most standard over-the-counter medicines available in North America have equivalents in Israel. Bring enough of your prescription medications for the whole trip in their original containers; if you need syringes or vials, carry a letter from your doctor describing your needs.

Travel insurance with medical coverage is always highly recommended for foreign travel.

Israel is a year-round destination thanks to its climate: long, warm, dry summers and mild winters, with cooler weather in hill regions such as Jerusalem and Safed.

The one period to plan around is the Jewish High Holidays, which fall in September or October depending on the year. Hotel availability is limited then and airfares tend to be higher.

• Summer: lightweight T-shirts, shorts and a bathing suit, plus a sweater or jacket for evenings in the mountains or the desert.
• Winter: long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, a scarf and gloves, a warm coat, a raincoat and an umbrella.
• Religious sites: some require long pants for men, and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for women.
• Every season: escorted tours involve a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes and sun protection — a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. A small backpack is handy for water and daily essentials.

Yes! Many of our guests have made lifelong friends experiencing Israel in a group. Solo travelers pay the single rate for hotel accommodations. Please note that we do not arrange roommates with other passengers.

Absolutely. Hebrew and Arabic are Israel’s official languages, but English is widely spoken and many street signs are in English too. If all the Hebrew you know is “Shalom” (hello and goodbye), you’ll get along just fine — and your guide is with you every step of the way.

The currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Check the exchange rate before and during your trip. You can withdraw shekels from ATMs throughout Israel, and American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores. If you want to bring cash, U.S. dollars are easy to exchange.

Most hotels offer Wi-Fi for guests, and many restaurants and cafés provide it free. For your phone, check with your carrier about an international plan, or use a travel eSIM or a local SIM card, which are easy to get on arrival.

The country code for calling Israel is +972.