Destination Guides
Israel

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes No Yes
Yes No Yes
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Yes 1 Yes
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Passports

Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond intended date of arrival required by all.

 
Note

(a) Persons wishing to proceed to an Arab country other than Egypt or Jordan after visiting Israel should ensure their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamp. However, persons permitted to stay in Israel for a period of three months or more will be required to have an extension stamped in their passport. (b) Former nationals of Israel holding a foreign passport must have written proof of having given up Israeli identity, otherwise, they may be required to obtain a new Israeli passport or renew their original one.

 
Visas

All nationals require a stamp on arrival. Visas are required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of countries mentioned in the chart above (except nationals of Germany if born before 1 January 1928 who do require a visa);
(b) nationals of Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Jamaica, Korea (Rep), Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, The Philippines, St Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, South Africa, St Lucia, Surinam, Swaziland, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay and Vanuatu;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting flight provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

 
Note

It is advisable to check with nearest Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for visa requirements before travelling to Israel as requirements may vary for some nationals.

 
Types of visa

Tourist/Entry: £11 (cash only, or £12 postal order). These fees are for UK nationals; prices vary according to nationality. Cruise ship passengers visiting Israel will be issued Landing Cards, allowing them to remain in the country for as long as the ship is in port. No visa applications are required.

 
Validity

Three months but varies according to nationality. Visas may be extended (for a nominal fee) at offices of the Ministry of the Interior in the following locations: Afula, Akko (Acre), Ashqelon, Be’ersheba, Eilat, Hadera, Haifa, Herzrelia, Holon, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Netanya, Petah Tiqva, Ramat Gan, Ramla, Rehovot, Safed, Tel Aviv and Tiberias.

 
Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information for details.

 
Application requirements

(a) Valid passport. (b) Application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Return ticket. (e) A copy of tenancy agreement or mortgage arrangements. (f) Bank statement for last three months. (g) Self-addressed envelope and a day time telephone number. (h) Invitation from company/friends/contact in Israel (i) Letter from travel agent confirming itinerary, reservation of return ticket, hotel and medical insurance. (i) Letter from employer/university specifying period of time you have worked with them and that you will be returning after trip. (j) Fee, payable by postal order or cash.

 
Note

Different application requirements, and advice on crossing the border, will almost certainly apply to those travelling on to Egypt or Jordan; it is essential that the Embassy/Consulate be consulted beforehand.

 
Working days required

Depends on nationality. Some visas will require authorisation from Israel and so it is advisable to contact the Embassy before booking travel tickets.

 
Temporary residence

Apply to the Ministry of the Interior in Israel.

 
Note

As a concession to travellers intending to travel at a later date to countries with entry restrictions for visitors to Israel, entry stamps will, on request, be entered only on the entry form AL-17 and not on the passport. This facility is not available to those required to obtain their Israeli visas in advance.

 
Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of Israel in the UK
2 Palace Green, London W8 4QB, UK
Tel: (020) 7957 9500.
Website: http://london.mfa.gov.il
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1730, Fri 0830-1330.
Consular section: 15a Old Court Palace, London W8 4QB, UK
Tel: (020) 7957 9576/9627/9680.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1000-1330, Fri 1000-1230.

Embassy of Israel in the USA
3514 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 364 5500 or 5527 (consular section).
Website: www.israelemb.org

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Embassy of Israel in the UK

2 Palace Green, London W8 4QB, UK
Tel: (020) 7957 9500.
Website: http://london.mfa.gov.il
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1730.
Consular section: 15a Old Court Palace, London W8 4QB, UK
Tel: (020) 7957 9576/9627/9680.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1000-1330, Fri 1000-1230.

 
Israel Government Tourist Office in the UK

UK House, 180 Oxford Street, London W1D 1NN, UK
Tel: (020) 7299 1100/10/11.
Website: www.go-israel.org

 
Embassy of Israel in the USA

3514 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 364 5500 or 5527 (consular section).
Website: www.israelemb.org

 
Israel Government Tourist Office in the USA

800 Second Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 499 5660 or (888) 77 477 235 (toll-free in USA and Canada).
Website: www.goisrael.com

 
Note

The main Palestinian National Authority Region (on the West Bank) and part of the Gaza strip are administered by the Palestine National Authority.

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

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1

Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is sometimes recommended.

 
Food & drink

Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

 
Other risks

Hepatitis A and B occur. West Nile fever has been seen recently. Tick-borne relapsing fever may occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

Israel has excellent medical facilities and tourists may go to all emergency departments and first-aid centres. However, any medical form of treatment can be expensive. Health centres are marked by the red Star of David on a white background. Medical insurance is recommended.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Mar 14 2006 Purim. Apr 12-19* Pesach (Passover). May 3 Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). Jun 2 Shavu’ot (Pentecost). Sep 24-25 Rosh Hashana (New Year). Oct 2 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Oct 6-13* Sukkot (Tabernacles). Oct 14 Shemini Atzeret (Celebration of Renewal and Thanksgiving). Dec 14-16 Chanukah (Feast of the Lights).
Mar 4 2007 Purim. Apr 3-9* Pesach (Passover). Apr 23 Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). May 23 Shavu’ot (Pentecost). Mar 4 Purim. Apr 2-9* Pesach (Passover). May 3 Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). May 23 Shavu’ot (Pentecost).

 
Note

*Only the first and last days of Passover and Sukkot are officially recognised as national holidays, but there may be some disruption on intermediate dates; many shops and businesses may open but close early. Jewish festivals commence on the evenings before the dates given above.
The Jewish religious day is Saturday – Shabbat – and begins at nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. Most public services and shops close early on Friday as a result. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by the respective populations. Thus, depending on the district, the day of rest falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.