Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats. DO NOT TRAVEL to Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required if stay is less than 90 days. There are restrictions for visitors wanting to travel to the West Bank or Gaza, or for travelers with dual US and Israeli citizenship, consult: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.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
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
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, COVID-19, and influenza.
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 74.1%, Muslim 17.9%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%
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: Monday, November 27, 2023
