Getting in Israel

Citizens from most European, North American and Australasian countries do not need a visa prior to arrival. Note that German citizens born before January 1, 1928, do have to apply for a visa in advance. This visa will be given if you were not heavily involved in events during the Nazi era and will be valid for the whole time your passport is valid.

Further note that in some Arab states it constitutes a crime for their citizens to enter Israel at all. Even if you’re an Arab-born citizen of a European or North American country having entered Israel may have consequences when returning to your country of birth.

Pay attention to the fact that many Arab countries (such as Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia etc.) deny entry to any person that has been to Israel. Not only an Israeli stamp puts your entry into these countries at risk but also a stamp from another country (such as Egypt or Jordan) that you can only receive in a border crossing point towards Israel.

If arriving by air or by sea and wishing to go to Arab states with the same passport, ask the Israeli immigration officer to put his stamp onto a separate piece of paper. Then you’re safe not to be denied entry by the Arab states named above. Citizens of some countries (such as Germany) have the possibility of applying for a second passport. This allows them to have an Israeli stamp in one passport and travel to the Arab states with another one.

Most European and American visitors get three months stay when they arrive by plane. In the past westerners entering by land have be given two weeks, this is no longer true (as of November 2005). Israeli immigration may take a dim view of travelers arriving from Arab countries, but you are unlikely to face anything worse than very time-conusming, and repetitive, but polite questioning.

By plane

Israel’s main international airport - Ben-Gurion International Airport [1] (code TLV) - is located approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and serves both cities.

Israel’s second international airport (used mostly by charter carriers) is located at Ovda [2], near Eilat (code: VDA)

Israel has its own national carrier, El Al (?? ??) [3], which possesses direct international connections with many European and North American cities. A large number of international carriers also fly regularly into Israel - these include British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, American Airlines, Thai Airlines and Air Sinai (a subsidiary of Egyptair).

Note that security measures above and beyond what you might encounter in most countries are taken for flights both to and from Israel - these, of course, are undertaken for your, and other passengers’, safety and security. Arriving at the terminal at least three hours before your flight is well advised, as Israeli security procedures can be time-consuming. Bag inspection is routine and should be expected, in addition to repeated interviews about your time in Israel. Keep your cool in what can be a frustrating time - it really is done with the best intentions, if not always the most elegant execution. Having the telephone number of friends or colleagues you may have spent time with in Israel, and who can vouch for you, always helps the process.

There are buses to Ben-Gurion airport from Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem, but the easiest way is by train. Train service to Tel-Aviv was finally launched in October 2004, proceeding up to Nahariya via Haifa, every 20 minutes. Train service has recently begun to Jerusalem, however it does not proceed into the center of the city so an additional ride in a taxi or bus may be required.

Taxi service is available, though not particularly cheap. A better option is a shared taxi, or sherut - these are available outside the airport terminal.

By boat

The sea ports of Haifa and Ashdod are easily accessible by public transportation as they are located in major cities.

Boat arrival in the following Marinas: Herzliya (north of Tel-Aviv), Ashkelon (South of Ashdod)

By road

There are land routes to both Egypt and Jordan from Israel. There are no land routes to either Syria or Lebanon owing to the continuing state of hostilities with these countries. The border crossings have security measures similar to the airports.

Jordan has three crossings with Israel: the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (the shortest way between Amman and Jerusalem, the busiest crossing); the Jordan River (in the north); and Arava (2 km from Eilat). If you ask the immigration officers (Jordanian and Israeli) politely they will usually stamp a separate piece of paper. It’s fairly straightforward to cross using a series of buses.

Egypt also has an open land border with Israel. Israeli rental cars are not generally permitted across the borders for insurance purposes.