atlas•

Before you go to Israel: what to know

Must know

  • Active regional conflict: as of 27 Oct 2026 the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza and its border area, northern Israel and the Golan Heights, and parts of the West Bank; flights at Ben Gurion may be disrupted at short notice.
  • Install the Home Front Command app for rocket/missile alerts and learn where the nearest shelter (mamad/miklat) is at your hotel.
  • ETA-IL is mandatory for visa-exempt visitors: apply on the official portal (ILS 25) at least 72 hours before departure.
  • Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall): most public transport and many shops stop in most cities.
  • Expect thorough security questioning and baggage checks on arrival and departure; arrive at the airport early.

Entry and visas

Visa-exempt nationals (incl. US, UK, EU, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, UAE) must obtain an ETA-IL online before travel (ILS 25, valid 2 years or until passport expiry, multiple trips, up to 90 days per visit). Others, such as Indian and Chinese citizens, need a visa. Israel does not stamp passports; you receive a paper/e-entry slip - keep it with your passport.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • ETA-IL ↗ required
    At least 72 hours before departure · Fee: ILS 25 · All visa-exempt foreign nationals, including children

Passport validity: At least 6 months from arrival recommended (Russian guidance: 3 months minimum).

At the border you may be asked for

  • Keep the blue entry slip (gate pass) until you leave; hotels check it for VAT exemption.
  • Security officials may question you about your trip, contacts and past travel to Arab countries.
  • Entry can be refused at the border's discretion, even with an approved ETA-IL.

Customs

  • Medicines for personal use are allowed with a prescription; carry it in English.
  • Cannabis is illegal for tourists (medical cannabis only via Israeli licence).
  • Drones need prior approval to import and fly.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: israel-entry.piba.gov.il ↗, easyaliyah.com ↗, travelto.ru ↗, gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Money

Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners

Apple Pay — works · Google Pay — works

Where to exchange money

  • Licensed private exchange offices in city centres (often better than banks; no commission)
  • Bank ATMs with a low-fee card

Where not to exchange

  • Airport exchange counters
  • Hotel desks
  • Dynamic currency conversion at terminals

ATMs: ATMs are everywhere and accept foreign Visa/Mastercard; some private ATMs charge high fees - prefer bank ATMs.

Tipping: Restaurants: 10–15% (often not included); round up taxis; tip hotel staff and guides.

  • Foreign tourists paying for hotels in foreign currency/card are generally exempt from 18% VAT - show your entry slip.
  • VAT refunds on purchases over a minimum amount are available at the airport (Ben Gurion).
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad and Mir is not accepted; bring a foreign-issued card or cash.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: israel.travel ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Approaching restricted military zones or border areas, and photographing military sites, soldiers at checkpoints or security operations.
  • Flying drones without approval.
  • Possessing or using cannabis or other drugs.
  • Non-Muslim prayer or religious items on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif; follow site rules.
  • Leaving bags unattended - they will be destroyed as suspicious objects.
  • Smoking in enclosed public places and many outdoor venues.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry your passport and entry slip at all times; checks are frequent.
  • Some areas follow strict religious norms; travel by car through ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods on Shabbat is not advisable.
  • Entry to the West Bank and Gaza is controlled; check rules and advisories before visiting Bethlehem or Jericho.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Jewish majority; significant Muslim, Christian and Druze communities. Jerusalem is holy to all three Abrahamic faiths.

Clothing: Tel Aviv is casual and beach-oriented. At holy sites (Western Wall, churches, mosques) and in ultra-Orthodox areas, cover shoulders and knees; men cover heads at the Western Wall (kippahs provided) and women may need headscarves at mosques.

Etiquette

  • Respect Shabbat in religious areas: avoid driving, smoking or phone photography near observant communities.
  • Ask before photographing religious Jews, Arabs or soldiers.
  • Israelis are direct; directness is not rudeness.
  • Avoid starting political conversations about the conflict with strangers.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: israel.travel ↗

Climate

Mediterranean: hot dry summers, mild rainy winters (Nov–Mar). Jerusalem is cooler and can see snow; Eilat and the Dead Sea are very hot in summer and warm in winter. Highs shown Jerusalem / Tel Aviv.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: 12°C / 18°C, cool, rainy; occasional snow Jerusalem
  • February: Feb: 13°C / 19°C, cool, showers
  • March: Mar: 16°C / 21°C, mild; wildflowers
  • April: Apr: 21°C / 23°C, warm; Passover crowds
  • May: May: 25°C / 26°C, warm, dry
  • June: Jun: 27°C / 29°C, hot, dry
  • July: Jul: 29°C / 31°C, hot, humid coast
  • August: Aug: 29°C / 31°C, hottest; Dead Sea 40°C+
  • September: Sep: 28°C / 30°C, hot; Jewish holidays
  • October: Oct: 25°C / 28°C, warm; first rains
  • November: Nov: 19°C / 24°C, mild; rain begins
  • December: Dec: 14°C / 20°C, cool, rainy

Best season: March–May and September–November for warm, dry, comfortable weather.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: ims.gov.il ↗

What to pack

  • Type H/C plug adapter (Europlug fits most sockets)
  • Modest clothes or a scarf for holy sites
  • Swimwear and water shoes for the Dead Sea
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Printed ETA-IL approval and hotel bookings
  • Copy of your prescriptions in English

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Military-style clothing or camouflage
  • Drones without approval
  • Cannabis or CBD products

Practical

Plugs: Type H and C, 230V, 50Hz

Water: Tap water is safe to drink.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Prepaid SIMs/eSIMs from Partner, Cellcom, Pelephone and others; fast 4G/5G.

Apps: Home Front Command, Moovit, Gett, Waze, Rav-Kav Online, Pango

Internet: Open internet with no general restrictions.

Health: No vaccinations required. High-quality hospitals; treatment is expensive for visitors. Stay hydrated in the Negev and Dead Sea area.

Insurance: Not required for entry; strongly recommended - check it covers travel during the current security situation.

Emergency: Police 100; ambulance (MDA) 101; fire 102

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, oref.org.il ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.