Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19
If you have a fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher, cough, trouble breathing, or other respiratory symptoms, you must immediately enter self-isolation and call the 101 MDA Emergency Services Hotline for medical advice.
Do not go to an HMO clinic or emergency ward.
2. I already have a trip booked for April and May, should I cancel my reservations?
At the moment, entry to Israel will be refused to non-citizens or residents of Israel arriving from anywhere in the world. In exceptional cases, one may apply for approval of the Foreign Ministry subject to proof of the ability to remain in self-isolation for 14 days.
3. Are there any tourist sites, museums, institutes, and/or cultural spaces closed? Are restaurants and bars operating as normal?
Currently, commercial establishments and entertainment venues are closed. Please see the above list for details and exceptions.
4. Are any upcoming events or conferences canceled? If so, which ones?
No events of more than 10 people are permitted in Israel.
5. Will upcoming religious ceremonies still take place as regularly scheduled (Passover, Easter, etc.)?
Prayer and religious ceremonies can be conducted in groups of up to 10 people, keeping 6.5 feet (2 meters) from one person to another and no more than 2 groups at a time.
6. What are the restrictions regarding local travel throughout the country?
The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding public transport.
No gatherings of more than 10 people are permitted.
7. When will Israel be open to incoming visitors again?
At this moment there is not a known date in which Israel will be open to incoming visitors.
DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT ISRAEL?
Here is an updated list of countries from which tourists are required to present a prearranged visa:
www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/ConsularServices/Documents/VisaRequirements-Tourists.pdf
All Visa Waiver Program travelers must present a machine-readable passport at the port of entry in order to enter Israel without a prearranged visa; otherwise, a visa is required. This applies to tourists arriving with a passage card from countries with a Waiver Program.
Extending Your Stay
Your visa can be extended (fee required) at the Ministry of the Interior office closest to you, please contact the ministry at *3450 or dial 12223450 from a landline. If you’re calling from outside the country dial +972-2-6294666
Isn’t Israel a long way away?
What documents do I need to travel to Israel?
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
I hear there is a security interview before my flight…
What if I want to visit another Arab country?
What about health, medicines, vaccinations?
What to wear?
What about money?
Electricity
Keeping in touch
Temperatures
SUMMER (Jun/Jul/Aug/early Sep): Temperatures in the high 80º's, 90º's. Tel Aviv, and Tiberias will be hot and humid (like New York or Miami). Jerusalem is dryer and cooler, particularly at night. Masada and Eilat are extremely hot (110º+!)...but dry. There won't be a drop of rain.
SHOULDERS (late Mar/Apr/May/late Sep/Oct/Nov): Daytime temperatures will be very pleasant: 75º-ish in most of the country (but hotter at the Red and Dead Seas). Jerusalem will be in the 70º's, 50º's in the evening. There'll be some rain - nothing torrential.
WINTER (Dec/Jan/Feb/early Mar): Winter weather can fluctuate. Some winters are mild and sunny, some severe and overcast. There's often heavy rain and, in January and February, even snow sometimes. It'll probably be in the 50º's, 60º's most places, but in Jerusalem and the Galilee in the forties, and cold at night.
Getting around
TRAIN: High speed trains link Ben Gurion Airport with Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, and there are fast and, efficient and inexpensive train service throughout much of the country. Rail travel is inexpensive and very easy to navigate.
FLIGHTS: Tel Aviv and Eilat are connected by multiple flights daily aboard Arkia, El Al and Israir, and there are also flights to Haifa and the Galilee.
TAXIS: There are taxis available in the cities, and taxi drivers are also happy to take you between cities. Check the price before you start your journey.
SHARED TAXIS: Shared taxis or “Sherut” are very popular. There are “Sherut” stations throughout the cities. Ask at your hotel for the nearest Sherut stand.
CAR RENTAL:
Most international car rental groups have offices in Israel – and there are excellent Israeli car rental firms too. Your American or Canadian drivers’ license is valid in Israel.