How To Enter
Passport Control
The type of visa is defined by immigration law, and relates to the principal purpose
of the traveler. Please note, a visa does not guarantee entry into Israel. Upon
arrival in Israel, visitors undergo a security check and are requested to present
a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of their departure,
People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez passer, as well as a visa back
to the country that issued it, visitors must check if they need a prearranged tourist
visa, tourists continuing from Israel to Arab countries (except Egypt and
Jordan) It is recommended that you request that an Israeli stamp does not appear
on your passport. You must notify the clerk of your request before your documents
are stamped.
As of July 3, 2008, an official decision has been made that will no longer require
entry stamps on foreign passports. In such cases, you must fill out form 17L including
your personal details, and that form shall be stamped by passport control upon entry/exit.
The form 17L will not be collected upon exit as it is necessary for the collection
of tax refunds and proof of legal entry.
From Jordan
Jordan is on Israel’s eastern border, with three crossing points:-.
Arava Terminal (Wadi Araba Border Crossing)
The Yitzhak Rabin Border Terminal, formerly known as the Arava Terminal, Located
about three kilometers north of Eilat, it serves those interested in short visits
between the two countries. It is used by tourists and Israelis, as well as for cargo.
There is no public transportation, but Eilat can be reached from the terminal via
taxi or private vehicle. The Terminal is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, all year round, with the exception of Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement)
and the Muslim Feast of the Sacrifice. It is advisable to follow with us to find
out the exact hours of operation during holidays.
The Allenby Border Terminal (King Hussein Bridge)
The Allenby Border Terminal is the southernmost Jordan River crossing. Located in
the Jordan Valley, east of Jericho, it is about an hour’s drive from Jerusalem and
from Amman in Jordan, and is the shortest route between Amman and the cities in
Israel’s center. The terminal also serves the Palestinian Authority, and is permitted
for use by Palestinians and foreign tourists. It is also a cargo crossing point
between Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. There is a bus stop near the
entrance to the terminal with busses traveling to Jerusalem & Private(shared) taxi
services to all areas of Israel also operate from the terminal. Tourists who wish
to travel to Jordan must be in possession of a visa for Jordan in advance. Those
who leave Jordan via the Allenby Bridge may return by showing the exit visa. Working
hours: Sunday to Thursday from 08:00
– 22:00, Friday and Saturday– 08:00 – 13:00. It is advisable to follow with us to
find out the exact hours of operation during holidays (Yom Kippur -The Jewish Day
of Atonement- and the first day of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice
The Jordan River Border Terminal (Sheik Hussein – North border)
The Jordan River Border Terminal is the northernmost Jordan River crossing. It is
relatively near Amman, Haifa and northern Israel, and serves Israelis and foreign
tourists. Busses and taxis to Beit She’an are available at the terminal. Hours of
Operation of the Passenger Terminal: Sunday to Thursday: 06:30 – 20:00 , Friday
and Saturday: 08:00 – 19:00, It is required to arrive at the Israeli/Jordanian Border
at least one hour before closing. It is advisable to follow with us to find out
the exact hours of operation during holidays (Yom Kippur -The Jewish Day of Atonement-
and the Muslim New Year – Id el Hijra.
Official holidays
Israeli law designates 9 days of official holiday during the year. Of these, Independence
Day is supposed to be observed by all citizens, while others are Jewish religious
holidays which non-Jewish communities can disregard if they choose to observe their
own religious holidays, all holidays start on sunset, therefore working places close
down afternoon on the holidays eve. Some services resume their work on the
following evening, while most workers continue the holiday till morning; Weekends
in Israel are Friday to Saturday. The law designates 36 hours of weekly holiday
from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, but most businesses and offices are
closed during the whole day on Fridays. Non-Jews may choose Friday, Saturday or
Sunday as their main weekly holiday, while Jews may not choose to work on Saturday.
Currency
The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can
be changed in the small exchange bureaux found on most main streets, or at banks
and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country and linked to American systems.
Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, and are open again from
4pm till 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted,
as are traveler’s cheques, though commission on these is high.
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz; European-style two-pin and round three-pin plugs are used.
Tipping
Tipping in Israel, according to the level of service, is expected (unless a service
charge is added to the bill).
Language
Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Most of the population also
speaks English.
Local Customs
Israel is a largely religious society and religious customs should be respected.
Indecent behavior is not tolerated and offenders will be arrested and fined heavily
or imprisoned. Care should be taken not to photograph any military or police personnel
or installations, and visitors should be discreet about taking photographs in Jewish
Orthodox areas and of Jewish Orthodox people. It is advisable to carry official
identification at all times.
Climate
Israel’s climate is characterized by much sunshine, with a rainy season from November
to April. Total annual precipitation ranges from 20-30 inches (50-70 cm) in the
north to less than an inch (2.5 cm) in the far south. Regional climatic conditions
vary considerably: hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters in the coastal plain;
dry, warm summers and moderately cold winters, with rain and occasional light snow,
in the hill regions; hot, dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley;
and semi-arid conditions, with warm to hot days and cool nights, in the south.