Visiting Israel

(Last updated: 18 Apr 2008)

Visas

Visas for Australian business travellers or tourists are usually not required. Australian travellers are issued an entry permit on arrival, valid for three months if issued at Ben Gurion Airport, or for one month if travellers enter by land or sea.

Travellers headed to Arab states should ask for the permit to be issued and stamped separately from the passport – many Arab countries will deny entry if there is evidence in a passport (or elsewhere) of a visit to Israel.

If a visa has not been pre-arranged, visitors should ensure a smooth entry by being able to show adequate funds and an onward or return ticket.

Travellers should contact the Israeli Embassy in Canberra and arrange a visa in advance:

• When they have previously been denied entry to Israel
• Overstayed a visa or entry permit
• Who are of Arab (especially Palestinian) background

Departure from Israel is very time-consuming, and formalities are strict. Passengers, especially those who visited Palestinian areas during their visit, will usually be questioned at length. Most airlines advise passengers to arrive three hours before departure. Crossing land borders is equally time-consuming.

It is advisable to check the current situation with the Israeli Embassy in Canberra before travelling.

Climate

Israel in summer is relatively hot, but most buildings are well air-conditioned and the heat should not impact doing business. In winter, Jerusalem and other inland towns can get very cold, and occasionally snow.

For weather details in Israel, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Ben Gurion International Airport is near Tel Aviv, but because the major cities of Israel are close together, nothing is too far from the airport. 

Ground transport

Ground transfers from the airport: There are meter taxis available from the airport to Tel Aviv which should cost you around 110-180 NIS or about A$33-A$54 to Tel Aviv. Taxis to other parts of the country such as Jerusalem will be more expensive depending on the distance.

Taxi travel in most parts of Israel is generally safe and is the recommended form of travel for a business visitor. A local driver can also be hired for about A$30 an hour. Car rentals are also available at the airport. Taxi cabs do not usually accept credit card payments so it is important to always keep some cash in local currency.

Table of local distances in kilometres:

	Tel Aviv	Jerusalem	Eilat	Haifa
Acra (Akko)	118	181	474	23
Beersheba	113	326	243	208
Eilat	356	326	-	451
Haifa	95	158	451	-
Jerusalem	63	-	326	158
Ben Gurion Airport	18	51	341	112
Netanya	32	95	388	63
Tel Aviv	-	63	356	95
Tiberias	135	198	491	70

Hotels

Pre-booking accommodation is wise in busy times, especially during major holidays.

Security and health

Australians planning to travel to, or who are in the Middle East, are urged to exercise care and monitor developments that may affect their safety through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) current general travel advice and bulletins.

Specific travel advice on Israel is also available at DFAT. Individuals should take sensible precautions and ensure that travel documentation, including passports and any necessary visas, for themselves and their dependents are valid and up-to-date.

Despite occasional security incidents, Israel is a relatively safe country. You will find that security measures are very visible. Armed soldiers/guards in urban areas are a very common site. Be aware that security checks are common at all public facilities such as shopping malls, restaurants, parking lots, etc. Please keep in mind that security checks can be quite stringent and at times, intrusive.

Security measures when flying into and out of Israel are especially strict. Extra time should be allotted for this (eg. arrival to the airport three hours prior to departure time). When undergoing such security checks, it can also be helpful to have a bi-lingual letter (English and Hebrew) describing the purpose of your visit to Israel that can be provided by Austrade, Tel Aviv ahead of time.

If possible, it is recommended to refrain from using public transportation such as buses or trains.

Tipping

Tip only in restaurants - around 10-15 per cent.

Time zones and time differences

Israel is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Israel, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Israel's country code is 972.

For calls to Israel from Australia dial: 0011 + 972 + area code + telephone number

For calls from Israel to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes. 

Business hours

In general, the work week tends to run from Sunday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday considered as the weekend where most people do not work.

Public holidays

March 21 –  Purim
April 20-26* –  Pesach (Passover)
May 8 – Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)
June 9 – Shavuot (Pentecost)
September 30-October 1 – Rosh Hashana (New Year)
October  9 – Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
October 14-20* – Sukkot (Tabernacles)
October 21 – Simchat Torah
December 22-29 – Chanukah (Festival of Lights)

Banks

The banking system in Israel is sophisticated and comparable to any Western nation.  Opening hours change from bank to bank.

The three largest banks in Israel are Bank Hapoalim, Leumi Bank and Israel Discount Bank.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). One New Israeli Shekel is divided into 100 Agorot (cents). Notes are in denominations of NIS200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of NIS10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot.

The banking network in Israel is sophisticated with ATM machines readily available in most areas. Local currency can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Electricity and water

Israel’s power supply is 220-240 volts, 50 or 60Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Israelis are known for their appreciation of good food and the major cities are full of restaurants which include all types of cuisine at reasonable prices. The multicultural society of Israel has formed the existence of a wide variety of sophisticated restaurants suitable for all tastes.

It is important to note that Kosher restaurants are closed from Friday at sundown until Saturday at sundown.

Tourist attractions

The country is full of tourist attractions that appeal to all major religions such as Jerusalem, Nazareth, etc. Addition worthwhile attractions include the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth), archaeological sites, the Tel Aviv night scene, natural attractions and much more. Private and group tours are available at most hotels.