Israel number of visitors is seeing an unprecedented growth. More and more people from around the world are fulfilling their dream of visiting Israel. The Ministry of tourism is committed to enabling everyone who wishes to visit, regardless of any possible impairment.

When it comes to accessibility, Israel is a world leader in legislation. From infrastructure to service, Israel is adapt to provide a smooth and accepting stay.

Please see below links to all those that can assist and assure a smooth, pleasant and barrier free stay.

NGO's and Travel

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael

Accessible Forest, Parks and Sites in Israel

In recent years, KKL-JNF has been working to develop suitable facilities for the physically challenged in its forests and parks. Our aim is to open nature to all sectors of the population, by creating an environment through which people with limited mobility can move safely and comfortably. We have also gone one step forward, and brought nature into the schoolyard with unique projects in special education schools.

http://www.kkl-jnf.org/tourism-and-recreation/accessible-forests-parks-sites-israel/

Israel Nature and Parks Authority

INPA has worked in recent years to make its sites accessible to persons with disabilities. In all national parks, nature reserves, antiquities sites and heritage sites, work is underway to upgrade accessibility and provide access aids.

INPA are doing everything possible to increase the number of visitors with disabilities who can tour and enjoy the sites, with all the activities they have to offer.

On the website you can find further information and relevant maps.

https://www.parks.org.il/en/accessibility/

Yad Sarah for Tourists

Traveling abroad presents special challenges for people with special needs. Yad Sarah for Tourists offers assistance that will ensure an enjoyable and relaxing vacation for the individual with special needs and his family. Once plans are finalized with the Tourist Desk, the visitor can sit back and relax, knowing that all arrangements are in the capable hands of a Yad Sarah representative.

Some of the services available:

• Lending of necessary medical equipment. Delivery to a hotel or residence can be arranged for a modest fee.
• Equipping your hotel room to make your stay more comfortable, including special beds, chairs, etc.
• Lending of oxygen cylinders/ concentrators.
• Transportation in wheelchair-locking vans, including transfers to and from the airport and sightseeing.
• Recommendation of tour guides specializing in guiding tourists with limited mobility and special needs including advice about tourist sites with easy access.

Yad Sarah’s personalized service is available, by prior arrangement with the Tourist Desk, for any tourist with special needs.

 

The service is available throughout Israel.

 

For further details, or to arrange transportation or a tour, please call the Tourist Desk at +972-2-6444382 or e-mail us: chaimvi@yadsarah.org.il

Access Israel

Access Israel is a non-profit organization that promotes accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and the elderly in all spheres of life. Access Israel was established in 1999 by Yuval Wagner, a former helicopter pilot, who became wheelchair bound following a helicopter accident. Access Israel conducts various project to fulfill the goal of a fully accessible and inclusive society such awareness raising projects in schools, accessibility consulting for businesses, accessibility courses, sign language courses, conferences on various subjects and more. In addition, Access Israel works to promote accessibility in the Israeli law, runs an accessibility complaint center and organizes awareness raising events for the public. Access Israel promotes accessibility and inclusion in all spheres of life and in education, tourism, culture, emergency situations and more.

Accessible Tourism on Access Israel website

LOTEM is the largest organization in Israel for outdoor learning activities for children with special needs, providing outdoor educational activities as well as accessible hikes. Surin Hershko, a war hero who was severely injured in Operation Entebbe in 1976, is Founder and Chairman of LOTEM. His inspiration for LOTEM comes from the heart: “Giving children the basic right to experience life outdoors is the purpose of my life and it fills me with great joy.”

The main site, Emek HaShalom (Valley of Peace), is a 40-acre farm located in Northern Israel, near Yokneam. Situated in the middle of a beautiful valley, the farm is surrounded by blooming nature and the peaceful flow of water. It provides a hands-on learning experience with a teaching garden, wheelchair accessible olive and wine presses, bakery, and wheelchair accessible trails

LOTEM understands the vital role that the outdoors plays in Israelis’ lives, and the immeasurable impact making society accessible has, not just on the individual with a special need but on their family and the community as well. As part of its work to ensure that no member of society is left behind,  LOTEM provides the opportunity for children and adults with special needs to learn and participate in outdoor activities all across the country.

https://www.lotem.net/?page_id=386

Transportation

Israel Airport Authority

By law, the Israel Airport Authority is responsible for providing the physical infrastructure for the activity of the entities providing service to assisted passengers. However, according to transport regulations, the responsibility for handling assisted passengers and their baggage, from the moment of their entry into the terminal building, or their disembarkation from the aircraft, lies with the respective airline with which the passengers are flying. The actual service at Ben Gurion Airport is provided by ground handling companies. The service includes accompaniment and assistance to disabled passengers through the departure and arrival procedures.

https://www.iaa.gov.il/en-us/airports/bengurion/pages/accessibility.aspx

These are the ground handling companies:

Aero Handling

www.aerohandling.com

Laufer Aviation GHI

http://www.lauferghi.com/

QAS

http://www.qasisrael.co.il

Ministry of Transportation help line (local call) 5678*

 

Public transportation

Trains - should you require assistance, in boarding and alighting from the train, from a staff member at the train station, please coordinate your trip with 'Israel Railways' in advance, through the website or through the service hotline on *5770.

'Israel Railways' will do the best to provide you with the best possible service, even if you have not coordinated your trip in advance.

In any case, please coordinate trips that occur between 20:00 in the evening and 06:00 the next morning, as well as trips occurring on Saturday night, in advance.

Buses – all bus lines within the city are adapted to provide service to all. Intrastate buses are partially accessible.

Taxis　– it is rare to catch an accessible taxi on the go. It is recommended to preorder from https://www.aisrael.org/?CategoryID=2657&ArticleID=64179

Accommodation

All types of accommodation in Israel, which have 7 or more rooms, is required by law to provide at least 1 accessible room. All service providers with a minimum of 25 employees are also required to have an Accessibility Supervisor. These laws can assure you that there is no corner in Israel in which the perfect accommodation solution cannot be found. A short pre-visit email coordination of expectation is always recommended.

Accessibility for those with special needs at the beaches:

Israel is a modern, developed country, and you can purchase virtually anything you need during your stay, including clothing, cosmetics, and hygiene products.
If you are visiting Israel during the summer you will need lightweight clothing - short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals, beach shoes and a bathing suit.  It’s also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights in the mountains and the desert can be cool.
If you are visiting Israel in the winter, you will need warm clothing, a coat (preferably a raincoat as well), good shoes, an umbrella, gloves, a scarf and other warm clothing.  Weather in Israel is not cold as it is in Europe, but days can be rainy and cold.
It’s a good idea to bring a small bag for day trips.  If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, it’s a good idea to bring a bathing suit, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter.

Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year.
If you are planning on hiking, you will need good shoes and a lot of water, either in a canteen or in several bottles. You will need a sleeping bag, tent, and camping equipment only if you are planning on sleeping outdoors.  Most youth hostels supply sheets and blankets.

The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz.​

​The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three pinholes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs.

With around merely 40 rainy days a year on average, Israel is known for its sunny disposition, yet keep in mind this is a 4 season country. Summers are long, lasting from April to October and the height of heat and humidity is usually around July-August. Fall and winter last from November to March.

The southern city of Eilat enjoys nearly 360(!) sunny days a year, making it the hottest city in Israel (no pun intended).
The Israeli Meteorological Service: CLICK HERE

Israel is a small country, which makes getting around fast and convenient. Taxis are common in Israel for urban and interurban travel and can be flagged in the street or booked via phone or designated international apps such as GetTexi.

The main forms of public transportation are busses and the national train service both offering a convenient, reasonably priced means of travel to nearly every destination in the country.

Train Information Services: www.rail.co.il / Telephone: 08-6831222 or *5770

Busses Information Services: www.bus.co.il / Telephone: 1-900-72-1111

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths in the central bus station in each city or town, or from the driver. Most of the bus lines do not run on Shabbat or on Jewish holidays. Service ends on Friday afternoon and resumes Saturday evening.

Students are entitled to discounts on intercity bus lines. To receive a discount they must present an international student card when purchasing tickets.

Smart ride apps

As of December, 2020, public bus services can be paid for using smartphone apps. The official app is The Station and is available on Google Play for Android and on the App Store for IOS. There are also several private mobility apps on which payment can be made.

The Station provides users with best options across bus, train, and more, using real-time data, taking into account schedules and the latest changes.

In order to use the app, set up an account and submit your fare type, if eligible.
On the bus, scan the QR sticker to validate your trip and share with the inspector if asked.

For tourists or debit card holders, the app calculates the best price for your journeys at the end of each day.
For Israeli credit card holders, best price is calculated and debited on a monthly basis.
The apps are currently only available for travel on buses, but should soon be available on Israel Railways and the Jerusalem light rail.

Domestic Flights

Israel is a small country, and for this reason, it is only worthwhile to consider flying between Eilat and Tel Aviv. Several companies operate flights from Eilat to Ben Gurion Airport, or Sde Dov in north Tel Aviv. Airfares are reasonable, but are higher than bus fares.

There are also private companies that operate special flights from anywhere in the country upon request.

Renting a Car

Most international car rental companies and local companies have offices in the large cities and at Ben Gurion Airport. It is recommended to reserve a car in advance from abroad.

To rent a car in Israel the driver must be over 24 years of age, and must hold a valid international driver’s license and an international credit card.

Israel has an extensive road system and clear signage in most places (in Hebrew, English, and Arabic).

Driving in Israel

The minimum driving age in Israel is 17 and the driving side of the road is the right. Speed limits are 30 to 50km/h in cities, 80-90 on freeways, 130 on highways and Route no.6. Safety belts are obligatory, and if you’re enjoying a night on the town, keep in mind there is a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving so find a designated driver and enjoy safely.

Highway 6

Highway 6 operates as an electronic toll road with no barriers at entrances or exits and no traffic lights which allows for uninterrupted trips. Advanced computerized information systems installed along the highway include electronic tollgates, identify vehicles, categorize types of fees (subscription or unregistered) and calculate the number of highway sections each vehicle travels. Every trip is automatically tabulated and invoiced. Drivers enjoy a rich, convenient, and safe traveling experience with a speed limit of 130 kilometers per hour.

Tourists renting a car will be charged via their credit card. Please inquire with the rental company the conditions and tariffs.

Most Rent a Car companies do not offer insurance for the areas in the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Tourists wishing to drive with rented cars into the areas of the Palestinian Authority are recommended to secure appropriate insurance.

Currency exchange rates

The State of Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or shekel for short (pluralized as shkalim in Hebrew or shekels in English). There are 100 agorot (agora in singular) in each shekel. Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 20, 50, 100, and 200; coins are in denominations of NIS10, NIS5, NIS2 NIS1 and 50 and 10 agorot.

Changing Money

Unlimited sums of local and foreign money may be brought into Israel as cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards or State of Israel bonds. Foreign currency of all kinds may be exchanged at the airport, banks, post offices, most hotels or licensed exchange agencies in large cities. A passport is required when exchanging travelers’ checks. The rates vary from place to place, and banks charge a commission. It is recommended, though not obligatory, to carry a small amount of US dollars, since certain tourist sites, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payment in dollars. More Information is available here.

Cash Withdrawal

Holders of international credit cards can withdraw local or foreign currency at banks which accept their credit cards. There are Automated Teller Machines outside most banks.

Isn’t Israel a long way away?
Not nearly as far as you may think: just 10 hours from New York (it’s quicker to fly from New York to Israel than from New York to Hawaii!), or 14 hours from Los Angeles. There are about ten nonstop flights a day from North America to Israel, on Air Canada, American Airlines/US Airways, Delta, El Al Israel Airlines and United. Plus you can connect to Israel through dozens of European cities.

What documents do I need to travel to Israel?
For U.S. and Canadian citizens, all you need is a passport that’s valid at least six months longer than your date of arrival in Israel. (For stays up to three months, you don’t need a visa.) If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, the same conditions apply to citizens of most western countries, but just to be sure: click here.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?
We wouldn’t urge you to come if it wasn’t. Every year between 3 and 4 million tourists vacation in Israel – and apart from those who fall in love with an Israeli – or with Israel – they all go home again safe and sound. The planes of 90+ airlines wouldn’t fly to Israel if it weren’t safe.

I hear there is a security interview before my flight…
If you are flying EL AL Israel Airlines (or from Europe on Arkia Israel Airlines or Israir), please know that the security precautions taken by Israeli airlines are the stuff of legend and the envy of the world’s airlines. On check-in for your flights you will be asked a variety of questions during a security interview. Some of the questions may seem un-PC, intrusive, irrelevant or repetitive. Just answer truthfully, go with the flow and don’t lose your cool. Remember, the questions are designed to protect you and your fellow passengers. When you leave Israel, the departure process is identical to that outlined above for all airlines.

What about health, medicines, vaccinations?
Israel is an ultra-modern country with the world’s highest number of doctors per capita, and a health and hospital system that is the envy of the world. No vaccinations are required to visit Israel (unless you have recently been in an area where there have been epidemics of yellow fever, cholera or ebola). You can buy most standard over-the-counter equivalent of North American drugs in Israel. You can also bring supplies of your standard prescription drugs with you. (If you need to bring syringes and vials of medicine – bring along a letter from your doctor attesting to your needs, just in case.) If you need to see a doctor in Israel, check with your hotel concierge. Travel insurance (including medical coverage) is always recommended for all foreign travel.)

What to wear?
Like almost everywhere in the world, casual is the "rule" for everyday sightseeing. Bring good walking shoes or sneakers and "layers." Israelis (especially women) like to be “elegant casual” on evenings in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Some religious shrines require modest dress (arms and legs covered, and, occasionally, no pants for women). Don't forget your swimsuit and, for the Dead Sea, plastic shoes or aqausox.

What about money?
The Israeli currency is the Shekel (officially “New Israeli Shekel”), worth around 30 cents. Click here for the current conversion rate. On arrival in Israel, it’s a good idea to use your bank-card to withdraw some Shekels from the ATM in the arrival-halls at Ben Gurion - or change small amounts of dollars/or travelers’ checks at a bank or your hotel. There are ATM machines all over Israel and credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity
Almost all hotel rooms are equipped with hairdryers, and all have shaver sockets. For other appliances, Israel's electricity is 220V A/C, single phase 50-cycles; 110V-220V transformers can be used. Israeli outlets have three prongs, but European two-prong adapters usually work. If you don’t have an adapter that seems to work, call the hotel’s front desk or visit a hardware store.

Keeping in touch
Most hotels have free wi-fi in the lobby, and some hotels provide it free in the room. Many hotels also have Business Centers where you can access e-mail and the internet without charge. American cell-phones that work overseas will work in Israel too. Israel is 6 or 7 hours ahead of the East Coast of the USA depending on the season.

Temperatures
Temperatures can vary widely so just pack for the "right" weather and you'll be fine. Seasons overlap of course, but general guidelines are:

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
BUS: Israel has one of the world’s best and most inexpensive bus systems, with almost every city, town, village and settlement connected to the system. Click here for schedules and prices.

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. Click for full information.

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.

Important Update for Tourists Traveling to Israel (Effective January 1, 2025)

New Entry Requirements: ETA and Passport Validity
Starting January 1, 2025, all tourists visiting Israel will need to be aware of the updated Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement and new passport validity regulations. These changes are designed to simplify the entry process, but they also require travelers to meet both passport validity criteria and apply for the ETA in advance.

Key Updates:

• Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Israel.
• Verify that your return ticket is in line with the passport’s expiration date.

For a smooth entry, stay informed about these updates. Following the guidelines ensures you avoid delays or entry refusal.
All information provided here is based on the official regulations from the Population and Immigration Authority.

Entry Requirements and Immigration Procedures
ETA Required Starting January 1, 2025

All visa-exempt travelers must apply for and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Israel. Without an ETA, entry will be denied.
For more details, visit the official Israel entry website.

Passport Expiry Requirements

• If you need an entry visa: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
• If you are visa-exempt and need an ETA: Your passport must be valid for 3 months beyond your arrival date.

How to Check if You Need an ETA or Visa?

• To check if you need an entry visa or just an ETA, visit: Israel-entry | Page Eligibility Check.
• If you’re not eligible for an entry visa online, contact the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy for assistance: Israel's Diplomatic Missions | Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What You Should Do Next:

1. Check Your Passport Expiry Date: Ensure your passport meets the required validity for your entry type.
2. Renew Your Passport if it’s expiring soon, before applying for the ETA or visa.

Arrival in Israel: The Electronic Gate Pass
Upon arrival, the Border Control Kiosk will print an Electronic Gate Pass containing key details from your passport.
This card will include your arrival date and visa information, replacing the traditional passport stamp.

The Electronic Gate Pass:

• Allows travelers to exit the arrival terminal without further delays.
• Serves as an official form of identification while in Israel. Keep it on hand at all times as proof of your visa status.
• Allows you to continue to the luggage pickup area and proceed to exit the terminal.

Entry Procedure:

1. Proceed to passport control.
2. Collect luggage.
3. Go through customs:
   • Green Lane: Nothing to declare.
   • Red Lane: Goods to declare.
4. Exit the airport.

 

Important Notes:

• The Allenby Bridge (Israel/Jordan crossing) has specific restrictions, such as a limit of 2000 Jordanian Dinars in cash.
• Request no Israeli stamp in your passport if traveling to Arab countries to avoid potential issues.
• ETA approval does not guarantee entry into Israel. The border controller’s decision upon arrival is the only determining factor for entry.

For Assistance:

• The Virtual Tourism Bureau | Ministry of Tourism
• Email: Israelw@tourism.gov.il

Customs

General information regarding the laws and policies of the Customs Authority can be downloaded:
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/tourist-and-travelers-info/govil-landing-page

Please make note that travel through Allenby Bridge Crossing has specific limitations and directives. For example, visitors passing through the Allenby Bridge between Israel/Jordan may carry no more than the cash value of 2000 Jordanian Dinars.

Customs and V.A.T. for Tourists: https://taxes.go.il/English/Vat/Pages/VatLobby.aspx

Aside from Allenby Bridge Crossing, and for all other Gateways including airports, the following tourist guide is relevant for visitors as defined by the Customs and Tax Authority:
https://taxes.gov.il/English/Vat/pages/guides/vat-refund-for-tourists.aspx
https://taxes.gov.il/English/customs/PersonalImport/Pages/CustomsTuristGuide.aspx

Please note: there is a two-lane customs transit system, one green and the other red, at Ben Gurion Airport and the various Crossing Points. Visitors who do not have goods to be declared may go through the green lane at the exit from the passenger arrival hall.

 

*The information presented on this page is based on data and details provided to the Ministry of Tourism by the Population and Immigration Authority.

We strive to ensure accuracy and reliability by relying on the information obtained from this trusted source.

Any update or change in the information is the responsibility of the Population and Immigration Authority