PRE-TRIP PREP GUIDE
There’s so much to do and see while you’re in Israel — and also a few things you’ll need to get ready. Prepare for your journey by reading this helpful guide below, and start getting excited for the discoveries that await!
TRAVEL
Taking Flight
AIRLINE MEALS, SEATING & POINTS
Details about the group flight will be communicated by your program organizer directly.
- If you want a special meal (e.g. vegetarian, etc.) note this as part of your application.
- Seating is pre-assigned by the airline on group flights, and special requests can be made at check-in only.
- If allowed by the airline, participants are responsible for obtaining reward points directly via the airline using the ticket information obtained at check-in.
LUGGAGE RULES
Check with your specific airline for the most updated terms, however, the following are the basic luggage rules for most transatlantic group flights:
- Checked Luggage: One bag is free at no more than 50 pounds (22.67 kg) and 30 inches (76.2 cm) long.
- Carry-on Luggage: One carry-on size backpack and personal item is allowed
DEPARTING & RETURNING
Your program organizer will set a meeting place and time at the departure airport. In the event that you are delayed on departure day, contact your program organizer staff ASAP. If necessary and if possible, we will seek to re-schedule you on the next available flight. On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, we proceed to passport control and then re-form as a group at baggage claim where we will be met by a program greeter. In baggage claim, there will be time for restroom breaks and for using an ATM or currency exchange service. From baggage claim, we will proceed as a group to the bus loading zone to meet our local guide and begin our travels. For the return flight we typically clear customs/baggage claim within 60-90 minutes of arrival in the United States. If scheduling a connecting flight, allow for a buffer of at least three hours between flights within the same airport. Staff will typically be on hand to escort participants through baggage claim and direct them to their connecting flights.
AIRLINE DEVIATIONS
Rules and costs governing flight extensions differ greatly from airline to airline. Typically, travelers can extend any leg of their group ticket but cannot change the routing (e.g. no flying home via a different city) unless they make special arrangements to secure an individual ticket – which must be done at least 100 days in advance. Group ticket deviations are subject to an airline imposed change fee and any difference in fare that may apply. Flight availability is often limited, so coordinating your extension well in advance will give you the most options and the lowest cost. In most case, group flight change requests can only be submitted via Authentic Israel per airline rules (contact flights@authenticisrael.net).
PASSPORTS
Passports & Visas
PASSPORTS
Check to make sure that you know where your passport is and that it is not expired or about to expire. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Israel. If your passport expires within this period, start the renewal process well in advance. Many airlines will deny you boarding if your passport is not valid according to this policy. Learn more about ordering a USA passport or a Canadian passport.
Make sure your program coordinator has the passport spelling of your name. If you are registered using a name other than the spelling in your passport, your ticket will be printed accordingly, and you may be denied boarding for the flight to Israel. Contact your program coordinator to make any corrections ASAP – airline name change fees may apply.
We ask for the passport number of each individual traveler, as this is required by hotels during check-in. Please contact us to provide these details at least a month before arrival.
VISAS
If you are traveling to Israel on a USA, Canadian, or European Union member country passport, a visa is not needed to enter Israel on a tourist visit of up to three months. If you are traveling on a passport from another country, you may need a visa to enter Israel. Details are available here. Our office is able to provide you with an official ticket confirmation if needed.
If you hold an Israeli passport you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport. If either of your parents is Israeli citizens, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be worked out prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. It is critical that you take care of these matters before you arrive in Israel. If you do not, you may be obligated to stay in Israel until
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
All travelers to Israel must obtain a valid electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) before entering the country. The online application only takes a few minutes, and you will want to select "Visit (Tourism)" as the primary reason for your entry. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and costs 25 NIS (~US$7.00). Apply for the ETA-IL at least 72 hours before your departure, and we advise you to carry a printed copy during your travels.
View these ETA-IL instructions and then complete your ETA-IL application at least 72 hours before departure.
NOTE: The ETA-IL does not pertain to travelers entering Israel with an Israeli passport.
GATE PASS
Upon arrival to Ben Gurion Airport, you'll be issued a small slip of paper called an "Electronic Gate Pass" which serves as your official form of identifications while in Israel. Israel asks all tourists to keep the card on hand at all times as proof of their status. Moreover, the pass is used to prove to the hotels that you are not an Israeli citizen and thus not responsible for VAT (tax). Failure to present this pass at check-in may result in the hotel assessing VAT at your own cost. So, please keep this Gate Pass on hand and/or with your passport at all times.
INSURANCE
Insurance
LOCAL MEDICAL INSURANCE
The program includes limited local medical insurance that covers treatment and medication for conditions that occur during the trip and within Israel only. The policy does not cover pre-existing conditions. Should you need medical attention during the program, contact your guide for assistance.
LEARN MORE
Contact us at least three weeks in advance if you wish to extend your medical policy in Israel ($2.50/day) if you are continuing your travels in Israel.
PACKING
How to Pack for Israel
KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY!
More than any other advice, we recommend bringing comfortable light-weight walking shoes, and close-toed shoes will be required at many sites. We do a lot of walking, and when your feet are happy, you're happy. Additionally, at the Dead Sea, you will need an extra pair of shoes that can get wet (and stay on your feet). Water shoes or adventure sandals such as Chacos, Keens, or Tevas that have supportive straps are perfect.
ATTIRE
Israel is a casual country when it comes to clothing however we will be visiting some religious sites where more modest clothing is appropriate. On these days, both men and women should plan to wear clothes that cover both their shoulders and their knees.
LUGGAGE
We suggest that you pack your medication, toiletries, and a change of clothes within a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed in transit. Consider bringing a small traveling bag on the bus each day to store extra clothing, personal belongings, and a light jacket/sweater for the evenings if we are not returning to the hotel earlier.
LAUNDRY
Laundry is available for a supplemental fee at most hotels. Laundromats are not common outside of Tel Aviv, so if you plan on doing laundry, the hotel service will be most practical.
BRINGING VALUABLES TO ISRAEL
We encourage you to leave valuables at home wherever possible. While theft is not common in Israel it does happen –even from hotel rooms (safes are available in each room). As a matter of policy, participants are responsible for their possessions and valuables at all times.
WEATHER
Israel enjoys warm, dry summers (May-September) and generally mild winters (November-March). Somewhat cooler weather is found in the more hilly regions, such as Jerusalem, Tsfat, and the Golan. Warmer weather is found along the coast, in the desert, and near the Sea of Galilee. December through March are the wettest months in Israel. June through August are the driest months with no expected rain at all.
Average temperatures vary by region and time of the year as follows:
| Jersualem | Tel Aviv | Dead Sea | Tiberias | Eilat | |
| January | 43-53 | 49-65 | 49-69 | 48-65 | 49-70 |
| February | 44-57 | 48-66 | 51-73 | 49-67 | 51-73 |
| March | 44-1 | 51-69 | 55-79 | 51-72 | 56-79 |
| April | 53-69 | 54-72 | 62-86 | 56-80 | 63-87 |
| May | 60-77 | 63-77 | 68-94 | 62-89 | 69-95 |
| June | 63-81 | 67-83 | 72-99 | 68-95 | 75-99 |
| July | 66-84 | 70-86 | 75-101 | 73-89 | 77-103 |
| August | 66-86 | 72-86 | 76-101 | 75-99 | 79-104 |
| September | 65-82 | 69-89 | 74-97 | 71-95 | 75-98 |
| October | 60-78 | 59-83 | 68-92 | 65-89 | 69-92 |
| November | 54-67 | 54-76 | 60-83 | 59-78 | 61-83 |
| December | 47-56 | 47-66 | 53-73 | 53-68 | 51-74 |
PREPARING FOR SUMMER WEATHER
Weather during summer is hot during the day, cooler in the evenings, and humidity is minimal in most parts of Israel. Bring comfortable clothing for warm weather. We also urge you to wear a brimmed hat and sunscreen as you may find the sun to be more intense than at home.
PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
Israel enjoys mild winters, and while there is a chance of rain during this time of year, it is not an everyday occurrence (or even every week). Snow is a very rare (and short-lived) phenomenon in Jerusalem. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to prepare yourself for fluctuating temperatures.
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
SPECIAL ITEMS TO BRING
- Power adapter (and a converter if necessary)
- 1-2 bathing suits (more for summer trips)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water shoes or athletic sandals
- Backpack or small carrying bag
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Brimmed hat
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Over the counter medications
- Prescription medications
- Windbreaker or light coat (April-October)
- Warm jacket, gloves, and hat (November-March)
- Umbrella (October-April)
- Cooling towel for hot days
ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME
- Hairdryer (provided at most hotels)
- Fancy clothing
- Towels and linens
- Valuables
GENERAL
While in Israel
STAYING CONNECTED
If you do not have a cellphone plan with reasonable international calling/data services, you can take advantage of discounted rates for mobile services at www.stayconnectedabroad.com. Options include local cellphone rentals, SIM cards, and other mobile data solutions. Pick-up is free at Ben Gurion Airport as long as you place your order at least a week in advance of your arrival (the pickup kiosk is closed Friday evening to Saturday evening).
For parents and friends who wish to contact you during the program, keep in mind that Israel is seven hours ahead of Eastern Time. Some of the hotels, kibbutzim, and guest houses will have wi-fi available, which you are welcome to use during free time, often for an additional fee. Apps like Whatsapp work well for free international texting and calling.
STAFFING
In addition to your campus staff team, the program is led by an experienced, licensed Israeli guide who is with the group on a 24/7 basis. Our travels in the Palestinian Authority territories will be led by local guides. Additionally, a security escort accompanies the group at most times in Israel, and our travel takes place on a large, comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a dedicated driver (buses in Israel do not have bathrooms). Staff names and back-up contact information will be provided by the program organizer.
MONEY MATTERS
The Israeli currency is the Shekel (NIS). The US Dollar is equal to roughly 3.50 Israeli shekels at the time of publishing. We recommend going to www.xe.com for an updated exchange rate closer to departure. Shekels come in various denominations, and it's worth noting that shekel coins come in higher values than you may be used to at home. For example, a 10 shekel coin is worth approximately US$3.00. So, watch your coins carefully!
You can exchange your home currency for shekels prior to departure, on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, or you can use an ATM to withdraw shekels all over Israel. Exchanging your home currency during the trip itself will not be convenient or you will be subject to non-advantageous exchange rates at the hotel.
If you choose to use your personal ATM card or credit card in Israel consider this advice:
- If your ATM or Debit card has a Visa, MasterCard, Star, Cirrus, or Maestro logo imprint, there should not be a problem withdrawing money. Other ATM network cards may work, but we encourage you to check with your local bank if you have any doubts. ATM machines have instructions in several languages including English. The money withdrawn will be in shekels.
- Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted throughout Israel. We advise that you contact your bank to inform them you are traveling abroad and using your cards to make purchases to ensure fraud alerts and security holds are not placed on your accounts.
- Check with your bank for exact fees charged when using ATM and credit cards. Some credit card companies, such as Capital One, do not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Bring your bank's contact information and place it in a separate, secure location in the unlikely event your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your guide, driver, hotel staff, and wait staff at group meals are already included in the cost of the program. If you are eating a restaurant separately or taking a taxi, the customary tip range in Israel is 10-15%.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
If you plan to bring small electrical appliances, consider that Israel uses a 220-volt electrical current versus the 110-volt current used in North America. To avoid "frying" any electrical items, bring a voltage converter (this is already built into most smartphones and tablets). The outlet types are different as well, with two circular prongs, so you will also need a simple adapter to plug your items into the wall. If you are unsure of which plugs to purchase, check with your local electronics or travel store. A travel adapter can be purchased online and should be no more than $5.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The program covers meals as listed in the itinerary. Breakfast is provided daily at the hotel and will consist of a wide variety of salads, dairy products, fruits, breads and more traditional breakfast items. Since lunch is typically a quick stop, we encourage you to eat a full breakfast. One other meal is included daily.
Travelers with special dietary situations (i.e. allergies, lactose intolerance, vegetarian, etc.) should note it with your program organizer. We will notify the meal providers in advance, and make a good faith effort to ensure your considerations are accommodated.
During meals on your own, you will find that you often have a huge selection of styles to choose from, ranging from sushi to Italian and nearly everything in between. In general, you may find that restaurants are not as aware of allergens or potential reactions, so we recommend that you exercise caution when ordering or ask your staff for assistance. Finally, most restaurants accept credit card for payment, but many of the small quick-service restaurants will only accept cash.
STAYING HYDRATED
Carrying a water bottle is a must, especially during the summer months. You will require much more frequent hydration than you are probably used to, around 2-4 liters of water per day. If you do not wish to pack a water bottle or hydration pouch, you can easily recycle your plastic store-bought bottles of water by refilling them from the tap, which is safe to drink. Additionally, bottles of water are available for sale on your tour bus, and typically cost only US$1-$3 per bottle (depending on size).
ISRAEL'S TIME ZONE
When communicating with friends and family at home, remember that Israel is usually seven hours ahead of Eastern Time or ten hours ahead of Pacific Time. This means evenings in Israel are equivalent to morning/afternoon in North America. Mornings in Israel are equivalent to late night in North America.
MEDICINE & VACCINATIONS
If you are taking medication, we recommend bringing enough to last for the entire time that you expect to be in Israel. If you have a notable medical condition, inform us in advance so that we can prepare our staff accordingly. No vaccinations are required for Israel, but we do recommend coming to Israel with an up-to-date tetanus shot.
ROOM CONFIGURATIONS
Hotels are confirmed on double occupancy or triple occupancy basis. Each traveler will have their own bed, and there is a private bathroom in each room. Actual rooming decisions are at the discretion of the program organizer.