ISRAEL TRAVEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

With such a momentous journey, there are of course many questions. We hope some of these frequently asked questions will assist you, but we are here to answer any additional questions you may have as well! If you need additional assistance, please call +254740802982 / +254740809694 , email us on info@freeholiday.co.ke

 

What are the requirements to Visit Israel?

First you need Faith then have the following support documents (hyperlink this to the visa requirements)

Do I Need a Visa?

Yes you do if you a citizen of the following countries (Hyperlink with the list of countries that require an entry visa)

What is the age limit to travel to Israel?

Apparently there is no age limit to visit the Holy land, it’s open to everyone. But you have to meet and present the visa requirements requested by the Embassy. So anyone can travel to Israel.

Are there any health/vaccination requirements for tours? Is there anything I should prepare for medically?

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). Before you travel to Israel, ask your doctor to write a prescription for any medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging. Israel is known around the world for its medical care, so if any need arises, you will be well cared for.

What is the weather like?

Israel has several climate zones, including a Mediterranean climate in Tel Aviv, a semi-arid climate in Beersheba, and a desert climate in Southern Negev. Overall, you can expect long, hot and dry summers throughout the country, and cooler, rainy winters.

When is the best time of year to visit and how is the weather?

With years of experience of knowing when is the best time to visit Israel we have scheduled our tour departure dates for the best available periods. We normally have few if any tour departures in September or October (depending on month it falls in the year) due to the Jewish Holiday's with limited hotel availability, and higher airfare rates. Besides Jewish Holiday season we recommend tours to the Holy Land year-round. Israel is also considered a year-round destination due to its climate. The country is privileged with long warm, dry summers, and mild winters, and cooler weather in the hill regions like Jerusalem.

Can I be baptized in the Jordan River?

One of the spiritual highlights when visiting the Holy Land is visiting the baptismal site of Yardenit in the Jordan River. If you wish to enter and submerge into the water all that is required is to rent a locker for your things and white robe paid directly to the site custodian, the Kibbutz Kenneret.

What Should I wear?

Israel is a modern, westernized country, and casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for sightseeing. We recommend good, comfortable shoes for lots of walking, and hats and sunglasses for protection. Pack cool, light clothing for spring through fall, and warmer clothing for winter visits. It is recommended to bring some nicer clothing for dinners. Some sites visited to require more modest dress, so it is advised to bring along a pair some long pants for men, and clothing that covers the knees and shoulders for women. Don’t forget your swim suit!

What are electric outlets like?

Most hotels and locations do use the standard European outlets (three-pronged). It is advised to bring an adapter for usage.

What is the internet and email availability like?

Most hotels will offer access for an additional fee, and there are cafes and businesses that offer complimentary access. Tel Aviv has free Wi-Fi throughout the city with 80 hotspots!

Will my cell phone work in Israel?

If you have an international usage plan with your carrier, it will work. Please contact your carrier to set up and ensure you have coverage before your arrival. We do suggest you carry a phone with you in Israel, even if you need to rent one for your stay for added safety and ability to keep in contact if you get separated from your group.

What if I need help during my trip?

Besides having a fully escorted tour with our expert guides being able to help most situations, you’ll be provided with a 24-hour local contact numbers as well as a contact number in the Embassy and our Office.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water in Israel is safe and delicious. You’ll also find bottle water everywhere. Some areas of Israel are very dry and hot, therefore it’s important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

What language is spoken in Israel?

Hebrew and Arabic are the Israeli official languages, however many also speaks English. You’ll even find many street signs written in English so if all you know in Hebrew is “Shalom” for hello & goodbye, don’t be afraid to travel to Israel. You’ll get along just fine.

What should I expect with currency and purchasing while in Israel?

Israel’s currency is the Shekel and it’s worth about .30 US Dollars. It is strongly suggested to exchange your local currency to USD before departure and some money into Shekels upon arrival. You can also withdraw from ATMs with your bank card. Credit cards are widely accepted, with VISA and MasterCard being the most accepted.

Do I need traveller’s insurance?

For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. Travel insurance can be purchased for a minimal amount of your travel investment, and can cover the following:

• Hospital and doctor needs. Many seasoned travellers don’t realize that their health insurance may not be valid outside of their home country.
• Cancelled trip cover. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable. This can help you save thousands of dollars.
• Travel insurance also covers lost baggage, and worldwide emergency assistance coverage.

What should I pack?

Packing is very personal, but there are things you should keep in mind while preparing for your trip.

• Plan to dress casually, packing clothes which can be layered if the weather changes. Choose comfort over fashion. If you plan on dining in exclusive restaurants, you may want to pack just one dressy outfit.
• Bring along a light-weight jacket which will not prove to be too cumbersome if you end up carrying it for a few hours.
• Bring along modest options for visits to certain religious venues.
• Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewellery.
• A good way to conceal your valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive but light-weight travel pouch which attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.
• Do not over-pack…leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
• It is highly recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as protection against the harmful rays of the sun.
• Women should bring a scarf to cover their head and shoulders at certain sites.
• If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack. Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.
• Don’t forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen. Put all medication and necessities in your carry-on bag, not your checked bag, along with a few clothes.

Before your Trip?

Leave your Israel travel information with a family member or friend; include a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.

Most airlines restrict passengers to one piece of carry-on luggage (in addition to your purse, laptop, camera case). Sizes and weight of carry-on luggage are determined by airline, so be sure to check with airline on dimension requirements before you leave.

Keep important items and documents with you at all times. Medicines should be carried in their original packaging (if you have a copy of the prescription, bring it with you). Do not keep travellers checks, money, valuables or travel documents in your luggage.

Make sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the inside as well as the outside.

Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a passport (valid for six months after your return date) is needed as proof of identification to enter Israel.

Do not leave your luggage unattended for any length of time (no matter how short) or accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.

Clearing customs in Israel may take a little longer than in most foreign countries. Keep in mind that upon arrival Israel you will need to go through customs and exchange money. Therefore, it is wise to give yourself plenty of time between landing and connecting to another form of transport.

Your Flight to Israel?

You’re at the gate, your plane awaits and you feel excitement for the adventure ahead! After take-off and checking out all the neat little amenities and freebies, the novelty will wear off. Depending on where your flight is originating, hours and miles of being confined on airplane are ahead of you. Below are some tips for the making your flight as easy as possible.

Dress comfortably for the flight. Wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement as you will most likely be trying to sleep on the flight. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily and have warm socks for your feet.

In order to avoid jet-lag, do not drink alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages. Choose natural fruit juices and water.

To avoid air sickness and more serious medical issues that can arise from air travel, stay hydrated, chew gum or ginger, and be sure to get up and move to prevent blood clots. Do not wear any type of restrictive clothing, to accommodate for any travel swelling that may occur.

Before you leave, choose a good book, or two, that will keep you occupied for most of the flight. Before your return flight, buy another – not only will it pass the flight time quickly but it will become a souvenir of your trip.

Store your coat and anything you are not going to use in the overhead compartment. You’ll be much more comfortable with a minimum of things to shift around.

Bring along a moisturizer as the air in the cabin is extremely dry.

If you find yourself extremely exhausted upon arrival in Israel, take a brief nap after check-in and plan on beginning your sightseeing in the afternoon after resting. Do not sleep too long, so you can adjust to the time zone.

 

How will I move around in Israel?

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 is a 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 IsraelAir, 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. An American or Canadian drivers’ license is valid in Israel.

 

Will we need cash during the tour?

Yes, although most sites accept credit cards, some do not. You will also need cash for snacks.

How much cash will I need ?

Plan on a minimum of $15-$20 per person per day.

HOW MUCH WALKING WILL WE BE DOING?

Seeing Israel is not a looking-out-the-bus-window-experience. Our tours are a feet-on-the-ground adventure that requires traveller’s to be in generally good health and is responsible to have independent mobility and strength.

There is a significant amount of walking over uneven archaeological terrain and nature pathways as well as up hills and ancient stairs. To participate in this tour successfully, you should be able to climb two flights of stairs without assistance and walk at a modest pace for a mile, as well as be able to stand in potentially hot weather.

If you have questions about this, please reach out to us.

 

Is there a VAT Refund?

Purchases can be made in Israeli Shekels, U.S. dollars or Euros. Tourists who have purchased items with a value exceeding $100 (including VAT) in stores that are registered with the Ministry of Tourism or in stores participating in the VAT-refund plan are entitled to a refund of VAT when they leave the country.

Stores that offer VAT refund service have a special sign.

To receive VAT refund, ensure that you get a receipt with a list of all the items you have purchased and details of the purchaser. The receipt and purchases must be put into a sealed bag.

Tourists must then go to the “Change Place” at Ben Gurion airport or other exit port. If you wish to send the items that you purchased with your luggage, you must declare the purchase at the security check, and present your passport, flight ticket, purchases and receipts at the counter. The attendant will open the bag, examine the contents, sign the receipt, and refund the VAT in any currency minus a commission. The VAT refund can also be sent to your address abroad for an additional charge.

There is no VAT refund for the following items: food, drinks, tobacco products, electrical appliances, cameras, film or other photography equipment.

Is it Mandatory to Tip?

In Israel, it is customary to tip hotel personnel, guides and drivers. The following are good guidelines to follow:

• Give your guide $1.50 per day at the beginning of the tour. The guide will then pay the appropriate tips to the baggage handlers and restaurant staff.
• Please expect to tip your guide $5.00 – $7.00 per day and your driver $3.00 – $4.00 per day (amounts are per person).
• A 15% tip is the average in lunch restaurants that are not part of the Israel tour package.

 

While tipping is not mandatory for taxi drivers, some visitors choose to do so anyhow. Remember that a tip or gratuity is earned for services rendered in a courteous and professional manner.

Departing Israel

Israel’s airport security is probably the tightest in the world, so it is vital that you arrive in plenty of time to board your flight. Be aware that you will need at least two hours for pre-departure screening and even more time for check-in.

What if I want to visit an Arab Country after my visit to Israel?

No problem! Like many countries in Europe, Israel no longer stamps visitors’ passports; therefore your passport will not indicate you visited Israel.

 

Do you have further question about planning a tour with us? Contact Us