Israel travel guide

Getting there

Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv is the main international gateway, with Ramon Airport near Eilat serving some flights. Land borders with Jordan and Egypt are open at times, subject to the security situation.

Best time to visit: Mar–May and Sep–Nov – warm days without the summer heat.

Tougher months: July-August if you dislike heat, especially in the desert and Dead Sea region.

Weather by month in Jerusalem

• 12°J●●
• 13°F●●
• 16°M●
• 21°A
• 25°M
• 27°J
• 29°J
• 29°A
• 28°S
• 25°O
• 19°N●
• 14°D●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Jerusalem. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 0 of 198 other passports can enter Israel without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 198 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Israel (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-08-26). Read the advisory.

Source and more: Israel travel facts on RoamSun

Stay

Most trips to Israel are based around Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa or Dead Sea. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$60–90 for a backpacker and US$150–250 mid-range, per person.

Source: RoamSun Israel page · Browse hotel guides

Connect

Plug types: C, H, M. Voltage: 230 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +972.

Mobile data: read the travel eSIM setup guide before you fly so the plan is installed and ready on landing.

Source: Advinne eSIM guide · RoamSun

Do

• Jerusalem (Judean Hills · holy city): A city sacred to three faiths, with layers of history in every street.
• Tel Aviv-Jaffa (Coast · beach city): Beaches, nightlife, a 'White City' of Bauhaus buildings and ancient Jaffa.
• Dead Sea (Judean Desert · natural wonder): Hyper-salty water, mineral mud and dramatic desert cliffs.
• Masada (Judean Desert · UNESCO fortress): Herod's mountaintop palace-fortress with sweeping views.
• Acre (Akko) (North coast · Crusader city): A walled port with Crusader halls, Ottoman mosques and souks.
• Haifa (North coast · city): Famous for the Baha'i Gardens and views from Mount Carmel.
• Sea of Galilee (North · lake & pilgrimage): Pilgrimage sites, hiking and lakeside towns like Tiberias.
• Mitzpe Ramon (Negev · desert crater): Stargazing and hikes around a vast erosion crater.

Things to do

• Explore Jerusalem's Old City. Walk between the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the bazaars within its ancient walls.
• Float in the Dead Sea. Bob effortlessly in the salty water at the lowest point on land.
• Climb Masada at sunrise. Hike the Snake Path to Herod's cliff-top fortress for a desert dawn.
• Hit the beach in Tel Aviv. Join locals jogging, playing matkot and watching the Mediterranean sunset.
• Wander old Jaffa. Explore stone alleys, a flea market and harbour views.
• Tour the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum and other sites linked to the life of Jesus.
• Explore Crusader Acre. Descend into vaulted halls of the Knights Hospitaller beneath the old city.
• Hike Ein Gedi. Follow desert trails to waterfalls where ibex roam.

Source: full Israel guide on RoamSun

Eat and drink

• Falafel – fried chickpea balls in pita
• Hummus – creamy chickpea and tahini dip
• Shakshuka – eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce
• Sabich – pita with fried aubergine and egg

Source: RoamSun Israel guide

Money and safety

Currency: Israeli new shekel (ILS). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants.

Emergency numbers: 100 police · 101 ambulance · 102 fire.

• The currency is the new Israeli shekel (ILS).
• Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find.
• The security situation can change rapidly and some areas may be restricted – check your government's latest travel advice before and during your trip.
• Follow local instructions on shelters and alerts, and know where the nearest protected space is.

Source: RoamSun Israel facts