Israel Travel Guide
Top Experiences in Israel
- Float in the Dead Sea -A natural wonder, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, allowing visitors to float effortlessly. The mineral-rich mud is known for its therapeutic properties, making this a must-visit spot for relaxation and wellness.
- Explore Jerusalem’s Old City -Jerusalem is a city steeped in history. Walk through the Old City’s four quarters, visit sacred sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock, and experience the rich spiritual atmosphere that defines this remarkable city.
- Experience Tel Aviv’s Lively Energy -Tel Aviv is Israel’s modern, cosmopolitan hub, known for its stunning beaches, buzzing nightlife, and rich culinary scene. Explore the UNESCO-listed Bauhaus buildings, shop at the lively Carmel Market, or enjoy a sunset at the Jaffa Port.
- Hike Masada at Sunrise -For breathtaking views and a dose of history, hike to the top of Masada at sunrise. The climb is rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea.
- Discover the Sea of Galilee -A serene retreat, the Sea of Galilee offers boat rides, historical landmarks like Capernaum, and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal place for relaxation and reflection.
- Visit the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa -The beautifully landscaped Baha’i Gardens, terraced along Mount Carmel, offer panoramic views of Haifa and the Mediterranean, creating a peaceful and visually stunning experience.
Essential Travel Information For Israel
Climate
Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller.
Culture and Language
Israel is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze traditions. Hebrew is the official language, with Arabic widely spoken. English is commonly used, particularly in tourist areas, making communication easy for travelers.
Getting Around
Public transportation in Israel is efficient and affordable. Buses, trains, and light rail systems connect major cities. Renting a car is ideal for exploring remote locations, while taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber offer convenient transport options.
Accommodation
From luxury hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to budget-friendly hostels and charming kibbutz stays, Israel offers a range of accommodations. For unique experiences, consider eco-lodges or boutique guesthouses.
Entry Requirements
Australian citizens do not need a visa for visits under 90 days. Upon arrival, travelers receive a tourist visa, usually as an entry slip instead of a passport stamp. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
It’s always a good idea to visit the Australian government’s Smartraveller website before your trip for the latest travel updates on Israel.
Why it’s so important to have travel insurance
All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and on other policy documentation, including the schedule.
Israel travel insurance FAQs
It’s always a good idea to get travel insurance when travelling to Israel. That way, you know you have protection if something doesn’t go to plan. Whether it’s lost luggage, travel delays, trip cancellations, or unexpected medical or dental emergencies, a dedicated travel insurance policy is useful in many situations. Opting for a policy that includes instant claims also provides convenience so you can quickly cover the most common travel claims.
The best way to find out how much it will cost to get cover to travel to Israel is to get an instant quote with PassportCard. It only takes a couple of minutes to get a personalised quote by providing some basic details such as your age, destination/s, travel dates and the level of cover you would like.
If you are looking for cover for a specific sporting or leisure activity, we recommend you look at the PDS to see whether it is automatically covered as part of our Comprehensive cover or whether you will need to add one of our Optional or Activities covers when you purchase your travel insurance to make sure you’ll be covered.
Simply call our Global Assistance team on +61 1800 490 478 or contact us on WhatsApp. Our Australian-based Global Assistance team is available 24/7 and can quickly handle most common claims on-the-spot over the phone.
Preparing for your trip to Israel
All set for your trip to Israel?
Make sure you’ve ticked these items off your checklist before you head off:
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Israeli authorities may deny entry if your passport expires sooner.
- Australian passport holders can enter Israel as tourists without a visa for up to 90 days. Apply for an extended stay authorisation if you intend to stay in Israel for more than 90 days through the Israeli Ministry of Interior before your visa period expires.
- Speak to your doctor to see if you require any travel vaccinations before visiting Israel. While Israel does not require an international COVID-19 vaccination certificate, it’s still recommended to be vaccinated, especially if you are at a higher risk of complications.
- Watch out for petty, violent, and credit card crimes. Official advisories advise caution in urban areas and major tourist attractions. There is a potential risk of theft or break-ins from rental cars. Never leave your personal items unattended, and if you are hiring a car think about securing rental car insurance and rental vehicle insurance excess before renting. Notify local authorities as soon as possible after an incident.
- Arrange a travel currency card or another method of payment to cover expenses. It’s also a good idea to carry some Israeli Shekels (ILS) in cash, as some local markets and small vendors may prefer cash payments.
- Notify your financial institution of your plans to travel
- Contact your phone provider to ensure your phone plan will cover you while you’re away or purchase a prepaid international sim card
- Arrange accommodation for each location you plan to stay in
- Consider booking any tours or activities you want to do in advance
- provide details of your travel plans to a family member or close friend not travelling with you so you can be contacted in case of an emergency
- research the local laws to ensure you’re aware of what is and isn’t acceptable in Israel
- Save the details of how to access emergency consular assistance in case you need it
- Organise your travel insurance with PassportCard.
How does the PassportCard Instant Payouts work?
