Middle East
Israel
Liberal beach-life Tel Aviv and ancient Jerusalem a short train apart, with strong tech and startup scenes. Very expensive, and still a country at war: shelters, airport disruptions, Shabbat shutdowns, heavy security.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa101 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyILSUS$1 ≈ ₪3.05Details
- Price level101%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, H230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency100Police 100 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 102
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe nationwide; many people filter it for taste.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalTel Aviv is among the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, with huge June Pride.Details
- Internet281 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 66 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry an IDP (1968) with your home licence; rental firms accept most licences. Israeli rentals can't enter Palestinian Area A.
Where to go in Israel
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Israel
March–May and September–November. Summer is hot and humid on the coast; Eilat is winter sun; Jerusalem winters are chilly and rainy.
Good to know
Entry
- Visa-exempt visitors need an ETA-IL before travel: ₪25, valid two years, apply only on the official site.
- You get a paper entry card, not a passport stamp; keep it until departure.
- Expect long security questioning, especially with Arab heritage or travel to Muslim countries.
- Passport must be valid at least 90 days beyond arrival.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID at all times: your passport or a copy plus your entry card.
- Don't photograph soldiers, police or military installations.
- Recreational cannabis is illegal despite lenient enforcement; harder drugs mean prison.
Etiquette
- On Shabbat, avoid driving into ultra-Orthodox areas and expect closures.
- Cover shoulders and knees at holy sites and in religious neighbourhoods.
- Directness and haggling are normal, not rude.
- During sirens, follow locals to the shelter immediately.
Tipping
Restaurants expect 10–15% (12% is standard), often in cash; ask if you want it on the card. Taxis: round up.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Israel
- ETA-IL (Population and Immigration Authority)
- Israel Tax Authority customs guidance
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.