Safety is one of the most common questions we receive when it comes to traveling to Israel—and understandably so. At imagine Tours & Travel, the safety of our travelers is always our top priority. We would never promote or operate a tour to any region unless we were fully confident in the conditions on the ground and the overall well-being of our guests. Over the years, we’ve heard from countless travelers who not only felt safe during their time in Israel, but often shared that they felt safer there than in many places back home. That’s a powerful statement, and one that reflects the care and hospitality shown to tourists across the country.

Much of the concern around travel to Israel stems from how the region is portrayed in the media. While headlines tend to focus on conflict areas—particularly Gaza and the surrounding border regions—these locations are never included in our itineraries. Instead, our programs are built around peaceful, well-established destinations that are accustomed to welcoming visitors from around the world. Tourism remains one of Israel’s largest industries, and both Jewish and Arab communities place high importance on the safety of their guests.

The U.S. State Department typically places Israel under a Level 2 or Level 3 travel advisory, which is comparable to many cruise ports in the Caribbean, like Mexico & Honduras. While these advisories can sound concerning at first glance, they’re a standard part of international travel and are often more reflective of broad regional considerations rather than specific tourist areas.

To offer added peace of mind, we strongly recommend that all travelers consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy. While we often refer guests to Travel Guard, you’re welcome to choose any provider that best suits your needs. A good policy typically offers coverage for medical assistance, trip delays or interruptions, lost baggage, and in some cases, trip cancellation. It’s always a good idea to carefully review policy details based on your age, travel destination, and personal health factors.

If you’d like to learn more or get a quote from Travel Guard, you can visit travelguard.com or call 1-800-826-5248 and reference agent code 127152.

Your health and comfort are important to us, and we want you to feel prepared for every part of your journey—expected or otherwise. While international travel is exciting, it can present unexpected health challenges if you’re not properly equipped in advance.

Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medication

All prescription medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. This ensures that, even in the event of a baggage delay or loss, you’ll have uninterrupted access to your necessary prescriptions.

We also strongly recommend that you bring a small supply of common over-the-counter (OTC) medications you might normally keep on hand at home—especially for:

·       Headaches or migraines

·       Muscle aches or joint pain

·       Sinus pressure or congestion

·       Cold or flu-like symptoms

While Israeli medical care is modern and on par with Western standards, many familiar OTC medications that are easily accessible at your local U.S. pharmacy, such as antihistamines, may only be available in Israel by prescription. In some cases, this requires a visit to a local physician or hospital. To avoid any delays or discomfort, it’s best to pack what you may need ahead of time.

In the Event of a Medical Emergency

If you experience a medical issue during your trip, your first step should always be to notify your group leader and tour guide. They will assess the situation and help determine the most appropriate next steps.

For minor illnesses or injuries, we can often arrange for a local physician to meet you at your hotel or even at one of the scheduled sites. For more serious issues, hospitalization will be coordinated by our team on the ground and handled with urgency and care.

Please note: most U.S.-based health insurance plans do not cover up-front costs internationally. You will likely be required to pay for any treatment out of pocket and then file for reimbursement. For this reason, it is extremely important to request a receipt—either physical or digital—at the time of care, as most insurance providers will require proof of treatment.

If an emergency requires you to return home early, always consult your travel insurance provider before making any flight or care arrangements. Making changes without their approval could impact your ability to receive reimbursement for unused portions of your trip or medical expenses.

Mobility & Physical Preparedness 

Tours throughout Israel typically involve extended walking, periods of standing, navigating uneven terrain, and climbing stairs. While many of the major sites are ADA-compliant, not all locations are fully wheelchair accessible, and elevator access may be limited or unavailable.

If you use a walker or wheelchair, we ask that you bring a collapsible version to ensure it can be stored easily under the bus and at sites. If you have questions or specific concerns, we encourage you to contact us directly prior to departure so we can help determine what accommodations can be made.

We strongly recommend speaking with your doctor before the trip to ensure you’re in good health for international travel. If possible, try incorporating regular walking or light cardio into your routine prior to departure to help prepare for the physical demands of touring.

Clothing

Clothing should be chosen for comfort and packing space. There is no need to pack formal clothing while on a tour. To find out what the weather will be like while you’re traveling, we recommend www.wunderground.com. When packing, keep in mind that you will want to leave room for souvenirs. Also be aware that some “holy sites” require men to cover their head (any hat is fine) and everyone to cover their shoulders and knees. Since most trips include extensive walking and sightseeing lasts most of the day, it is a good idea to dress in layers to stay comfortable. In the winter time, you will need a heavy jacket/coat and warmer clothes – and possibly appropriate rain gear/clothing. Make sure you bring a good pair of walking shoes that are already broken-in (closed-toe recommended). If your tour includes Hezekiah’s Water Tunnels or the Dead Sea, you may also want closed water shoes.

A recommended packing list would include:

–  3-5 pairs of pants, shorts, or capris pants
–  1 shirt per day
–  Undergarments (including undershirts)
–  Bathing suit
–  Comfortable walking shoes (already broken-in) and possibly a pair of slippers/loafers for your room and on the airplane
–  Accessories (light jacket, raincoat, umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat)
–  Motion sickness medicine (Bonine or Dramamine) and Imodium for sour stomach
–  Bible, notebook, and pen
–  Camera, memory cards, chargers, and extra batteries

Please note: While most hotels do offer laundry services, it can be expensive. If needed, please discuss directly with your guide for alternative laundry options.

Toiletries

Liquids are only allowed in small quantities in your carry-on bag, so it is recommended to pack most toiletries in your checked luggage. As you pack, save space by bringing travel sized products. Liquids have a tendency to expand at high altitudes. In your checked luggage, it is best to pack liquids in screw-top bottles and store them in plastic bags in case they spill. These bags will be useful later when packing wet bathing suits, washcloths, or dirty shoes. You may also wish to pack a few travel packets of laundry detergent. Some hotels abroad do not furnish washcloths or facial soap. If these are desired, please be sure to bring your own.

Electrical Items

An adapter (which changes the shape of the plug) and/or a converter (to change the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an electric appliance in a foreign country. Israel uses 220 volts AC (instead of the 120 used in the United States), single phase, 50 Hertz. Most of the hotels have hair dryers and 110/220 electric shaver sockets (will take shavers from either voltage). Some chargers for cell phones, computers, iPads, and cameras only require a small adapter, while other small appliances such as flat irons, hair dryers, etc. may require a converter as well as an adapter (you may want to verify this on your individual devices). Universal adapters and converters can be purchased at most retail stores selling electronics. For more information, please click here.

Most Israel sockets accept both shapes.

Medicines

We highly recommend that you take ALL medicines needed during your trip with you in a carry-on bag. DO NOT put medicines in your checked luggage. In the event your luggage is delayed or lost, you will not have access to your medicine when needed.

Cell Phones

There are places to buy prepaid phone cards in Israel, or you may check with your cell phone provider for international plans before traveling. It is advised to set your phone to “airplane mode” when leaving your country until you arrive back in your country so you will not receive any unexpected charges on your phone while abroad. You do have the option to set your phone on “wifi” while still on airplane mode in Israel, and you can use the wifi on most buses and in the hotels.

Money

Most shops and restaurants accept US dollars, and you may want to bring small bills for this.  If you choose to exchange your cash into shekels, please check this link http://www.xe.com for the updated conversion rate to Israel’s NIS (New Israeli Shekel) currency. There are ATMs in country, but it’s not always convenient to find one depending where you are touring each day. You should notify your bank before traveling that you will be abroad to help avoid your credit or debit card being suspended.

Baggage

Luggage is limited to one large suitcase per person, a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead compartment, and a personal bag that fits under the seat. Check with your airline directly for size and weight limits (usually not to exceed 40-50 lbs. for large suitcase), as airlines restrictions may vary. You may be charged a large fee for any extra weight or size.

Be prepared for security checks for all of your luggage at the airport. Since luggage could be misplaced or delayed by airlines, it is always recommended to pack essential items of clothing and hygiene for 1-2 days in your carry-on. It is also a good idea to pack some light snacks for the plane ride, although some will be provided on board.

Before traveling to Israel, all visitors are required to apply for and receive what’s called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL). This pre-entry screening is mandatory for all non-Israeli passport holders and is designed to streamline entry upon arrival.

While similar in purpose to TSA PreCheck or CLEAR in the United States, ETA-IL is much simpler—there is no interview or in-person appointment required. As of January 7, 2025, the cost is ₪25 NIS (approximately $7 USD), and applications can be submitted directly online at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.

Please note: imagine Tours & Travel does not facilitate or submit ETA-IL applications on behalf of travelers. Each individual is responsible for completing their own application and securing approval prior to boarding their international flight to Israel.

⚠️ Important:

Travelers who have not received ETA-IL approval may be denied boarding by the airline at the airport. If a traveler is refused boarding due to missing or incomplete documentation (such as failure to obtain ETA-IL), imagine Tours & Travel is not responsible for the missed flight or any resulting travel delays. It will be up to the traveler to make alternate arrangements at their own expense to rejoin the group overseas.

We strongly recommend submitting your ETA-IL application no later than 30 days prior to departure to allow adequate processing time. The application requires your passport and basic personal details, and processing times can vary. Once approved, you do not need to send us a copy—no further action is required.

ETA-IL is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first), and allows for visits up to 90 days per entry with no annual limit on the number of visits.

Once you arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport, you’ll proceed through a streamlined customs process, which typically involves two simple steps:

1. A biometric scan, which verifies your ETA-IL by scanning your face and passport

2. A brief stop at passport control, where your passport will be officially stamped

From there, you’ll collect your checked baggage and exit into the Arrivals Hall.

If you’re traveling with the group on the scheduled arrival date, you’ll be met by an imagine Tours & Travel representative holding signage for your group. If you’re arriving independently (earlier or later than the group), you’ll be greeted by a private driver holding a sign with your individual name.

Shabbat

Shabbat or the Sabbath (day of rest) is the holiest day of the week in Israel. It begins at sundown every Friday evening and ends at sundown every Saturday evening. In most cities throughout the country, many buses, restaurants, stores, sites, etc. close for Shabbat. It is very peaceful and calm, yet can also be difficult for tourists on their own who might want to get out on Friday night or Saturday and explore. However, depending on the city, there are still certain sites and places that are open on Shabbat.

Israel Holidays

For a list of Israel’s holidays and dates, please click here.

Facilities/Restrooms

Most of the sites and places in Israel are very westernized and clean, including the restrooms. You may still want to carry a small pack of tissue or wipes along with you, just in case.

Food

The food is usually one of the top things that tourists enjoy about Israel!  Be sure to try the hummus, falafels, shawarmas, and the fresh pita, of course. Israel is known for some of the freshest vegetables and fruits of any country in the world. Special meals, for health reasons, may be available upon request. Be sure to notify our office of any dietary needs before you travel.

Languages

Hebrew is the main language of Israel, however English and Arabic are also widely spoken. Most places throughout the country, including the airport and major roads, all have signs written in all 3 languages. It is very easy to communicate with people in English as the majority speak it in Israel, even if as a second language.