Bibleland, Israel

Visa
British Citizen don’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist. On entry, visitors are granted leave to enter for a period of up to 3 months. Visitors entering via Ben Gurion airport are given an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. While this practice is in place at other ports of entry, there have been instances where passports have been stamped for entry purposes. You should keep your entry card with your passport until you leave. This is evidence of your legal entry into Israel and may be required.

It is for the Israeli authorities to determine the right of entry into Israel, if you have any particular concerns about visas or entry into Israel, you should contact the Israeli Embassy in London.

If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.

Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Previous travel to other countries
Evidence of a previous visit to another country in the region like an entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally prevent entry into Israel, although it may lead to additional questioning at the border. It is for the Israeli authorities to determine the right of entry into Israel, so if you have any particular concerns about previous travel to another country, you should contact the Israeli Embassy in London.

Customs and Immigration
You should expect lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches by security officials on arrival and departure from Israel. Electrical items, including laptops, may be taken from departing passengers for security inspection and either stored in the aircraft baggage hold, or returned to you in the UK. Damage may occur.

If you arrive with valuable personal items (computers, camcorders etc.) you may be required to pay a deposit that is refundable on or after departure.

Israeli security officials have on occasion requested access to travellers’ personal e-mail accounts or other social media accounts as a condition of entry.

British nationals of Palestinian origin
If you’re a British national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you will need a Palestinian passport or travel document in order to leave. If you are a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems. A number of British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinians have been refused entry to the country.

Transfer Time
The transfer time from Ben Gurion Airport to your hotel in Jerusalem is approximately 1 hour, depending on the traffic.

Gratuities
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of 320.00 Israel New Shekel per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.

Included Programme
A sightseeing programme is included in your touring package.

Optional excursions
Full details of all the excursions available will be advised at the Information meeting. Prices may vary, depending on numbers etc and are only a guideline. Your Tour Leader will be happy to arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. Please also note that prices are dependent on minimum numbers and may cost more if the minimum is not reached.

Optional tour from Tel Aviv to Masada and the Dead Sea. Price is 350 Israeli New Shekel per person (with min 10 people)

Dress Code
In general, Israel is a progressive and relaxed country and casual clothing is suitable for almost all settings. Jeans, T-shirts, shorts and comfortable walking shoes are ideal for most situations and sites within the country. When visiting religious sites such as churches, mosques, and the Western Wall, it is advisable to avoid short skirts, short shorts, and sleeveless shirts. Women are not meant to show off their shoulders, knees, and chest when visiting these sites. When visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, it is best to bring long, lightweight layers to cover up and adjust comfort level based on the temperature. When visiting Jewish religious sites, men should cover their heads with a kippah. It is usually marked with a sign when men must cover their heads, most notably at the Western Wall.

Tel Aviv is famous for its beaches, so pack light breathable fabrics, hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and of course – a bathing suit. Also be sure to pack sunscreen, bugspray (for the mosquitoes at night) and a water bottle for staying cool.

Shopping
Israel is known for its art, culture and design, making it an ideal place to shop while traveling. From small, intimate boutiques to market vendors and large-scale shops, there are plenty of items to purchase in Israel such as olive oil, Israel wine, Dead Sea Products, jewellery, ceramics, diamonds etc.

Please note
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required as we include plenty of sightseeing/travelling, some with early starts.
The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change