Passport

You do not  need a visa - U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel, just a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months). Visitors are allowed to stay in the country for three months from date of arrival. Visitors from most European countries, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and many others countries likewise o do require need visas.  To check the requirements for other nationalities contact the Israeli Consulate in your area.

Customs
You may bring in almost anything you will need for personal use and your convenience.  Limited items per adult are:  .44 pints cologne or perfume; 2 liters liquor; 1 liter wine; 250 grams cigars or loose tobacco; 250 cigarettes; gifts up to $200 in value. Upon return to the U.S., you may bring in up to $400.00 worth of items duty free.  Please Note:  Many Israeli-made items are not counted as part of your duty-free allowance as they are exempt from U.S. duty.

Safety
Forget what you've read in the papers or seen on TV; Israel is a very safe place to visit. You are far more likely to run into trouble in any major U.S. city than anywhere in Israel. Behave in Israel the way you would in those cities. Be careful where you go at night and travel in groups when possible.

Language
Although Hebrew and Arabic are Israel's official languages, English is Israel's adopted second language, spoken so extensively that even street signs are also in English. More languages can also  be noticed -  such as - French, Russian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, Hungarian and Italian.

Currency
The Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the country's legal tender.  The Shekel is divided into 100 agorot.  The bills are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels.  There is no need to change your currency at the banks, as you can pay in dollars almost everywhere.  Most places accept traveler's checks, major credit cards and personal checks with adequate identification.  There are also many ATM machines dispensing U.S. dollars.   You will need small change which you can use for items such as buses and newspaper stands.

Value Added Tax (VAT)
Value Added Tax is 17% (Israel's equivalent of U.S. Sales Tax).  All tourists in Israel are exempt from V.A.T. when paying in foreign currency for services provided in Israel.  When purchasing items in approved shops, be sure to ask for a V.A.T. Refund Form. This will entitle you to a V.A.T. Refund at Ben Gurion International Airport upon departure at the Bank Leumi counter (upstairs in the Departure Lounge).  The refund will be given in cash after presentation of your purchase invoice.

Time
Israel's Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of mid-European Time; and 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

Electrical Appliances
The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles.  Most hotel rooms have 110/220 electric shaver sockets.  Israeli electricity outlets usually conform to European adapters, but hotels and electrical stores can easily supply you with the right adapter if necessary.

Health
Israel's health and medical facilities are renowned and equivalent to those found in the U.S. However, clients who take prescription medication should make sure they bring enough for the duration of their trip. No immunizations are required. It is safe to drink the water and eat fruits and vegetables.

Weather
Good weather makes Israel's tourist season a year-round one. The weather in Israel is often compared to the temperate climate of Southern California.

Summer season – May through October, are rainless, June to August are the hot summer months.
Fall season - Late September through November

Winter season - November - March, enjoy cooler temperatures and rain interspersed with many sunny days.
Spring season - Late March through May

Swimming is possible from April to October along the Mediterranean coast and the Sea of Galilee and throughout the year at the Dead Sea and the Red Sea.

Mean Temperature (Fahrenheit)

Distances
Israel is a small country. The three major centers: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa can easily be reached on leisure touring days without changing hotels, an important feature for short visits.