Kindly take note of the new requirement for tourists travelling to Israel – which comes into effect from 1st August, 2024.
Starting from August 2024, all travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit.
All details (including application for ETA-IL) can be found at the following link:
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Jordan and Egypt. If you are planning a tour with Bible Road Travel to Jordan and Egypt we will assist with the visa process.
Shops and restaurants are open on Shabbat. It depends on the city. In Jerusalem most shops and restaurants are closed. Also, in Tiberius and Safed most will be closed. The area of Tel Aviv most shops and restaurants are open.
We tour on Shabbat. The Jewish sites are closed from Friday noon to Sunday morning. Other sites are open.
Like other countries in the Mediterranean region, Israel has hot summers, a bit of cold and rain in the winter, and moderately temperate months on either side. Regardless of the time of year, modest clothing and layers will always be wise. As usual, crowds will focus on warmer months as well as school holidays. Winter weather could hinder some of your planned excursions so be sure to plan accordingly. If neither timing nor weather is an obstacle for you – give May or late September a shot – they’re bound to be less busy and more temperate.
Don’t worry about snow; it’s very unlikely. Average temperature in Jerusalem in January is 48F (9C), so it will be cool, but not frigid.
The middle seasons keep in mind that it can be warm one day, cool the next and rain is often possible. A mix of summer and lite winter cloths.
Be it synagogue, church, mosque, or holy site, no matter where you’re headed in Israel, you’re bound to need some semblance of modest clothing.
For Women: something to cover your head and shoulders as well as skirts, dresses, or pants that go below the knees are a must. There are some places that are more specific than others and require women to have skirts or a dress.
Tank tops are not allowed in many places.
For Men: They are in need of bottoms that cover knees and shirts that cover the shoulders.
No worries – for those who forget, or don’t have something available, most of the highly visited spaces have garments available to borrow at the door.
As you plan for your trip remember that the official currency is the Israeli Shekel but carrying a few US Dollars or Euro is a good idea. Be sure to check with your bank cards and credit cards to let them know you’ll be overseas. Most shops accept USD in cash and credit cards.
In Israel, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type H are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
You will need a voltage converter and travel adaptor or a combo for your electrical devices.
For those traveling to Jordan the standard voltage is 230V supply voltage and 50Hz
For those traveling to Egypt operates on a 220V electricity supply, which is different from the 110V standard used in countries like the United States. Plug Type: The most common plug types in Egypt are Type C and Type F.
Please make sure you have purchased your medical and travel insurance before traveling. Medical treatments in Israel are expensive.
Packing a basic first aid kit is a good idea no matter where you are going, and is imperative if you have any sort of health conditions or take regular medications. Israel has top rated doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals should you need to take advantage of those services while you’re on your holiday.
When planning and packing, be prepared for those things you can anticipate (like sunburn and mosquito bites), carry copies of your prescription medications (knowing the generic names is always helpful) and write down your allergies ahead of time (especially if they’re food/medicine allergies).
Include in your first aid kit:
If you are traveling to Jordan and Egypt with Bible Land Travel, we will take of all the border procedures smoothly and with a door-to-door service.
There are 3 borders to cross to Jordan
57km away from Amman, is located in the southern Jordan Valley is open
Sun–Thurs 08:00hrs – 21:00hrs, and Fri-Sat 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs. PLEASE NOTE: Visas must be arranged beforehand and cannot be obtained at the border.
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 08:30 am to 19:30
Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 18:00
PLEASE NOTE: Most nationalities can obtain visas at the border; prior permits are not needed except for restricted nationalities.
PLEASE NOTE: Visas must be arranged beforehand
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday – 8:00 am to 19:00
Friday and Saturday – 9:00 am to 20:00
Regarding Egypt the border is at Taba located 15 minutes from the most southern city of Eilat. PLEASE NOTE: Visas must be arranged beforehand and cannot be obtained at the border.
The Taba Border Crossing is open from 8:00-20:00 apart from on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim New Year, when you should check for exact opening times.
*All of the borders above are closed on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim New Year. For all borders please double check the exact opening times that can change due to Summer and Winter seasons and local holidays.
There is a departure tax once you cross from Israel to Jordan or Egypt around $30-$50 per person depends on the crossing
There is also a departure tax exiting Jordan and Israel and returning to Israel around $20 per person.
