Wonder Israel

Israel National Park Pass – Visit 68 Sites in $50!

You can have unlimited entrance to all 68 national parks and nature reserves in Israel for only $50!  This is one of those best-kept secrets of Israel and an underrated deal. Since 2016, the National Park of Israel introduced this thing called “Annual Pass” , for locals and tourists alike.

Places such as Masada, Qumran Cave, Beersheva, City of David and Ein Gedi are all included in this package. And there are many more sites worth visiting! And seriously, $50 is nothing! Let me share more in details and a little bit about the tourist cards (not as good as Annual Pass though).

israel tourist pass

📚Annual Pass for National Parks in Israel

Israel, due to safety concerns, is generally an off-beaten country for tourists. But there are numerous sites in this tiny country. Best of all, most of these sites are managed under Israel Nature and Parks Authority. You buy this card, and you have access to all 68 sites! (or is it 55?)

With this Annual Pass, I went to 28 sites in 2 weeks. That’s less than $2 for a site! No way!!!! That’s too cheap! That is why I strongly recommend this pass if you plan to visit at least 5 sites (and if the City of David is one of them).

✅ How To Purchase “ Annual Pass”

1. buy it online.

Simply go to https://fe.sales.parks.org.il/subscriptions

Remember to enter your passport number correctly!

You’ll get the bar code once the purchase is done!

israel tourist pass

2. Buy it at the park

Go to any national park WITH your passport!

Tell the ticket counter that you wish to purchase the “Annual Pass” . It’s for locals and tourists alike, but you need an Israeli address (a hotel address is fine). The actual card will be sent to that address, but you will get a handwritten card like this and with receipt. This can be used as the annual pass immediately.

 The Fees for Annual Pass

It’s pretty cheap. And the crazy part is…..   For one adult is ₪181 ($50). For two adults is ₪275 ($75)。  (The name of the second person will not be registered) 

And 2 adults with 1 kid is ₪340 ($94), and 2 adults with 2 kids are ₪396 ($109)。 Anyone less than 20 years old is considered “kid”. 

For details please go to their website, English version is available now! 

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👉How to Use Annual Pass?

You present the barcode OR present that handwritten card and receipt at the ticket office, and you’ll get an entrance ticket and possibly a new map! 😉

📍What’s Included? Is the City of David Included?

Yes, the City of David is included in the annual pass.

The exceptions are the following (not free, but 50% discount is available): Akhziv, Horshat Tal, Gan Hashlosha, Beit Yanay, and Palmachim. Probably tourists won’t find interests in going these parks anyways.

And of course, cable car rides and night activities are not included . And Poleg Nature reserve and Jerusalem Wall Promenade are not included.

🙋‍♀️What about the Israel Pass?

The new option, Israel Pass ,  is a combined ticket designed for tourists, you can save some shekels with this pass if you only intend to visit 3/6 parks within 2 weeks! But as a park lover, it isn’t as good as an annual pass in my opinion.

Let’s take a look:

  • 3 sites: 78NIS ($22)
  • 6 sights:110NIS  ($30)
  • Unlimited sites in 2 weeks 150NIS ($42)

israel tourist pass

Though these combined tickets are transferable, the city of David is NOT included in this ticket, and these tickets    are good for 2 weeks only. 

The City of David ( ₪29) is where the Hezekiah Tunnel and Siloam Pool is, so when you cannot use this ticket for the site, then go for the annual pass!! In terms of pricing, the annual pass is better.

It looks like this (2019)

israel tourist pass

It can also come with   Israel’s oyster card called Rav-kav card.  This is called “Israel Pass& Ride”

But there’s no further discount, you still need to pay 5NIS to get the unloaded card.

israel tourist pass

There’s a small feature of 20% discount on some sites, which I don’t find so relevant for tourists who are visiting Israel for just 2 weeks. (The logic is, if you have more than 2 weeks, there’s a ton of more important sites that can be used with annual pass). But here’s a list:  https://www.israelpass.biz/north

You can buy Israel Pass online, here at  https://fe.sales.parks.org.il/tickets 

And since March 2019, you can purchase the new at the airport!

And also from the following places

israel tourist pass

The Israeli national park annual pass is a GREAT option!! If you are in Israel for more than 2 weeks or if you are traveling as a family, consider the annual pass option!

* Anyone less than 20 years old is considered “kid”. 

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The ISRAEL PASS & Ride

Money-saving card for your israel tour.

israel tourist pass

About the ISRAEL PASS  & Ride

The ISRAEL PASS & Ride card is the ultimate choice for making your Israel trip smooth and easy, granting up to a 40% discount!

The ISRAEL PASS  & Ride enables entry to variety of national parks and nature reserves (for example, Masada, En Gedi, Caesarea, Qumran and many others), as well as (when loaded) travel on public transportation throughout Israel, enjoying RAV KAV ride card benefits. It also provides discounts on various tourist attractions throughout the country.

The ISRAEL PASS & Ride is a joint product of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety and the Ministry of Tourism.

Benefits of the ISRAEL PASS  & Ride  

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 Public transportation throughout Israel

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 Entry to the leading national parks and nature reserves

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   Discounts on leading tourist attractions

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Save money on your entrance fees and public transport

Parks entry package

* RAV KAV (transportation) card costs additional 5 NIS

Where to Get

At present, ISRAEL PASS & Ride cards are available at:

Additional locations will be announced in future.

 Featured Parks – and many more….

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Eilat Coral Beach

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Qumran  

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Hermon Stream (Banias)

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  Herodium

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T el  Megiddo

Discounted Attractions

ISRAEL PASS holders are entitled to a 20% discount on regular prices at any of the attractions on the list of discounted attractions. Discount applies only to the ISRAEL PASS holder.

Questions and Answers

  • Which parks are included? Up to 70 national parks and nature reserves are included. For full list please see https://www.parks.org.il/en/map/ Note: the City of David National Park is not included.
  • How many parks can I enter with the card? Three options are available for purchase: 3 parks entry, 6 parks entry and All parks entry. Each park or reserve can be entered once.
  • For how long can I use the card? Park entries are valid for two weeks from the first entry. Ride card can be reloaded.
  • What is the cost of ISRAEL PASS card? Parks entry package: 3-site entry costs 78 NIS. 6-site entry costs 110 NIS. All-site entry costs 150 NIS. RAV KAV (transportation) card costs additional 5 NIS.
  • Where can I get the card? At present, cards can be purchased at: Ben-Gurion Airport - The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety booth in the arrivals hall, ground floor, Terminal 3 (Open 24/6). Ramon airport - Ministry of Transport and Road Safety booth in the arrivals hall (Open 24/6). Abraham Hostel Jerusalem, 67 HANEVI’IM STREET, DAVIDKA SQUARE, JERUSALEM (Open 24/7). Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv, 21 LEVONTIN STREET, TEL AVIV (Open 24/7) Selina Tel Aviv Beach, 2 Shenkar street, TEL AVIV (Open 24/7). Selina Tel Aviv, 6 Frishman street, TEL AVIV (Open 24/7). CHRISTIAN INFORMATION CENTER, Jaffa – Gate – Old City (across from the Tower of David), Jerusalem (9:00 – 17:00 Monday – Saturday). Additional purchase locations will be announced in the near future.
  • How can I load the card for public transportation? Card can be loaded at the purchase booth, or at any of thousands of load stations across the country, mainly at ATM machines, central bus stations and train stations.
  • Can I re-load the card once it is empty? Yes, The ride card can be reloaded at any load station across the country. At present, park entries cannot be reloaded.
  • Can I use the card to visit Masada? Yes, the card can be used for entry to Masada National Park as well as the Masada Museum. Note: The card is not valid for the Masada cable car.
  • What is the RAV-KAV ride card? Rav-Kav is a smart card that may be loaded with a various options of travel fares. The card may be reloaded with a multi-trip ticket and accumulated value granting a 20% discount, as well as with a weekly and daily pass. The card is not insured: In case of loss, theft or damage, no refunds are possible.
  • Do kids get a break on the price? Yes, kids up to 5 years old are exempt from entrance fees to national parks and nature reserves. According to the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety rules, one child up to 5 years old per Rav-Kav card is also exempt from the ride fee.
  • Can I purchase the ISRAEL PASS online? Park entry packages can be purchased online at www.theisraelapss.com. You will get an email with a barcode to use at park entrances. RAV-KAV cards cannot be purchased online.
  • How can I enjoy the discount on attractions? ISRAEL PASS holders are entitled to a 20% discount on regular prices at any of the attractions on the list of discounted attractions. Discount applies only to the ISRAEL PASS holder.

Touring Israel

Where to sleep, book one of our campground sites.

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Where to go?

Choose from over 70 nature and heritage sites.

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UNESCO Sites

See these fascinating world-class sites.

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Regular   site tours

Check for our great regular tours.

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Where to load  RAV-KAV?

Thousands of load stations are available. for the full list,  click here.

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Your message was sent successfully!

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Notes and Conditions:

Card holder is entitled to enter only the official parks as listed on the map .

The price is the same for all ages.

Card includes entrance to Caesarea and the Masada Museum.

The cable car at Masada is not included.

City of David National Park is not included.

Park entries are valid for only two weeks from the first site entry.

Each card entitles holder to one-time entry to each park.

Before You Go: What to Know About Entering and Exiting Israel

Lori Zaino

After a recent TPG trip to Israel , many readers messaged us with questions about visiting the country. There were, of course, questions about hotels, flights, attractions and food. But a majority of the queries had to do with the logistics of flying into and out of the nation.

Many travelers aren't sure if they're even able to enter Israel, and are concerned about passport stamps, visas and airport security. Here, we'll detail some of the most important things you need to know about entering and exiting Israel.

While these tips are specifically for US passport holders, most of the information can be applied to travelers holding Canadian, British or other European passports. And of course, it's important to remember that, just because something is supposed to happen when entering and exiting Israel, personal experiences can vary, and regulations often change without notice. Feel free to share your own tips for traveling to Israel or sound off on your personal experiences in the comments below.

Have a Passport Valid for at Least Six Months

While US passport holders technically have no minimum validity requirement when entering Israel, your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay. It's highly recommended, though, to have a passport that's valid for six months or more , or your airline may deny you boarding even though the nation of Israel may not deny your entry. If you're concerned, or are cutting it close, the best thing to do is renew your passport. If it's too late for that, call the airline you're flying to confirm if you'll be allowed to board.

Keep Track of Your Entry Card

US passport holders are allowed to stay in Israel for 90 days with a free tourist visa, and it's possible, in some circumstances, to extend this. Although it's technically a tourist visa, visitors from the US don't have to worry about obtaining or showing any paperwork, or making any payment, either beforehand or upon arrival to obtain the visa. (Nowadays, it's largely referred to as the entry card.) The entry card — a small piece of paper in lieu of a stamp — shows information such as the date you arrived, a small photo of yourself and the date when your 90 days in Israel are up.

Don't lose or misplace your entry card . While you may or may not be asked to present it when exiting the country, showing the card at hotels and car rental companies is important, because it will exclude you from paying the VAT tax of 17%. I was personally also asked to show it at a random road border checkpoint near the Dead Sea, so it's a good idea to always have it (and your passport) on hand. You will also get another small slip of paper when you leave, your exit card.

israel tourist pass

Don't Worry About the Stamp

When you arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv (TLV), your passport should not be stamped. Israel has stopped stamping passports in almost all cases. But, some TPG readers have had their passports stamped during land crossings. Entering both Jordan and Egypt from Israel is permitted and you can do so by land crossing directly from Israel. (For more information on land crossings and possible stamps there, read the land-crossing section below.)

israel tourist pass

If you already have an Israeli stamp in your passport (the country stopped stamping fairly recently), don't panic. You can try to get a second passport , or just be careful about which countries you enter. Lebanon is one of the strictest countries, denying entrance to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport.

Other countries you should avoid entering if you have an Israeli stamp are Syria, Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Although you will be allowed to enter Muslim-majority countries such as Morocco, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates or Indonesia with the stamp, still be careful. Any interactions with police in a Muslim-majority country, in cases where you have to show your passport with Israeli stamp, could subject you to additional questioning.

Of course, this isn't a science, and some travelers may experience more (or less) questioning or similar issues at border checks when entering and exiting these countries.

It's important to know that when entering Israel, it's OK if you have stamps from Middle Eastern countries. While this may trigger a lot of security questions (see the section on security below), you'll still be allowed to enter and exit the country. Holders of Iranian visas in their passports should expect a lot of added questioning and thorough security checks, but should still ultimately be granted entry.

Get Standard Vaccines

US travelers aren't required to have any specific vaccines when visiting Israel, though having the measles and Hepatitis A vaccines is, as usual, recommended before travel.

Navigating the Land Crossings

It is possible to cross the Israeli border into either Jordan or Egypt — but not to Syria or Lebanon. While an Israeli officer shouldn't stamp your passport upon exiting or entering, we have heard reports of select TPG readers having their documents stamped at land crossings. So, you can simply ask the Israeli border control officer not to stamp your passport and, hopefully, they won't.

You must be careful, however, because the border control agents in Jordan or Egypt will stamp your passport upon entry and exit. The stamp is slightly different than the one you'd get by flying to the Amman (AMM) or Cairo International (CAI) airports, usually showing the name of the land crossing.

Extra scrutiny from a border agent in another country such as Lebanon may notice these entry or exit stamps from Egypt or Jordan and realize you entered by land -- making it clear you'd been to Israel. An easy way around this is to simply ask the land agents in Jordan or Egypt not to stamp your passport when entering or exiting. As I mentioned above, if you do end up with an Israeli (or Jordanian or Egyptian land crossing) stamp, all is not lost. You can apply for a second passport if you then later plan to visit a country such as Lebanon.

If you plan to visit Jordan or Egypt by way of land crossing, you may need a visa, or to pay an entry or exit fee -- and this may be different than the requirements for arriving by air. Fees also depend on the specific border crossing. We have heard reports from a few TPG readers that they were able to pay with a credit card at some of the border crossings. You can always attempt to pay with credit card first, but have cash on hand just in case (and in various currencies, if possible). Some land crossings do have money exchanges nearby in case you're stuck.

You can get a visa upon arrival at two (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba crossing in the south, near Eilat; and the Jordan River crossing/Sheikh Hussein Bridge in the north, near Beit She'an) out of the three border crossings into Jordan from Israel (except the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge), according to the Jordan International Border Crossing information page. Visa fees (often subject to change) are 40 Jordanian dinars (a little over $56) for a single entry, valid for one month. When departing Jordan, expect to pay 8 dinars ($11) at any border crossings except the airports. The US Department of State explains that, "US passport holders must obtain Jordanian visas in advance to enter Jordan via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge near Jericho. For US passport holders entering Israel via Jordan at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge [the third international crossing point between Israel and Jordan], Israeli authorities issue visas on arrival. Procedures for all three crossings into Jordan are subject to frequent changes. "

Visitors heading to Egypt by way of Israel at the Taba Border Crossing must obtain a visa in advance from the Egyptian Embassy in their home country or at the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in Tel Aviv. The exception is if you're only planning to visit Sinai, in which case "Sinai Only" visas are issued in the moment at the Taba Crossing.

Visiting Bethlehem

US citizens with a valid 90-day tourist entry card (the small blue piece of paper I previously encouraged you not to lose) can visit Bethlehem, which is just a few miles from Jerusalem. Bring your passport along with the small entry card, though you may or may not have to show it at the border. It's best to have at least six months or more validity on your passport if you plan to go to Bethlehem, too.

Airlines Flying to Israel

Not all airlines fly to Israel. Many countries don't even recognize the country, so don't expect to fly to Tel Aviv on airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia or Qatar. And the following countries have banned nonstop flights to Israel : Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

You can, however, fly Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian and Royal Jordanian Airlines nonstop to and from Israel.

But there are a few interesting exceptions. For example, Egypt Air doesn't fly to Israel — at lest, not exactly. They use a special airline, Air Sinai, which is actually owned by Egypt Air to operate any flights between the two countries. In fact, Air Sinai was established in 1982 for the sole purpose of operating flights between Egypt and Israel. In order to buy an Air Sinai ticket, you'll have to do so through a tour agency or a travel agent, as they aren't available online.

Also, both Saudi Arabia and Libya allow certain airlines (such as Air India and Ethiopian) to use their airspace when flying to Tel Aviv, while the Israeli national carrier, El Al, is not allowed .

If you fly El Al to Israel, expect extra questioning and intense security measures.

Security Before Flying to Israel

You may encounter heavy security and questioning before even checking in for your flight when flying Israeli carrier El Al, regardless of your departure airport. The airline has much heavier security measures than other airlines for entering Israel. Most other airlines won't do any added security questioning before departure.

Some TPG staff members flying El Al noted some serious questioning about their Jewish heritage and customs. TPG travel editor Melanie Lieberman specifically remembers getting asked about her Hebrew name (which she doesn't have) and both Wallace Cotton, TPG 's community manager, and Becca Denenberg, TPG 's director of marketing and communications, were asked which Jewish holidays they celebrated. Non-Jewish flyers can expect routine questions pertaining to why they are visiting Israel and about any stamps in their passport from Muslim countries.

Getting questioned when flying El Al isn't limited to travelers departing from US airports. You'll be questioned, regardless of departure city, if you're flying El Al. TPG UK's director of content, Nicky Kelvin, has experienced extremely long questioning by El Al security agents before arriving at check-in, as well as occasional follow-up question pre-boarding when flying out of London. (He's flown El Al out of London to Tel Aviv more than 10 times.)

Declaration at Customs

You must declare if you are carrying 50,000 shekels (just shy of $14,000) or more when entering or exiting Israel by air and, if entering or exiting by land, you must declare if you are carrying 12,000 shekels ($3,350) or more.

Security Upon Departure From Israel

Upon departure from the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, all passengers are questioned before check-in.

In theory, the questioning should not be hostile: just very thorough and possibly invasive. During my exit from Israel a few weeks ago, I was questioned exhaustively about several stamps in my passport from destinations such as the UAE, Morocco, Malaysia and Indonesia. I was asked if I knew people in any of those countries, where I had stayed and what my purpose was for traveling there.

Megan Robertson, a video editor and producer at TPG, remembers being questioned about her visit to Turkey, as well as her reasons for visiting Israel. She told TPG she, "got a lot of questions about who I was visiting in Israel, especially since I'm not Jewish and have no family ties there." It's best to be prepared for rigorous questioning, and to "stay calm," Megan said. "Just answer truthfully to the best of your ability."

Depending on your answers, you'll get a sticker on the back of your passport. The first number on the sticker is your flag as a perceived security threat. The numbers range from one, the lowest, to six, the highest. And I got a five. (Apparently, this is normal if you're not Jewish or are traveling alone. ) The extra security was definitely a pain, but I've had worse during a brief period of time when I was marked with the dreaded SSSS in the US .

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After check-in, I was sent to a special security line, where every single one of the belongings in my carry-on was taken out, examined and tested for explosives. I walked through the metal detectors and was patted down despite not setting the alarm off.

It was annoying and, frankly, a little embarrassing, but not a huge deal. I originally blanched when the staff at my hotel suggested I arrive at the airport three to four hours in advance of my flight departure time, but they were right, and it's worth giving yourself the extra time in case you end up with extra security screening.

However, those with a sticker with the first number as six should be ready for an even more intense search. If you feel you've been unfairly flagged or treated disrespectfully in any way, you can report it. The US State Department warns that, "some US citizens of Arab or Muslim heritage (including Palestinian-Americans) have experienced significant difficulties and unequal and hostile treatment at Israel's borders and checkpoints. US citizens who have traveled to Muslim countries or who are of Arab, Middle Eastern or Muslim origin may face additional questioning by immigration and border authorities. US citizens should immediately report treatment by border officials that they believe is discriminatory or hostile to the ACS unit of the US Embassy in Jerusalem ( [email protected] ) or the ACS unit of the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv ( [email protected] )."

If you are concerned about being flagged or expect to be in a rush upon either arrival or departure, you should consider prebooking a VIP departure or arrival , which varies in price (usually around $300 to $400 per person, depending on the package) but can include everything from pickup at the jetway to VIP security , luggage pickup and check-in, as well as access to a VIP arrival or departure lounge. (Read Brian Kelly's full review of the service.)

After my intense security screening, I headed to immigration, where I was given a pink exit paper — a replacement for my exit stamp. You may also go through an e-gate for immigration, which issues you this pink paper. I was able to keep both the blue entry card and the pink exit one, and faced no additional questioning at immigration or during the boarding process.

If you ever plan to visit one of the aforementioned Middle Eastern countries that may have a problem with the fact that you've visited Israel, make sure to peel off the sticker from your passport to avoid any issues. And leave the blue and pink papers (those Israeli entry and exit cards) at home, too.

Be Prepared When Traveling on Shabbat

Judaism specifies that Shabbat — from Friday at sundown to sundown on Saturday — should be kept as a holy day. For this reason, all public offices and many businesses are closed on Shabbat. As a result, your travel may be affected. While most airlines operate flights in and out of Israel during these hours, El Al normally does not. Security may take longer, too. Public transportation such as trains and buses may not be operating at all or be operating with a restricted schedule, so plan accordingly to arrive at the airport in time.

WATCH: How to Avoid TLV's Long Lines With NEW VIP Terminal

  • Itineraries & Travel

Updated Aug 19 2023 08:09PM EDT

75 best things to do in Israel: The ultimate travel guide

  • By Jazzie Morgan

israel tourist pass

In honor of Israel’s 75th birthday, here are 75 MUST-DOs in Israel, from north to south. This is your complete travel guide or bucket list of things to do in Israel.

Jump to: The North | The Center and Jerusalem | The South

1. Go skiing on Mount Hermon.

It may surprise you to know that Israel’s Mount Hermon has over 28 miles (45 kilometers) of ski trails! While there is lots to do on top of the Hermon any time of year, skiing is definitely a special experience. Make sure to check they are open before making the trip up to the mountain.

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2. Visit Ghajar, a town on the Lebanese border for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

This Alawite-Arab village , now open after being closed to tourists for years, is well-known for its authentic Syrian and Lebanese food. There are many food trucks in the village, a beautiful park filled with flowers and an award-winning pastry shop.

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3. Take the longest cable car in Israel up the Manara Cliff. 

When most people think of cable cars and Israel, they think of Haifa or Masada, but the longest cable car in Israel is actually in Northern Israel up the Manara Cliff. In addition to the cable car, there is a climbing wall, a zip line and mountain sliding.

4. Have a delicious goat cheese lunch at Goats with the Wind. 

Take a step back into biblical times with an incredible goat cheese lunch in Yodfat at Goats with the Wind , a family-run cheese farm. Their set tasting menu includes tons of seasonal fresh salads, homemade cheeses and roasted vegetables.

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5. Drink wine at Tel Shifon winery, located in the northernmost part of Israel.

Tel Shifon Winery is a beautiful kibbutz winery offering attractions from wine tastings to onsite villas and ATV tours. If you can make it for one of their nighttime chef pop-up meals under the stars, it is a truly special experience.

6. Take a geopolitical tour of the Lebanon Border.

Seeing the border firsthand and hearing stories from locals will help you understand the complex geopolitical situation between Israel and Lebanon. There are many different companies offering these tours and they can often be tailored to your specific interests.

7. Visit a Druze family for a home hospitality cooking workshop with Galileat.

Galileat offers authentic culinary excursions like workshops, home hospitality and more in the Galil. Their hosts go above and beyond to give you a glimpse into the Druze religion and community. They have hosts that are Christian, Druze, and Muslim. I recommend asking for Snir and Miaad!

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8. Bird-watch in the Hula Valley. 

At the Hula Valley nature preserve, the lakes are stocked with fish to encourage migration, making it the ultimate bird-watching destination. Over 500 million birds (no less than 390 species) pass through the Hula Valley yearly on their way south.

9. Enjoy the view and pastries at Avtalion Coffee in Misgav.

This kosher culinary experience in the Galilee is one of the most talked-about bakeries in the north of Israel. While Avtalion Coffee is best known for their handmade pastries, they also have an impressive menu of decadent options like croissant sandwiches, blintzes, and shakshuka. The cafe has a stunning view of the region and is a must-visit if you’re in the area.

10. Visit the hot springs at Hamat Gader. 

The Spa Village at Hamat Gader is a little oasis that is great for a few hours of relaxation or a full-weekend stay. The water in the springs is around 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) year-round and they offer a range of accommodations from romantic suites to tents.

11. Stop for hummus in a gas station at Hummus Eliyahu, Yokneam. 

The original location of the famous Hummus Eliyahu hummus chain is located behind a gas station and you would probably never notice it if you didn’t know it was there. It is definitely some of the best hummus in Israel. Go early because they will sell out!

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12. Spend time on Achziv and visit the micronation Akhzivland.

Achzivland is a micronation between Nahariya and the Lebanese border, near the ancient port city of Achziv. It is now a national park where you can camp at their beautiful waterfront campground, rent a beach bungalow, swim amongst the ruins of the ancient city and visit the museum.

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13. Visit Merkaza, one of the largest grocery stores in the Middle East. 

More than just a supermarket, the two-story Merkaza in Nof HaGalil includes a gourmet food court and a home goods store. The store has seemingly endless aisles and is a great place to stop on a road trip up north to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat and buy local snacks/spices. It is especially cool to visit during Christmas time when it is covered in decorations.

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14. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Arthur Cafe with a view of the Kinneret.

This coffee cart is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a coffee, pastries or even fresh-made pizza in the afternoons, while enjoying a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. They offer a really wonderful relaxing atmosphere to take a break after a fun day in the water or after a long drive.

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15. Stay in a tzimer (log cabin) in Mattat. 

Although there are dozens of log cabins for rent in the area, my personal favorite is Maayan Bereshit. We go at least once a year and it is the most relaxing weekend you can imagine. Located in Mattat is a winery run on the honor system — you can go 24/7, take wine and leave money for what you take. There is also a great second-hand shop open each Friday.

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16. Visit the Bahai Gardens.

There are two locations of Bahai Gardens in Israel, in Haifa and Akko. These gardens are holy sites for those who follow the Bahai faith, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Touring the Bahai Garden is a must-do not only for the spectacular views but also to learn more about the Bahai religion.

17. Pick your own cherries at the Horse and Cherry Farm on Moshav Odem. 

Hidden on Moshav Odem is a cute farm called the Horse and Cherry Farm that offers cherry-picking during cherry season (May and June)! Plus, it’s located next to Odem Mountain Winery so you can cool off with a glass of chilled white wine afterward.

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18. Hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret. 

If you enjoy hiking and have 3-4 days to spare, you will definitely want to take the Yam l’Yam (Sea to Sea) hike. This classic hike is not only a favorite childhood experience for many Israelis — it is also a great way to connect to the land and experience Israel’s beautiful terrain firsthand.

19. Complete part or all of Shvil HaGolan, a hiking trail across the Golan. 

The Golan Trail stretches from Mount Hermon in the north to the Sea of Galilee at its south. It’s a hiking trail, but the majority of it is also accessible by bike or horse. In its entirety, the trail is 75 miles (120 km) and is divided into 15 segments.

20. Spend time swimming in the beautiful natural pools of Gan Hashlosha.

Gan Hashlosha is a national park in Israel with three stunning natural pools of water, making it the perfect place to picnic or camp out. Watch out for the fish that nibble on the bottom of your feet — they tickle. Note that the entrance fee is 33 NIS per adult and 24 NIS per child.

israel tourist pass

21. Visit the Kangaroo Park.

Located just outside Gan Hashlosha, Gan Garoo is home to dozens of kangaroos. The kangaroos are free-roaming and you can feed them during your visit. In the park, you will also see cassowaries, emus, flying foxes, parrots and some rare reptiles.

22. Go rafting or kayaking in the Jordan River. 

Jordan River Rafting offers tons of excursions in the Upper Galilee, but one that you cannot miss is rafting down the river itself. Trips range from 2-6 hours and there are different levels of difficulty. They also offer kayaking, jeep trips and guided hikes.

23. Visit the Pereh Mountain Hotel

Pereh Hotel blends luxury with history. Located in an old customs house that has been renovated to offer all the best amenities you would expect at a 5-star hotel, Pereh is truly a unique place. In addition to a stunning gym, pool and spa, they also have an on-site chef’s restaurant and a wine cellar. Spending a night at Pereh is like stepping into another time and place.

24. Tour the UNESCO world heritage sites in Akko. 

The walled port city of Akko is a special place filled with history and a must-see for those traveling in Israel. Make sure you climb the walls to see the port from above, visit the market and take time to explore the Crusader City .

israel tourist pass

25. Hike Mount Arbel at sunrise. 

From its beautiful observation points to biblical history, Mount Arbel is simply majestic. Carved into the mountain you will find caves where Jews hid during the Greek and Roman periods. You can also visit an ancient synagogue, which is a part of the Israel National Trail. There are a few hiking trails in the area, running from 30 minutes to three hours.

The Center and Jerusalem:

26. visit a coffee cart. i recommend blooms, mama coffee, or arthura .

There are well over 80 coffee carts across Israel! At the start of the pandemic, they began popping up in small communities across the country. Many of them are located in parks or near historic sites. They are a fun way to visit off-the-beaten-path places in Israel. Here is a map to find one near you!

israel tourist pass

27. Spend an afternoon in a natural spring like Ein Aviel.

Located in the Binyamina area, this natural spring is free, easy to get to and has water year-round! Enjoy a short stroll, spend time swimming in the spring and don’t forget to bring food for a picnic. If you look hard enough, you may also find the hidden cave with a waterfall in it.

28. Enjoy ice cream at Buza, a special shop that is jointly owned by an Israeli and an Arab. 

Buza ice cream is well-known across Israel for its really incredible texture and flavor. “Buza” means ice cream in Arabic and they make their ice cream by hand daily from fresh local ingredients. There are multiple locations in Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Akko.

29. Take a tour of Dialogue in the Dark, the Blind Museum in Holon. 

This is a one-of-a-kind experience of being led through a dark museum by a blind guide to better embrace how it feels to be visually impaired. The museum is located in the Children’s Museum of Holon , which is an easy bus ride from Tel Aviv.

30. Shop in the Jaffa Flea Market. 

Shop for unique vintage pieces from clothing to furniture at the Jaffa Flea Market . There are also amazing spots to eat nearby including the famous Mallabi shop HaMalabiah . Be sure to check out Shifra, a cute shop with lots of local goods like cheeses, oils and dips.

31. Eat lunch at Bottarga in Shuk HaCarmel, Tel Aviv

Bottarga is a home-cooking, female-run restaurant that has delicious options for everyone from meat to vegan and gluten-free. They opened recently and have been the talk of the town ever since. Check out what chef Adeena Sussman has to say about them!

israel tourist pass

32. Spend a day at Moshav Bat Shlomo

There is so much to do in Bat Shlomo, but most people drive right by without noticing it. I recommend visiting the “Truck BaMoshava” coffee cart, the award-winning winery and the cheese farm. I highly recommend taking a beautiful bike ride in the forest behind the village as well.

33. Relax on the beach at Hof Yanai, in the Hefer Valley.

Hof Bet Yanai is my favorite beach in Israel by far. There are stunning rock formations and it is often much quieter than other beaches in the center of Israel. There are lifeguards on duty, showers, a snack hut and shaded gazebos to make beach-going even more enjoyable.

34. Visit the Anu Museum

The newly-renovated Anu Museum of the Jewish People is known as one of Israel’s most unique and captivating museums. The museum celebrates multiculturalism and Jewish diversity, with exhibits on the Jewish people across generations. It is located inside Tel Aviv University and easily accessible by train.

35. Visit Asif, the Culinary Institute of Israel.

Asif is a unique combination of a library, cafe, market, garden and museum. Enjoy a delicious brunch, take a stroll through their ever-changing exhibit on Israel’s culinary history and peruse their library of cookbooks. If you’re lucky, you can catch a tour which includes a visit to their rooftop garden.

israel tourist pass

36. Take a hummus tour in the Old City of Jerusalem.

One of my favorite experiences in the Old City of Jerusalem was taking a hummus tour of the Muslim Quarter with tour guide Mo from The Holy Tourist . Mo grew up in the Old City and knows the area like the back of his hand, including all the best hummus places.

israel tourist pass

37. Enjoy coffee and a slice of cake at the Austrian Hospice in the Old City. 

Most people who visit the Austrian Hospice see the rooftop and its stunning panoramic view of the Old City but miss the adorable cafe just downstairs. Stop in for coffee and a slice of cake and sit outside on the terrace. From there, you can see the Old City from a new perspective.

israel tourist pass

38. Experience a traditional afternoon tea at KumKum in Jerusalem.

Kumkum is a one-of-a-kind tea house in Jerusalem. Owned by Elisheva, an immigrant to Israel from England, her shop offers a super-authentic English tea experience down to the tea cups. Elisheva is a trained pastry chef and makes delicious homemade scones (there are also gluten-free scones!). There is no better way to spend a few hours in the afternoon with friends than with a tea tower at KumKum.

39. Row-boat in Ramla’s Pool of Arches. 

A remnant from the time of the Abbasid caliphate, this building has survived over 1,200 years! Today, visitors can experience the reservoir by rowboat, making it a great activity for the whole family. Keep in mind that you have to climb a short steep set of stairs to access it. 

israel tourist pass

40. Enjoy a wine tasting at Vitkin Winery. 

Vitkin Winery is one of the most underrated wineries in Israel. On the weekends they offer a special tapas menu with great vegetarian options as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

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41. See a concert at Zappa in Jerusalem.

Zappa is a cool restaurant and concert hall, offering shows by a wide variety of Israeli musicians. The small venue allows for a more intimate and relaxed ambiance than most concert halls. The venue opens a couple hours before the concert for dinner and the bartenders continue to serve drinks throughout. There are many locations in Israel, but my favorite is in Jerusalem.

42. Have hummus at Hummus Gingi on Kibbutz Einat. 

One of the best and most fun places to stop for hummus in Israel is Gingi. Hummus Gingi has been a staple on Kibbutz Einat for nearly 20 years. They slow-cook the chickpeas overnight for especially creamy hummus and the spicy lemon sauce they serve alongside it takes the flavor to the next level. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jazzie | Gluten Free | עגלות קפה | ללא גלוטן | Jerusalem (@theisraelbites)

43. Grab coffee and a cheese platter from Cohen’s Deli in Jerusalem.

The perfect place for an afternoon date, Cohen’s Deli has a top-notch cheese selection, but even better is their salad that comes with it. It is addictive . It looks like a typical Israeli salad, but what sets it apart is the quality of ingredients — they use the best produce, flakey salt, raw tahini and nuts, which perfectly complement each other.

44. Enjoy the vegetarian tasting menu from Asaf Granit’s Tzemah. 

Many of the world’s top restaurants are renowned for their meat dishes, but Asaf Granit’s Tzemah is a 100% vegetarian restaurant serving up 5-star meals. They offer a tasting menu where you can try all the chefs’ picks and it is one of the best ways to celebrate special occasions from birthdays to anniversaries.

45. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Thinkers Distillery in Jerusalem.

Thinkers is a gin distillery located just a few steps away from Jerusalem’s famous Machne Yehudah Market. You can take a 45-minute tour for 95 NIS per person, which of course includes tasting the gin. They also have a longer deep-dive tour where you can sample cocktails from their mixologists.

46. Watch the sunset at the cliffs of Shefayim with a snack from Cafe v’Yam.

The cliffs located behind Hotel Shefayim are one of my favorite places in all of Israel, so much so that my fiance actually proposed to me there. They offer an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunset, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch Cafe v’Yam still open for pizza and beer.

47. Spend the day at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo.

Located in southern Jerusalem in a very pastoral area, the Biblical Zoo is one of Israel’s most popular places to visit. What sets the Biblical Zoo apart is that they have verses from the Torah next to the animals showing the connection between the animal and Jewish tradition.

48. Hike in the Forest of the Martyrs, which memorializes the six million killed in the Holocaust.

In this forest, which is located on the edge of the Jerusalem Forest, six million trees were planted to commemorate the memories of those who perished during the Holocaust. Yad Vashem , Israel’s Holocaust Museum, is also located nearby.

49. Walk from the Kraft Sports Center through Emek HaArazim to Ein Kerem, stopping in Motza for a bite at Alloro Cafe. 

This 6mile (10 km) hike is a beautiful way to explore the outskirts of Jerusalem. Most of the path is paved and only the end has a steep uphill incline. About one-third of the way along the route, you’ll pass through Motza where there is an incredible pastry shop that’s perfect for a pitstop.

50. Visit Hollander Distillery for a liquor tour and tasting. 

A hidden gem in the Jerusalem Hills, Hollander has a rich history that can only truly be understood through experiencing the distillery . You can sample their delicious liquors made from local fruit while enjoying the unbeatable view from their porch.

israel tourist pass

51. Eat ice cream at Yotvata. 

You’ll probably recognize the name Yotvata if you have ever had shoko b’sakit (chocolate milk in a bag). After Tnuva, Yotvata is the second-largest milk producer in Israel and their “pundak” (rest stop) makes the perfect pitstop on any drive to Eilat. Try their fresh ice cream with local dairy from the kibbutz.

52. Hike in Timna Park. 

In my opinion, Timna is the most beautiful national park in Israel and there are endless photo ops. They even have an “Instagram map” of the most photo-worthy sites in the park. You can easily spend more than a day here, so I recommend allotting a decent amount of time to your visit. You can even rent or room or bring a tent!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Timna park – Israel (@timnapark)

53. Visit the hidden lake, a gorgeous viewpoint just minutes from Eilat. 

Bring a pakal cafe (travel coffee stove) and stop for a coffee break while looking out at the gorgeous lake in the middle of the desert. This is the most beautiful spot to stop on your long drive down to Eilat.

54. Do a late-night astronomy tour in the Ramon Crater. 

With some of the clearest and darkest skies in Israel, Mitzpe Ramon or The Ramon Crater is one of the best places to go stargazing. The cost of a tour with Astronomy Israel is 175 NIS per adult and 85 NIS per child above the age of 6.

55. Stay at the luxury hotel Beresheet.

Beresheet is one of the most famous hotels in Israel and for good reason! Just be sure to lock your door at night or you may be woken up by an ibex staring you in the face. If you don’t want to shell out a few thousand shekels a night to sleep at the hotel, you can also go for breakfast!

56. Sleep in a cement pipe at Naot Farm.

You read that right — a cement pipe! Naot Farm is a family-run farm in the middle of the Negev with tiny little pipe rooms that you can rent for just over $100 a night. They also have a small natural pool, a cafe with homemade cheeses and local wine, and plenty of space to stroll and enjoy the quiet.

israel tourist pass

57. Visit the Dolphin Reef in Eilat.

Magical views, a private beach, dolphins, snorkeling, diving and a beach bar… what more could you ask for? The cost to enter Dolphin Reef is 69 NIS for adults and 48 NIS for kids under 15.

58. Spend a day on Hof Mosh.

Visiting Hof Mosh, the most famous beach in Israel, is a must-do at least once in a lifetime. The beach is well-equipped with restaurants, making it a great option if you’re looking to spend the entire day relaxing by the water.

59. Snorkel in the Red Sea. 

The Red Sea is known around the world as one of the best locations for both snorkeling and diving. Coral Reef Beach is a super popular and easily accessible spot for snorkeling, renowned for its rich corals and diverse sea life.

israel tourist pass

60. Eat ice cream at Glenderia Ice Cream Truck.

We’ve already covered coffee carts — now it’s time for an ice cream truck! Located near Sde Boker (the exact location varies but you can find it on their Facebook page), Glenderia has been serving ice cream to passersby since 2020.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by גלנדריה (@glenderia)

61. Shop at the second-hand store in Sde Boker.

Right outside of Ben-Gurion’s Hut is one of my favorite second-hand stores in Israel! It is quite small but always packed with unique finds, local art and great prices. To get to the store, follow directions to Ben-Gurion’s Hut and you won’t miss it.

israel tourist pass

62. Have a coffee with an ibex at Ben-Gurion’s Tomb overlooking Ein Avdat. 

Knaaniya Cafe is an excellent place to grab coffee, but be sure to order it to-go and take a short three-minute walk over to the edge of Ben-Gurion’s Tomb, where you can often find ibex hanging out. Sit and enjoy the stunning view of Ein Avdat while sipping your coffee.

63. Go swimming in Ein Akev. 

Located just below Midreshet Ben-Gurion, this gorgeous, hidden natural pool is one of the best places in Israel to spend an afternoon. Remember to bring snacks and a hat, as there is little shade and it gets very hot.

64. Hike to Gev Holon, Ein Gedi.

The hike to Gev Holon may be challenging, but it is more than worth it. While most people only make it to the small pools and waterfalls at the base of the mountain, this hike takes you to a lovely hidden pool with a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea down below.

@theisraelbites If you haven’t seen Gev Halon, you need to add this to your bucket list! #hike #israel #ולוג #טיול ♬ Zen Music – Meditation

65. Float in the Dead Sea. 

Of course, no trip to Israel is complete without taking a dip in the Dead Sea. But, if you’re looking for a different experience, check out the Dead Sea mushrooms, which are salt islands you can walk out onto for gorgeous photos.

66. Stop for brunch at Studio Coffee in Arad. 

Studio Coffee is American-owned and serves up amazing treats like homemade-flavored coffee syrups and keto desserts with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Try their great breads and homemade dips.

israel tourist pass

67. Glamp at the Dead Sea. 

Glamping has all the fun of camping but with a much higher comfort level! Located right on the Dead Sea, Badolina is a great place to glamp with an onsite cafe/bar and access to a local pool. With tents that accommodate up to 8 people, it’s a great place to go with friends, and the price can’t be beat.

68. Take a tour of Neot Semadar. 

Neot Semadar is a unique kibbutz located just north of Eilat. You might recognize the arts center and famous statue in the middle of the kibbutz. On the kibbutz you can enjoy a tour of the arts center and a visit to their winery.

69. Go for a wine tasting at Carmey Avdat, with the option to book a villa and stay overnight! 

This desert winery and estate is a small family-run establishment. They say that the farm is located on the remains of a 1500-year-old agricultural settlement on the path of the ancient Spice Route.

70. Experience home hospitality for lunch with Mevashlot Yerucham and learn about the local women of the area.

The Culinary Queens of Yerucham is part of a project to promote diversity, solidarity and a more pluralistic Israel. They offer home hospitality and workshops where you can learn about and enjoy recipes that have been passed down for generations.

71. Go ice skating in the Ice Mall in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat. 

Ice skating in Israel ? In Eilat of all places? Yes, it is real. When you’re overheated from a full day in the sun at the beach and can’t spend any more time shopping in the tax-free malls, ice skating is the perfect way to spend the evening. Be sure to check Groo (Israeli Groupon) for a deal on tickets.

72. Have delicious Indian food at Little India in Beersheva. 

Little India is one of the best Indian restaurants in Israel, and shockingly enough, it isn’t in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem — it’s in Beer Sheva! And it’s kosher. Try the paneer!

73. Take a cable car to the top of the Masada Fortress.

While some people enjoy the challenge (or torture, depending on your interpretation) of hiking the snake path up the mountain, I prefer the more relaxed experience of taking the quick cable car ride and spending more time enjoying the ruins of the fortress at the top.

74. Check out the graffiti at Gallery Minus 430 at Kalia Beach. 

Named for its elevation level, this unique art gallery in Kalia Beach features graffiti from local and international artists who joined the project to raise awareness about the many environmental issues threatening the Dead Sea.

75. Visit the Antelope Ranch in the Arava Valley. 

Africa meets Israel’s Negev Desert at this cool ranch ! Take a mini safari tour, where you will meet antelopes, elk, goats, exotic sheep and other animals, or visit the petting zoo. There are also cabins and a campground which come with access to a sulfur pool.

Originally Published Apr 24, 2023 05:25PM EDT

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Updated info for entering and leaving israel according to morbidity in israel and international, entry to israel, leaving israel.

Starting from Monday 15.5.23 at midnight (between Monday and Tuesday) - there are no longer COVID restrictions on entering Israel from abroad . However, if you are a confirmed COVID case, it is recommended not to board a flight. If boarding is necessary, it is recommended to wear a mask during the flight. Non-Israeli citizens must comply with Israel's general entry policy of the Population and Immigration Authority.

For instructions please see the Population and Immigration Authority website

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Anyone who feels sick within 10 days after arriving in Israel, is recommended to contact their HMO and take a COVID test, or test at a testing station, or by a remote authorized antigen home test. Information regarding test types

Starting Monday 15.5.2023 at midnight (between Monday and Tuesday) , isolation is no longer required for those who are a confirmed COVID-19 case (Israeli citizens and non-Israeli citizens). At the same time, it should be remembered that this is a contagious disease which may mainly endanger those in risk groups . Therefore, it is important to act in a responsible manner, according to the recommendations for confirmed COVID cases.

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israel tourist pass

Hi everyone,

Just got QTOURIST card - "Israel's tourist card" and downloaded the app...

anybody tried it yet?

I love their tourist friendly concept that all businesses there were checked and there are very nice discounts ..

any recommendation what benefit is a must to use?

' class=

Welcome to Trip Advisor.

From the catalog it does not include many sites/restaurants. There are discounts at parks and restaurants through other venues which cover a much wider amount of vendors.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Out of an abundance of caution over the new Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, as of November 28th, 2021, Israel has closed its borders to all tourists until December 13th, 2021. Only citizens of Israel and specific visa holders are allowed entry to Israel. If you had a trip scheduled during that time, even if you or your group had been granted a permit, you are no longer allowed to go as a tourist regardless of your circumstances. 

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The gate in the Erez border crossing, which was destroyed after Hamas terrorists broke into Israel on 7 October.

Israel to reopen Erez crossing into Gaza after Biden sounds warning over protecting civilians

Steps approved in Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza include temporary reopening of crossing in the north

  • See all our Israel-Gaza war coverage

Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said his security cabinet has approved a series of steps to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza , including the temporary reopening of a key crossing that was destroyed in the 7 October Hamas attack.

The announcement was made hours after a warning from US president Joe Biden that future US support for Israel would depend on it taking concrete action to protect civilians and aid workers.

The office of the Israeli prime minister said early on Friday that the Erez crossing, which lies in northern Gaza and for years served as the only passenger terminal for people to move in and out of the territory, would be temporarily reopened.

According to the statement, more aid would also be allowed through the port of Ashdod, which lies about 40km (25 miles) north of Gaza, and authorities would also allow “increased Jordanian aid through Kerem Shalom”, a border crossing in southern Israel.

“Israel will allow the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through Ashdod and the Erez checkpoint,” said the Israeli statement. “This increased aid will prevent a humanitarian crisis and is necessary to ensure the continuation of the fighting and to achieve the goals of the war,” the statement added.

White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson welcomed the announcement, adding that the plan “must now be fully and rapidly implemented”. “As the president said today on the call, US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” Watson said.

International pressure has been mounting on Israel after it took responsibility for a strike that killed seven employees of US-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK).

'She had this light': killed Gaza aid workers remembered by family and friends – video

On Thursday Biden called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza following a phone call between the US president and Netanyahu, their first since Israeli airstrikes killed seven WCK employees .

In Thursday’s call, which lasted less than 30 minutes, the US president issued the strongest US rebuke toward Israel since the start of the conflict. He “made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers”, the White House said in a statement.

“He made clear that US policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.”

Biden said that an “immediate ceasefire is essential” and urged Israel to reach a deal with Hamas “without delay”, the White House said.

The statement marked a sharp change in Biden’s rhetoric and suggested, for what appears to be the first time, that strings could be attached to continued US support.

Biden’s comments were echoed by his secretary of state, Antony Blinken, who said US support would be curtailed if Israel failed to adjust its conduct. “If we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there will be changes in our policy,” he told reporters in Brussels.

“Right now, there is no higher priority in Gaza than protecting civilians, surging humanitarian assistance and ensuring the security of those who provide it. Israel must meet this moment,” he said.

Israel’s steps to protect innocent Gazans will determine US policy, says Blinken – video

The US has provided crucial military aid and diplomatic support for Israel’s nearly six-month offensive, which was launched in response to Hamas’s 7 October attack in southern Israel.

WCK has called called on Australia, Canada, Poland, the US and the UK, whose citizens were killed in the attack, to join an independent investigation of the incident.

“This was a military attack that involved multiple strikes and targeted three WCK vehicles,” the charity said in a statement. “All three vehicles were carrying civilians; they were marked as WCK vehicles; and their movements were in full compliance with Israeli authorities, who were aware of their itinerary, route and humanitarian mission.

“An independent investigation is the only way to determine the truth of what happened, ensure transparency and accountability for those responsible, and prevent future attacks on humanitarian aid workers.”

On Thursday, the parents of one of the WCK kitchen employees, US-Canada dual citizen Jacob Flickinger, told the BBC that they did not accept Israel’s apology for his death and rejected Netanyahu’s description of the attack as a “tragic accident”.

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Middle East latest: Rishi Sunak issues criticism as tensions between Iran and Israel reach boiling point

The UK prime minister says Iranian threats to carry out a missile strike against Israel are "unacceptable" as tensions continue to escalate. Scroll through live updates while you listen to our podcast on how the conflict in Gaza is affecting Yemen too.

Thursday 11 April 2024 16:25, UK

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  • Iranian threats against Israel 'unacceptable', PM says
  • Alistair Bunkall : Attack from Iran on Israel reported to be imminent
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  • Three sons of Hamas leader killed in strike | IDF gives details of attack
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  • Watch: Moment he is told his family has been killed
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  • Live reporting by Jess Sharp and (earlier) Bhvishya Patel

The UN Security Council should have condemned the strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, Iran's mission to the United Nations has said. 

If the council had done so, the "imperative for Iran" to retaliate to the attack could have been avoided, it added. 

The embassy in Damascus was struck last week in an attack that killed two Iranian generals and six other Iranian military officers. 

Israel has been widely blamed for the strike, with Iran vowing to take revenge on the country. 

Israel has not publicly commented on the attack. 

"Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime's reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," Tehran's mission to the UN said on X. 

Iran uses the term "Zionist regime" to refer to Israel. 

The families of three British aid workers who were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza have paid tribute following the repatriation of their bodies to the UK.

James Kirby, James "Jim" Henderson and John Chapman were among the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers who died in the attack last Monday.

The strike, which the Israel Defence Forces said was a "serious mistake", prompted condemnation from London and other Western capitals.

Mr Kirby's family said he will be "missed by so many", adding they were "overwhelmed by the support shown".

"As a family we are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our beautiful James, who we lost on 2 April," they said.

Mr Henderson's family described him as a "kind, compassionate, loyal and considerate man, our shining light".

"We as a family are deeply shocked, saddened and upset at the untimely tragic death of Jim," they said.

The family of Mr Chapman said: "John was an incredible husband, father, brother, son and friend who will be missed deeply and he was an inspiration to many.

"We are devastated by this unbearable loss but are hugely relieved to have John home."

With reports of an imminent attack on Israel by Iran, our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn says this is a "very dangerous moment for the Middle East".

He says just as we thought the risk of a regional war were subsiding "it has now come back".

Waghorn says the "Iranians throughout this war have avoided escalating wherever they can" and "don't want a war" but "they feel they have to retaliate".

"The assumption is it will be a calibrated well-planned retaliation. It won't go too far but it will go far enough to try and restore their deterrence but it won't go too far as to plunge the region into all out conflict," he explains.

He notes whatever decision Iran takes "it's war and things don't necessarily go to plan".

"This is a very dangerous moment for the Middle East," he adds.

British and other foreign diplomats in Israel have been advised to stock up on essential items in anticipation of an Iranian attack.

The guidance, which has been issued to families in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, also recommends carrying radios when out and about, in case phone networks are disrupted.

Israel is currently on alert for an Iranian retaliation following a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria earlier this month. 

German airline Lufthansa has also suspended flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Iranian threats to carry out a missile strike against Israel are "unacceptable", Rishi Sunak has said. 

Tehran has vowed to retaliate after two of its top generals were killed in an airstrike on its consulate in Syria earlier this month that the US military believes was carried out by Israel.

Although Israel has not commented on the attack, Iran's leader the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the country "must be punished and it shall be".

Speaking today, Mr Sunak condemned the Ayatollah's comments, saying they were "unacceptable".

He said: "We, like the Americans, fully support Israel's right to defend itself against that."

Mr Sunak added that Britain had already "highlighted Iran as a significant risk to regional security" and taken steps to protect the UK from threats from Tehran.

Yesterday, Joe Biden said that his country's commitment to Israel's security in the face of Iranian threats was "ironclad".

Germany's foreign minister has called her Iranian counterpart  to urge "maximum restraint" to avoid further escalation. 

In a statement on X, Germany's foreign office said Annalena Baerbock had spoken to Hossein Amirabdollahian about the "tense situation in the Middle East today".

"Avoiding further regional escalation must be in everyone’s interest. We urge all actors in the region to act responsibly and exercise maximum restraint," the statement read.

For context : Conflict has spread across the Middle East since the war in Gaza, with Iran-backed groups declaring support for those waging attacks from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.

Tehran has avoided direct confrontation with Israel or the US, while declaring support for its allies.

But on 1 April, suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran's embassy in Syria and Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel "must be punished".

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the 1 April attack.

The IDF is "constructing a northern crossing" in Gaza to increase aid into the enclave, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari has said

He said Israel was working together with countries and international organisations to "develop new and improved measures to increase the flow of aid to Gaza civilians".

Sharing Israel's next phase, he went on to say the IDF was "constructing the northern crossing", which is "a new land crossing from Israel into northern Gaza" to enable more aid to flow into areas "that have been challenging for trucks to access".

"The combination of these measures mean that we expect the daily average number of trucks to go up gradually from 350 per day to around 500 per day," he said.

A former Israeli ambassador to the US has called on Israel to strike "the head of the snake" in Tehran.

Danny Ayalon said Iran was attempting to encircle Israel with a "ring of fire" around Israel in the form of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

His comments come after Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel following a strike that killed senior Iranian commanders in Damascus - an attack Israel has not said it was responsible for.

"It is not surprising that Iran is continuing with a very aggressive approach, where they really try to change the entire landscape of the Middle East," said Mr Ayalon.

"With this heightened tension, there is a novelty here. Iran, for the first time, is threatening to strike, itself, directly at Israel, and not through proxies."

Mr Ayalon said Israel has a "fairly good missile defence" but Iran could attack Israeli tourists abroad or embassies.

"I think that by striking at the head of the snake in Iran and in Tehran, this is probably the most effective way to bring Iran back, to keep it at bay."

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has said at least 33,545 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive since 7 October.

Another 76,094 have been injured, the ministry added in its latest update.

The ministry's figures do not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it says the majority of those killed were women and children.

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war in Gaza will continue but adds that his forces are preparing for scenarios in other areas.

He said: "We established a simple principle - whoever hurts us, we hurt him. We are preparing to meet the security needs of the state of Israel both in defence and in attack."

The comments come following a visit to an air force base in southern Israel and amid fears of Tehran launching a retaliatory strike over the killing of senior Iranian commanders in Damascus.

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Azerbaijan pushes for increased Israeli tourism

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Azerbaijan Tourism Board CEO Florian Sangeschmidt at the Israeli Tourism Expo in Tel Aviv, April 3, 2024. Courtesy

(JNS) Azerbaijan is working to boost Israeli tourism, with the flight schedule between Tel Aviv and Baku returning to pre-war levels this month, the head of Azerbaijani tourism bureau said in Tel Aviv.

The wartime tourism push by the predominantly Shi’ite Muslim country is the latest sign of the burgeoning ties between the two countries, at a time of growing antisemitism around the world and isolation of Israel amid its six-month old war with Hamas.

Azerbaijan Tourism Board CEO Florian Sangeschmidt at the Israeli Tourism Expo in Tel Aviv, April 3, 2024.Courtesy

“Azerbaijan continues to be open and safe for Israeli tourists,” Florian Sangeschmidt, CEO of the Azerbaijain Tourism Board, told JNS during an official visit for the annual Israeli Tourism expo. “It is an important message that we are here.”

Only 12 countries, including Azerbaijain, sent representatives to Tel Aviv Tourism Exhibition on April 3-4, which focused on promoting tourism to Israel after the war, while some two dozen other nations other participated in the event last year were notably absent. The additional countries participating in the event were France, Czech Republic, Cyprus, El Salvador, Taiwan, India, Greece, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Romania and Ethiopia.

Defying external pressures, the state-run Azerbaijan Airlines resumed direct flights from Baku to Tel Aviv last month, and is now operating nine weekly flights between the two cities. Together with the three flights that Israir is also relaunching at the end of the month, the number of flights between the two countries is now returning to pre-war levels, Azerbaijaini tourism officials said.

“There is this perception of Azerbaijain as Muslim nation, but it is really a colorful tapestry and destination showcasing a multi-ethnic society,” he added. He noted that many Israelis had thanked him for coming to the tourism expo during wartime.

Thirty thousand Israelis visited Azerbaijan last year, which remained a safe haven for Israelis as antisemitism surged in European capitals and around the globe following the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre.

Last year, Azerbaijan made history by becoming the first Shi’ite country to open an embassy in Israel.

For Israel, ties with Azerbaijan—which shares a 428-mile border with Iran and supplies and estimated 30% of the Jewish state’s oil—are of strategic importance. At the same time, Azerbaijan is a leading purchaser of Israeli military hardware, which helped lift Baku to victory in its 2020 war with archrival Armenia.

About 25,000-30,000 Jews live in Azerbaijan today, while tens of thousands of Jews from Azerbaijan immigrated to Israel and maintain strong ties with the Caucasus nation.

To read more content visit www.jns.org

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Israel Allocates USD 3.2 million to Enhance Accessibility at tourist sites

Tel Aviv [Israel], April 11 (ANI/TPS): Aiming to enhance the tourist experience and foster inclusivity, Israel’s Tourism Ministry announced a 20 million shekel (USD 3.2 million) plan to improve accessibility at tourist sites across the country.

“We attach great importance to the accessibility of tourist sites to the general public and work to improve the tourist experience for the domestic and international visitor, so that they can enjoy the wide range of tourist sites available throughout the country, without restrictions and with maximum comfort,” said Tourism Minister Haim Katz.

“The budget that we are allocating to the local authorities will help make accessible dozens of sites, be they nature reserves, heritage, religion or history sites, museums and more,” he noted.

The initiative will be implemented during 2024-2025.

“Making tourist sites accessible to people with disabilities is a national project whose goal is to ensure the equal participation of this public in Israeli society,” said Israel Government Tourism Corporation CEO Elad Erenfeld, who will oversee the plan’s implementation. “This is one of the most important and exciting decisions that the Ministry of Tourism has made.”

Under the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law of 1998, there exists a legal obligation to ensure accessibility to infrastructure, buildings, and services. Regulations also govern accessibility to ancient sites, national parks, and nature reserves. Earmarking funds for accessibility upgrades will help local authorities meet those obligations, the ministry said.

Local authorities have been invited to submit up to two applications for financial assistance towards accessibility enhancements at tourist sites within their jurisdictions. To facilitate this process, the ministry will provide access to consultants who will assist in identifying necessary improvements, project planning and estimating associated costs.

Projects will be evaluated based on various criteria, including their contribution to different types of disabilities, potential to attract tourism, innovation, sustainability, and maintenance feasibility. (ANI/TPS)

This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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Israel Agrees to Open Erez Crossing for Gaza Aid After Biden Pressure

Israel has come under rising pressure from U.S. officials and humanitarian agencies to allow more aid into Gaza, amid warnings that famine is looming.

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By Cassandra Vinograd and Erica L. Green

  • April 4, 2024

Israel has agreed to open another crossing and increase the flow of aid getting into Gaza, a move seemingly aimed at tempering the U.S. president’s growing frustration over the dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

The Israeli government confirmed the new measures in an overnight statement, after the Biden administration announced them late Thursday after a tense phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the call, Mr. Biden threatened to condition future support for Israel on how it addresses his concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council said that Israel had agreed to open the Erez crossing to allow aid into northern Gaza, to use the port of Ashdod to direct aid into the enclave and to significantly increase deliveries from Jordan — “at the president’s request.”

“These steps,” the spokeswoman, Adrienne Watson, said, “must now be fully and rapidly implemented.”

The Israeli government did not say when it would open Erez crossing, a checkpoint between Israel and northern Gaza that Hamas attacked on Oct. 7 and that Israel had refused to re-open since. It said only that Israel would allow the “temporary delivery” of aid through the Erez crossing and the port of Ashdod, which sits about 16 miles north of Gaza on Israel’s Mediterranean coast.

Israel has come under rising pressure from U.S. officials and humanitarian agencies to open more border crossings for aid amid warnings from the United Nations that famine looms after nearly six months of war.

Mr. Biden has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s approach to the war against Hamas in Gaza, saying that more must be done to protect civilians. The killing of seven aid workers this week by Israeli forces appeared to bring that to a head, with Mr. Biden saying he was “outraged” and that Israel has “not done enough to protect civilians.”

That frustration carried over into his call with Mr. Netanyahu on Thursday, when Mr. Biden tried for the first time to leverage American aid to influence the conduct of the war against Hamas — prompting Israel to commit to letting more food and supplies into Gaza.

“As the president said today on the call, U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these and other steps, including steps to protect innocent civilians and the safety of aid workers,” Ms. Watson said in the statement.

The most dire shortages are in northern Gaza, where desperation has prompted people to swarm trucks carrying assistance and where aid groups say they have struggled to deliver supplies because of Israeli restrictions and widespread lawlessness.

Nearly all of the aid allowed into Gaza since the war began has entered through two main crossing points: Kerem Shalom and Rafah, which are both in the southern part of the enclave. But getting truck convoys from the southern border crossings to the north is difficult and dangerous, and the route is sometimes blocked by roads damaged by Israeli bombardment, Israeli checkpoints or battles between Hamas fighters and Israeli troops.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, in a call with his Israeli counterpart on Wednesday, also “raised the need for the rapid increase of aid coming through all crossings in the coming days,” according to the Pentagon.

Late last month, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ordered Israel to ensure the “provision of unhindered aid” into Gaza, using some of its strongest language yet. Israel has rejected accusations that it is responsible for delays in the delivery of aid.

Patrick Kingsley contributed reporting.

Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Erica L. Green

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Eid al-Fitr — the three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan — used to be a joyful time in Gaza. But with famine looming amid Israel’s continuing offensive, Palestinians say there is little to celebrate .

At the International Court of Justice, Germany defended itself against accusations  brought by Nicaragua that its arms sales to Israel were abetting genocide in Gaza.

President Biden has again criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and called his approach to the war in Gaza a “mistake.”

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

Challenging Democratic Leaders: Protests over the Biden administration’s handling of the war in Gaza are disrupting the activities of Democratic officials, complicating their ability to campaign during a pivotal election year .

Germany’s Upended Arts Scene: Berlin, the home of boundary-pushing artists from around the world, has been turned upside down by debates about what can and can’t be said about Israel and the war in Gaza .

Internal Roil at TikTok: TikTok has been dogged by accusations that its app has shown a disproportionate amount of pro-Palestinian and antisemitic content to users. Some of the same tensions  have also played out inside the company.

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  2. Israel Pass: Everything You Need to Know

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  12. Everything You Need To Know About Entering and Exiting Israel

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  20. COVID-19 Update: Israel Travel Rules & Guidelines

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  23. Israel to reopen Erez crossing into Gaza after Biden sounds warning

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  24. Israel-Gaza latest: Biden says US support for Israel is 'ironclad

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  26. Israel Allocates USD 3.2 million to Enhance Accessibility at tourist

    Tel Aviv [Israel], April 11 (ANI/TPS): Aiming to enhance the tourist experience and foster inclusivity, Israel's Tourism Ministry announced a 20 million shekel (USD 3.2 million) plan to improve accessibility at tourist sites across the country. "We attach great importance to the accessibility of tourist sites to the general public and work to improve the […]

  27. Israel Agrees to Open Erez Crossing for Gaza Aid After Biden Pressure

    Israel has come under rising pressure from U.S. officials and humanitarian agencies to allow more aid into Gaza, amid warnings that famine is looming. By Cassandra Vinograd and Erica L. Green ...