🌍 Israel: Complete Travel Guide by Shato Tours
Israel - a unique country where ancient holy sites coexist with modern metropolises, and deserts meet seas. Shato Tours presents a detailed guide to all aspects of traveling to the Holy Land.
🛂 Visas and Entry Requirements
For citizens of Russia and CIS countries, visa-free entry is available for up to 90 days. At the border you'll receive an entry slip instead of a passport stamp - keep it until departure!
⚠️ Important Changes from 2025
Israel is introducing the ETA-IL system (electronic authorization) for visa-free visitors. Check current requirements before your trip!
📋 Documents
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date
🌍 Neighboring Territories
When visiting Palestinian Authority, Jordan or Egypt - keep your immigration slip
☀️ Climate and Best Time to Visit
🌺 Spring (March-May)
Perfect weather +20-25°C, blooming nature, minimal rainfall
🍂 Autumn (September-November)
Warm days, cool evenings, comfortable for sightseeing
🔥 Summer (June-August)
Heat up to +40°C in Eilat and Dead Sea. Humid on the coast. Best time for beach holidays.
⛄ Winter (December-February)
+5-15°C in the north, rains in Jerusalem. In the south (Eilat) +20-25°C - ideal for desert tours.
🕎 Shabbat and National Holidays
⏱️ Shabbat (Saturday)
Begins at sunset on Friday and lasts until Saturday evening:
- Closed shops, restaurants, institutions
- No public transportation
- Alternative: taxis or sherut minibuses
🎭 Main Holidays
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, Purim, Hanukkah
📅 Features
Dates change annually (lunar calendar), hotel prices rise, possible closures
🛡️ Safety and Health
🔒 Safety Level
Despite news reports, main tourist areas are safe:
- Low street crime rate
- Visible police and military presence
- Avoid Gaza border areas
💧 Water and Hygiene
Tap water is safe to drink. Always use sunscreen!
🏥 Healthcare
High medical standards. Obtain travel insurance before your trip!
🎎 Culture and Etiquette
🤝 Communication Style
Israelis are open, direct and friendly. Don't be surprised if invited to a home!
👕 Dress Code
At religious sites: cover shoulders and knees, women - head
📸 Photography
Don't photograph Orthodox Jews without permission. Non-Muslims can't enter mosques.
🚆 Transportation
🚌 Public Transport
Egged buses, Israel Railways trains. Not operational on Shabbat!
🚕 Taxis and Sheruts
Metered taxis, sherut minibuses - operate on Shabbat
🚗 Car Rental
Convenient for desert travel, not in cities. International license required.
📱 Useful Apps
Moovit, Gett, Google Maps - essential travel companions
🏨 Accommodation: Hostels to Luxury
⭐ Hotels
Wide selection from 3* to 5*. Israeli breakfast usually included
🛖 Hostels & Guesthouses
Modern, clean, half the price of hotels. Ideal for youth
🌿 Unique Stays
Kibbutz guesthouses, Galilean farm stays, desert eco-lodges
💡 Booking Tips
- Book 3-6 months ahead for holidays and peak season
- Present passport at hotel to avoid 17% VAT
- Choose location based on purpose: city center or coast
🍽️ Culinary Journey
🇮🇱 National Dishes
Hummus, falafel, shawarma, shakshuka, sabich, malawach
🥛 Kashrut
Separation of meat/dairy restaurants. Closed on Shabbat
💡 Saving on Food
- Street food: falafel for 15-30₪
- Markets: Carmel in Tel Aviv, Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem
- Ready-to-eat sections in supermarkets
🌟 Top Attractions
👨👩👧👦 Traveling with Children
Israel is ideal for family vacations:
- Child-friendly attitude everywhere
- Beaches with gentle slopes and lifeguards
- Interactive museums (Madatech in Haifa)
- Zoos and amusement parks
- Farm and kibbutz tours
👶 Practical Tips
- Strollers convenient except in Jerusalem's Old City
- Children's menus in most restaurants
- Free transit for children under 5
👵 For Senior Travelers
♿ Infrastructure
Barrier-free access at major sites, accessible transportation
🛌 Specialized Tours
Programs with comfortable pace, thermal resorts, spa treatments
💡 Tips
- Avoid peak heat (July-August)
- Choose hotels with elevators and good facilities
- Consider cruises with Israeli ports
💰 Budget Travel
🛏️ Saving on Accommodation
- Hostels: from $20/night
- Camping in national parks
- Apartment rentals via Airbnb
🍴 Saving on Food
- Street food: falafel, shawarma
- Market ready-to-eat meals
- Supermarkets and prepared foods
🚍 Saving on Transportation
- Rav-Kav transit card
- Buses instead of taxis
- Walking in cities
🎭 Free Activities
- Beaches
- Old cities
- Markets and street festivals
- Tip-based walking tours
✨ Your Perfect Journey Begins!
From ancient Jerusalem to Eilat's coral reefs, from green Galilee to the mystical Negev Desert - Israel will reveal its treasures. Trust the professionals at Shato Tours!
© 2023 Shato Tours - Custom Israel Tours since 2010
