A trip abroad requires planning. Here you’ll find several things to consider when preparing for a safe trip to Israel as well as other destinations you may visit around the world.
Before you go
Be aware of any travel alerts and warnings for any destination you’ll be visiting during your trip. The state department issues Travel Warnings for recommendations on travel to countries due to unrest, and other. The great thing to know is that Israel has been a extremely safe country to travel despite political situations. Travel warnings to Israel are in fact rare. You can also check Travel Alerts from the state department prior to your trip.
Do You Have All Travel Documents Required for your trip?
Most U.S. citizens must use a U.S. Passport issued by the U.S. Department of State to travel to Israel. No Visas are required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter Israel. If traveling to other countries, most foreign countries require a valid passport to enter and leave.
What about your children? they will also need a U.S. passport to travel to Israel.
When does your passport expire? Israel and most countries require that a traveler’s passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of the trip. Contact the Israeli embassy and other embassies of your foreign destination for more information.
Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. These plans cover medical emergencies, and many other events such as natural disasters, political unrest and more. Make sure you have all contact details provided to you on our documentation prior to your trip. These will include our contact number in Israel, as well as a number here in the U.S. Make sure you have the contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are going. This is specially true if traveling to other destinations besides Israel. Consular duty personnel are available for emergency assistance 24/7 hours a day, at U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas and in Washington, D.C. Contact information for U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas may be found in the Country Specific Information pages here. If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency at home or if they are worried about your welfare, they should have contact information for us in the U.S., as well as the same contacts given to you on our travel documents.
Pack Smart!
Pack light, while on our Israel tours clients have luggage assistance at airports and hotels, it’s always easier when you travel with your essentials for a trip. Take minimum number of valuables and use safety deposit boxes at your hotels. It’s recommended to not check-in valuables on your flights- instead carry on. Check your bags, clothing, and vehicle to make sure you are not carrying any banned items or substances, such as weapons or ammunition, into your destination country. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity. Be vigilant of your IDs, tickets and other vital documents which are needed for and during your trip.
Make Photocopies of Your Travel Documents and Itinerary?
Make 2 photocopies of all your travel documents for emergency or if documents are lost or stolen. Leave 1 copy with family or friend at home. Carry the other copy with you stored separately from the originals. It’s a good idea to let at least 1 person know where you’ll be staying to contact you in case of an emergency. While smart cell phones are a great way to maintain communication back home. You may not always have coverage or have available Wi-Fi while touring.
Documents to make copies for include:
Passport ID page
Visa (if applicable)
Trip itinerary
Travel documents / confirmations
Airline ticket
ID/Driver's license
Credit cards for the trip
Traveler's check serial numbers
Your Safety
Prepare to Handle Money in Israel-the currency for the state of Israel is the shekel.
Check the exchange rate before and during your Israel Tour.
Prior to your trip, notify your credit card company, bank, or other financial institutions that you are going overseas.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and consider using traveler's checks or major credit cards instead (check if they are accepted at your destination).
Change traveler's checks only as needed.
Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a for something.
Learn about local customs and local laws
While traveling, you are subject to the local laws even if you are a U.S. Citizen.
Does Your Health Insurance Cover You Outside the U.S.?
Learn what medical services your health insurance provider will cover abroad. Although some insurance companies pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for a medical evacuation back to the U.S., which can easily cost up to $100,000, or more, depending on your condition and location. Regardless of whether your insurance is valid overseas, you may be required to pay for care when you receive it. If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, it’s highly recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy that does.
Are You Taking Any Prescriptions or Other Medications?
If you take prescribed medication:
Bring enough to last your entire trip, including some extra in case if there are delays on return. Carry your medications in the original labeled containers, and pack them in your carry-on bags. Ask your pharmacy or doctor for the generic equivalent name of your prescriptions in case you need to purchase additional medication during your trip. Get a letter from your doctor in case you are questioned about your carry-on medication.
To learn more about your destination(s) and more information on our Israel tour packages feel free to contact us.