Helpful Facts
Facts
| Name |
State of Israel |
| Area |
20.766 square km |
| Population |
7 million |
| People |
Jewsh, Arabs |
| Official language |
Hebrew, Arabic |
| Religion |
Judaism, Islam |
| Time |
GMT (+2) |
Visa
Every visitor to Israel must hold a valid passport for a minimum of six months. Visitors may remain in Israel for up to three months from the date of arrival, subject to the terms of the visa issued. Visitors interested in stopping over in Israel en route to other destinations may request five-day transit visa that may be extended for a further ten days on arrival in Israel. Persons who proceed from Israel to an Arab country other than Egypt or Jordan should ensure their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamp.
Note: It is advisable to contact the Israeli consulate abroad before traveling to Israel as visa requirements may vary for some nationals. Different application requirements, and advice on crossing the border, will almost certainly apply to those traveling on to Egypt or Jordan.
Climate
Most of the year the weather is fine, with rainfall usually only between late October and April. There is little or no rain in the Dead Sea and Eilat regions.
Health
There are no special precautions required for travel to Israel. Like in many countries it is advisable to drink bottled water. Bird flu has been discovered in Gaza and in a number of towns in Israel. The risk to travellers is very low, but nevertheless avoid close contact to birds. The medical facilities are high standard.
Currency
Currency unit: Shekel = 100 Agorot
Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200
Coins: 5, 10 50 agorot; 1, 5, 10 shekel
Business Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm and Friday mornings.
Banks: Sunday to Friday 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Customs
Religious customs should be respected in Israel. Visitors should be reserved about taking photographs of Jewish Orthodox people. It is not allowed to take photos of military or police personnel or installations and advisable to carry always official identification.
