ISRAEL MINI GUIDE

Israel: General information

Location: Asia

Local time: From 9 Oct 05 to 1 Apr 06 GMT +2, From 1 Apr 06 to 25 Sep 06 GMT +3

Capital: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem

Language: Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish, English, Russian

Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz

International direct dialling code: 972

Driving:Driving is on the right. National licence required. International Driving Permit recommended

Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS 1 = 100 Agorot)
Notes: ILS: 20, 50, 100, 200
Coins: ILS: 1, 5, 10. Agorot: 5, 10, 50

Traditions/Mores: Many executives speak several languages including English, French and German. Visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar religious customs and conventions. There are specially designated smoking areas. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years

Emergency services:Police: 100. Fire: 102. Ambulance: 101

Air Travel

Israel’s national airline is El Al Israel Airlines (LY) (website: www.elal.co.il). Other airlines serving Israel include Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, South African Airways and United Airlines.

Approximate flight times:

From London to Tel Aviv is four hours 30 minutes and to Eilat is five hours. From Los Angeles to Tel Aviv is 17 hours, from New York is 11 hours, from Singapore is 10 hours 55 minutes and from Sydney is 14 hours 35 minutes.

International airports:

Tel Aviv (TLV) (Ben Gurion International) is 20km (12 miles) southeast of the city. An EGGED bus runs every 30 minutes between 0500-2300 (travel time – 25 minutes), and United Tours shuttle bus no. 222 runs hourly 0400-0000 to Tel Aviv railway station, before stopping at all hotels along Hayarkon St. There is also a taxi service (travel time – 20 minutes). A shared sherut (taxi service) is available, charging a fixed rate per passenger. The El Al airline bus goes to the airport terminal in Tel Aviv. Departure depends on El Al flights. The best way to travel to Jerusalem, which is 50km (31 miles) away, is by sherut. Airport facilities include banks, restaurants, duty-free shops, general shops and tourist information.
Eilat Central Airport (ETH) is 20 minutes from the city. The airport bus departs every 15 minutes, and taxis are available to the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, light refreshments and a souvenir shop.

ISRAEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where to find cheap, possibly non-stop tickets to Israel? Can I get the best lowest airfare at the last moment? Which airlines fly to Israel? Which travel documents, passport, visa required, what are health immunization requirements in Israel.

Recommended immunisations:

*diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, polio, *TB, tetanus, *typhoid
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month

Israeli Passports

Required by all

Notes:

1) Persons wishing to proceed to an Arab country other than Egypt or Jordan after visiting Israel should ensure their passport does not contain an Israeli visa or stamp
2) Former nationals of Israel holding a foreign passport must have written proof of having given up Israeli nationality

Passport validity: Passports must be valid 6 months from date of arrival

Israeli Visas

The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Israel
2) Citizens of the following countries visiting as tourists:
a) Holders of British passports with `United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland` or `Jersey` or `Guernsey and its Dependencies` on the front cover provided resident in the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man
b) Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central African Rep, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep, Denmark, Dominican Rep, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany (persons born after 1928), Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland Rep, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (South), Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, St. Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, Uruguay & Vanuatu

Notes:

Transit

Required by all except those as noted above and:
1) Persons continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours without leaving the airport, provided holding confirmed reservation

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