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2,243 mi away
£1 ₪3.96
Today
2:22 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
There is ongoing conflict with a serious risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout the country, which have already caused injuries and could disrupt flights at any moment.
Weather & climate
Weather in Israel
Israel
27°
Overcast
Sat
14°
27°
Sun
16°
28°
Mon
17°
29°
Tue
17°
34°
Wed
16°
28°
Thu
16°
29°
Fri
19°
32°
SPF level in Israel
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Israel
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Israel without a visa as a tourist and get permission to stay for up to 3 months on entry.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 90 days after the date you arrive in Israel or Palestine.
As of 1 January 2025, you will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation before you arrive, which is valid for 2 years and covers a 90-day visit.
Keep the entry card you receive at border control with your passport until you leave as evidence of legal entry.
You may face lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches, and security may request access to personal email or social media accounts.
Good to know:
If crossing from Israel into Egypt at Taba, bring sufficient US dollars in cash as fees are charged and ATMs are unreliable.
Children aged 17 and under travelling alone or with one parent should carry a letter from parents or guardians confirming consent and accommodation plans.
Safety in Israel
Tips when travelling
Israel is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Theft of passports, credit cards, and valuables from public beaches is common.
Always carry identification, such as a copy of the personal details and entry stamp pages of your passport.
In Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, clothing should cover your shoulders, upper arms, and legs above the knee.
Be sensitive about taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas, and do not photograph military or police.
If caught with drugs, you can expect to receive a prison sentence.
Bonus tips:
Avoid driving into ultra-Orthodox Jewish areas of Jerusalem from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall, as local residents may throw stones at your car.
Check if your hire car insurance covers you before driving into the West Bank, as many companies do not.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Israel
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Israel for up to one year.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Israel drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Israel
It's crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency treatment and repatriation. Check that your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in. While Israel is not part of the EU, it's still advisable to carry your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it may be useful in some situations, though it's not a substitute for travel insurance.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or travel clinic for the latest health advice and recommended vaccinations for Israel. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Mosquitoes can be present, so consider using insect repellent. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Israel, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, particularly for smaller shops, markets, and transportation.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Israel
Tipping is customary in Israel for good service. While often expected, it is always appreciated.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or 10% for good service
Hotel Porter
5-10 ILS per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 ILS per day
Tour Guide
20-50 ILS per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Israel. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
20GB for 100 ILS (~£20)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Israel
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type H
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in cities and tourist locations.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Free WiFi is common, but the quality can vary. Consider using a VPN for security, especially on public networks.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
100
Ambulance
101
Fire
102
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Israel
Country code
+972
To call a Tel Aviv number 03 123 4567 from the UK, you would dial 00 972 3 123 4567.
The country code for Israel is 972. When calling from abroad, remember to drop the first zero of the local area code.
Languages in Israel
Hebrew(primary)
Arabic
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tel Aviv
Yigal Alon Tower, 23rd Floor, 67 Yigal Alon Street, Tel Aviv 6744326, Israel
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
24 days ago
Government services
- UK staff dependants are now withdrawn from Tel Aviv (previously moved within Israel).
Safety
- Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure (e.g., ports, hotels, airports) have now decreased, though risk of renewed attacks remains.
Airports in Israel
Beaches in Israel
Frequently asked questions
While millions of tourists visit Israel safely each year, it's essential to be aware of the security situation. Check the latest travel advice from the UK government before you travel and be vigilant in public places. Avoid demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.
British citizens generally do not require a visa to enter Israel for tourism purposes for stays of up to three months. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Always check the latest visa requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
The best time to visit Israel is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers (June-August) can be very hot, especially in the desert regions. Winter (November-March) can bring rain, particularly in the north.
The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, and transportation. ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas.
Israel is a country with diverse cultures and religious traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Be aware that Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, during which time many businesses and public transportation services may be closed or limited.
Tap water in Israel is generally safe to drink, but it is often chlorinated, which can affect the taste. Many people prefer to drink bottled water, which is readily available. In remote areas, it's always best to err on the side of caution and drink bottled water.
Like any popular tourist destination, Israel has its share of scams. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering help, especially with taxis or tours. Agree on a price beforehand with taxi drivers. Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing.
Israeli cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European influences. Be sure to try hummus, falafel, shakshuka, and local salads. Visit a spice market for a unique experience and sample the local street food. Be aware of Kosher laws, which prohibit mixing meat and dairy.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.