Important facts and information to know when visiting Israel
One of the most fascinating yet controversial countries in the Middle East. Politics aside, it is rich in natural beauty, amazing beaches, cultural diversity, and home to the lowest point on earth.
Visiting Israel Important Facts
| Official Name | State of Israel |
| Capital | Jerusalem |
| Currency | Israeli new shekel |
| Language | Hebrew & Arabic |
| Religion | Jewish 75%, minority Muslims, Christian, Druze |
| Leadership | Parliamentary democracy |
| Important Dates | Passover, Pentecost, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Apr 19 Independence Day |
| Climate | Mediteranean |
| Electrics | 230V – Type H oval sockets |
| Visas | Visitors Visa |
| Safety | Varies by region. Click here for full safety advisories visiting Israel |
Israel visa information
- There are many countries that will not permit you entry if you have an Israeli visit visa stamped in your passport. Accordingly, you should receive your Visa on a stamped “blue slip” that can be removed. (If you still wish to visit other neighbouring countries in the Middle East, make sure to insist on this!)
- There’s a detailed guide here on how the Israeli Passport Stamp works.
- Countries with sanctions against Israel include – Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria & Yemen.
Click here to find out more about Israeli Visas
Points for family visitors to be aware of in Israel
- Families are made to feel very welcome in Israel; you should have no problem out and about with strollers, using public transport and dining out with children.
- Tel Aviv is very flat with wide pavements, though things are a little tougher going in Jerusalem. You may prefer a baby or toddler carrier for this leg of your trip.
- Whilst car seats can be rented with a rental car in Israel, they may not be up to overseas safety standards; we recommend you take your own car seats.
- Stay at a kibbutz to experience an incredible Israeli breakfast and community atmosphere.
- If your travelling alone with a child having a different surname to you, you may want to bring a notarized letter and copy of the child’s birth certificate with you in case you are questioned at the border.
- There is a lot to fit in, so pace yourself, especially if visiting during the hottest summer months.
Coming soon – our regional guide to culture and religion for more
When is it best to visit Israel?
Not as hot as many of its Middle East neighbours, Tel Aviv is perfect for those who love hot sunny summer days on the beach. You may find the Dead Sea areas hot, however, not unbearable mid-summer.
The winter months of November through March are the coldest, with snow even reaching Golan Heights and occasional snowfall in Jerusalem. You will get rainfall along the coast in winter, though it will still be pleasant in areas such as Eilat.
Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit Israel when temperatures are pleasantly mild throughout the country.
Most popular attractions in Israel
Things of geographic and historic importance in Israel to include on your itinerary
- Visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem
- Admire the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
- Explore Jerusalem’s Old City
- Visit the Israel Museum and see the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Reflect at Yas Vashem, the Holocaust memorial (10-years+)
- Experience the beauty of the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa
- Take a dip in Ein Gedi natural spring
- Stroll Jaffa’s Old City
- Swim at one of Tel Aviv’s beaches
- Explore Roman and Byzantine ruins at Bet She’an National park
- Float in the Dead Sea (see our Dead Sea travel tips first!)
- Snorkel or scuba dive in the Red Sea from Eilat
- A day trip across the border with Jordan to see Petra
We recommend at least 7 to 10 days to see and experience the highlights on a family trip to Israel.
Israel with Kids – Our Travel Stories
- How to Plan a Family Vacation in Israel – the perfect starting point to set out your itinerary
- How Easy is it to Rent a Car and Drive in Israel?– road safety tips for tourists driving in Israel
- Fascinating Things to do in Jerusalem With Kids – a complete city guide for families
- Best Things to Do With Kids in Tel Aviv – highlights to consider on a city itinerary for Pesach
- 9 Perfect Day Trips from Tel Aviv – much of the country can be explored basing yourself in Tel Aviv
- Exciting Things to Do in Eilat With Kids – enjoy the best of the Red Sea Coast with this Family Guide
- Stunning Locations For Hiking In Israel With kids – Guest post from Israel by Foot
- What to wear when visiting Israel – guidance for women, men, and children
- Crossing from Eilat to Aqaba – the easiest way to explore southern Jordan from Israel
- Make space in your case for these Israeli souvenirs
Stories shared by our family travel community
- Tips for visiting Israel with Kids – Multicultural Kids Blog
- The ultimate guide to Jerusalem with Kids – The Family Voyage
Contribute to this section
Have you been to Israel, with or without kids? Do you live in Israel and have stories and advice to share? We are looking for more contributors to this category, can you help?
Pop over and see our contributors page and find out how you can get involved in building our resource library for fellow visitors to Israel.
Further reading and resources on Israel
Blogs
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Resources
Recommended Tours and Drivers
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Kids Resources
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Note where there are disputed Palestinian Territories, we have categorized them by the UN definition. This is purely to present the information on this site and is not a political statement or meant to offend any readers.
NB please check facts with the appropriate authorities before travelling. Information is correct to the best of our knowledge as of March 2023 – we have not further updated our Israel category since the events of October 7, 2024. This page contains affiliate links.