airline tickets
Traveling to Israel has never been easier. The country is well connected to major international destinations by air and, increasingly, by sea. Whether you arrive by plane or cruise ship, your journey begins with spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast and the land where ancient history meets modern life.
Airports in Israel
Israel has one international airport and several regional ones that connect the country’s north and south.
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Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) – Located near Tel Aviv, this is the main gateway to Israel and handles almost all international flights. It offers direct connections to Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport is modern, efficient, and includes a large Duty Free shopping area, restaurants, and transportation links to all major cities.
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Ramon Airport (ETM) – Situated near Eilat, this airport serves southern Israel and the Red Sea resorts. It operates domestic flights from Tel Aviv and Haifa, and during winter also receives some international charter flights from Europe.
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Haifa Airport (HFA) – A small regional airport serving the northern coast, used mainly for private and domestic flights.
Arriving by Sea – Cruise Travel to Haifa
In addition to flights, it is now possible to arrive in Israel by cruise ship. The Port of Haifa has become a popular destination for Mediterranean cruise itineraries, welcoming ships from Greece, Cyprus, and Italy.
Passengers disembark directly into the city, with easy access to excursions in Nazareth, Galilee, Acre (Akko), and Caesarea. Haifa’s port is modern and safe, offering customs and immigration facilities similar to those in the airport.
Several major cruise lines include Haifa as a stop on their Eastern Mediterranean routes, making it a beautiful and relaxing way to enter Israel — by sea, just as ancient traders once did.
Practical Information
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Visa and Entry: Most visitors receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival.
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Transportation: Trains, buses, and taxis connect Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Netanya.
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Best Time to Fly: March–May and September–November offer mild weather and lower ticket prices.
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Cruise Season: April to October is the peak period for Mediterranean cruises docking in Haifa.
Getting to Israel is easy thanks to the wide network of direct international flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). The airport serves as the main entry point to the country and connects Israel to Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East with daily and weekly flights.
Below are some of the most convenient direct flight routes to Tel Aviv:
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From Tbilisi and Batumi (Georgia) – operated by Arkia Airlines
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From Belgrade (Serbia) – operated by Arkia Airlines
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From Istanbul (Turkey) – operated by Pegasus Airlines
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From Krakow (Poland) – operated by El Al Israel Airlines
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From Berlin (Germany) – operated by El Al Israel Airlines
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From Athens (Greece) – operated by WizzAir
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From Sofia (Bulgaria) – operated by WizzAir
Many of these routes offer year-round flights, while others increase frequency during the spring and summer travel season, when tourism to Israel is at its peak.
All airlines listed provide affordable fares and convenient schedules, making Tel Aviv one of the most accessible destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Upon arrival, visitors can easily reach Jerusalem, Haifa, Netanya, or the Dead Sea by train, bus, or rental car directly from the airport.
When arriving in Israel, all travelers must pass through passport control at Ben Gurion Airport before collecting their luggage. The process is usually smooth, but during the busy travel season (especially daytime summer flights), queues can take up to one hour.
To ensure a quick and easy entry, prepare the following documents in advance:
Documents Required at Passport Control
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Valid Passport – must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
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Return Flight Ticket – confirmation of your departure from Israel.
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Hotel Reservation or Proof of Accommodation – printed confirmation of your stay.
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Employment or Income Statement – a simple letter from your employer confirming your job and income (helps prove travel purpose).
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Travel Medical Insurance – not always requested, but highly recommended. It will be necessary if you need medical care at an Israeli clinic.
After Passport Control
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Baggage claim is located directly after passport control.
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Baggage trolleys are available for a fee of 10 shekels, payable by credit card.
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Customs inspection is usually brief, but be ready to declare items of high value if requested.
Useful Tips
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Keep your blue entry visa slip (issued by the passport machine before control) until you leave Israel.
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Have your hotel booking and return ticket printed — this helps speed up the interview if questions arise.
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Smile and stay calm – Israeli border officers may ask a few routine questions about your travel plans.
Regular flights to Israel
Passport control
