before travelling

e-Visa

When traveling to Israel, it’s essential to be prepared for passport control, as border security is very strict and thorough. To ensure a smooth entry, you must have a printed and signed invitation letter from an Israeli citizen or legal resident. The invitation letter serves as proof that you are entering the country for a legitimate visit and have a host who takes responsibility for your stay.
It should include the following details:

Full name, ID number, and address of the inviting Israeli citizen.
Full names, passport numbers, and dates of birth of all invited guests, including children.
The purpose of the visit (tourism, family visit, etc.).
The dates of stay and the exact address where guests will be living.
The signature of the inviting person (digital or handwritten).

This document is often requested by border officers before entry is approved. Without it, visitors may be detained for questioning or even denied entry (deported). Israel’s immigration authorities take border security seriously. Even tourists with return tickets and hotel bookings may be asked for proof of invitation, especially if they are visiting friends or family.

Failure to provide this document can result in deportation — a process that is both unpleasant and time-consuming, often leading to a ban on re-entry for several years.

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Rent cars

Renting a car in Israel offers freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with several important details and costs to consider.
In Netanya, you’ll find several major car rental offices conveniently located just to the left of Independence Square (Kikar HaAtzmaut):

Shlomo Sixt: +972-3-6841000
Eldan: +972-3-5579000
Sixt: +972-8-9191111
Hertz: +972-9-8828890 / +972-9-8613186

When budgeting for your rental, include:

Daily car rental fee (depends on vehicle type and season)
Mandatory insurance (CDW and third-party liability)
Additional mileage fees — most contracts include a daily limit (often 200 km/day), and extra kilometers are charged separately.

Car Rental in Israel — What Tourists Should Know

The average fuel price in Israel is around 8 shekels per liter.
Most gas stations are self-service, with payment made by credit card directly at the pump (instructions are usually in Hebrew).
Keep in mind that during Shabbat — from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening — many gas stations are closed, so it’s important to refuel in advance. Finding an open station on Shabbat can be difficult.

Driving and Safety Tips

Israel borders the territories of the Palestinian Authority, which are off-limits to Israeli citizens and not covered by Israeli police protection.
Tourists are strongly advised not to drive into these areas, as rental insurance is invalid there.
Stick to major highways and tourist routes, which are well-maintained and safe.
Some Arab towns and villages within Israel operate under their own local regulations — drive respectfully and avoid entering residential areas unnecessarily.

Tip: Use navigation apps like Waze (developed in Israel) — it provides real-time traffic updates and automatically avoids restricted or unsafe zones.

Fuel Prices and Shabbat Note

Driving and Safety Tips

Israel borders the territories of the Palestinian Authority, which are off-limits to Israeli citizens and not covered by Israeli police protection.
Tourists are strongly advised not to drive into these areas, as rental insurance is invalid there.
Stick to major highways and tourist routes, which are well-maintained and safe.
Some Arab towns and villages within Israel operate under their own local regulations — drive respectfully and avoid entering residential areas unnecessarily.

Tip: Use navigation apps like Waze (developed in Israel) — it provides real-time traffic updates and automatically avoids restricted or unsafe zones.

Office opening hours

f you plan to rent a car in Israel, it’s important to know the operating hours, mileage rules, and parking regulations — all of which may differ from what you’re used to.

🕐 Car Rental Office Hours

Rental offices are open on weekdays and Friday until 12:00 PM.
During Shabbat — from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening — all rental offices are closed, and cars can only be picked up or returned during business hours.
Most rental agents speak English, so communication shouldn’t be a problem.

Mileage Limits and Route Planning

Most standard rental agreements include a daily mileage limit of 200 km.
For short city trips, this is sufficient — but if you plan a longer drive to destinations such as the Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), the limit may not be enough.
Be sure to check:

The daily mileage limit in your contract
The rate for extra kilometers beyond the limit
The total expected distance of your trip

Proper planning will help you avoid unexpected charges and make your travel around Israel stress-free.

Parking

Most major locations — shopping centers, beaches, tourist attractions, and Tel Aviv transport hubs — have parking facilities.
However, almost all parking in Israel is paid.
Parking lots under shopping malls are often underground and charge by the hour.

Shabbat Bonus:
During Shabbat, many parking lots become free, with barriers lifted and no attendants on duty.

Average Parking Rates:

Regular parking: 20–30 shekels for 2 hours
Central locations (Jerusalem Old City, Tel Aviv Opera, Rothschild Boulevard): ≈30 shekels/hour, so attending a concert or exhibition can cost 80–100 shekels in parking fees alone.

Before you rush to your gate at Ben Gurion Airport, take a moment to stop and admire one of Israel’s hidden treasures — a stunning Byzantine mosaic dating back to the 8th century.

You’ll find this remarkable artwork to the left of the escalator leading to the 3rd floor. The piece was originally part of the ancient mosaic floor of Lod, a city famous for its archaeological finds and beautifully preserved Byzantine art.

This historic fragment now serves not just as airport decoration, but as a symbol of Israel’s cultural heritage, connecting travelers from around the world with the country’s ancient past.
Its geometric patterns, vivid colors, and masterful craftsmanship embody the timeless beauty of the region’s art traditions.

Tip: If you have time before your flight, pause for a photo — this is one of the most unique “museum exhibits” you’ll ever see in an airport.

Duty Free

Ben Gurion Airport is Israel’s main — and only — international airport, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It is considered one of the most secure and efficient airports in the world and serves as the primary hub for all international flights to and from Israel.

Before departure, travelers can enjoy an impressive Duty Free zone, offering a wide variety of shopping and dining options.

The Duty Free area at Ben Gurion Airport is one of the largest in the Middle East and offers a mix of luxury and practical items:

Cosmetics and perfumes from leading international brands
Alcohol, wines, and gourmet chocolates
Souvenirs and Judaica — traditional gifts and Israeli-made products
Electronics, gadgets, and sportswear, reflecting the shopping preferences of Israeli travelers

Many Israelis prefer to purchase tax-free goods such as electronics and sports equipment at the airport before departure, as these items can be collected upon return to Israel — a convenient way to avoid paying VAT (Value Added Tax).

Traveler Tips

The Duty Free zone is open 24/7.
Payments are accepted in Israeli shekels, US dollars, and euros, as well as by major credit cards.
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange offices, and cafes are available throughout the terminal.

Whether you’re departing after a relaxing vacation or a business trip, Ben Gurion Airport offers a pleasant and modern environment to spend your last moments in Israel — with world-class service and authentic shopping opportunities.

Passport

Upon arrival in Israel, all tourists receive an electronic entry visa — a small blue paper slip, instead of a stamp in their passport. This system is designed to make travel easier and prevent potential issues when visiting other Middle Eastern countries in the future.

📋 How It Works

Before reaching passport control at Ben Gurion Airport, travelers scan their passport at a self-service kiosk located in the arrivals hall. The machine automatically prints out a blue visa card, which contains:

Your personal details
Date of entry into Israel
Type and validity of visa (usually 90 days for tourists)
Photo taken at the kiosk

Once you have the blue slip, you proceed to passport control and present it to the border officer together with your passport.

Important: Keep the Blue Visa

This small blue paper serves as your official entry permit. It replaces the traditional passport stamp, so you must keep it with you for your entire stay in Israel.

You may be asked to show it:

When checking into hotels or Airbnbs
When renting a car
During security checks
Upon departure from the country

If you lose the blue visa card, report it to the border control office at the airport or local immigration office to issue a replacement.

Tip: Keep the blue slip inside your passport or take a photo of it on your phone for backup.

At Ben Gurion Airport

Public transport

Ben Gurion Airport is conveniently located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and is directly connected to Israel’s railway and bus networks, making it easy to reach most major cities, including Netanya, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva.

The Ben Gurion Airport Railway Station is located just below Terminal 3. Trains run frequently during the day and connect directly to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, and other major cities.
However, travelers should keep in mind that:

After 9:00 PM, train service becomes less frequent — trains to Netanya may run only once an hour.
The last trains usually depart before midnight.

You can check real-time schedules on the official Israel Railways website:
👉 https://www.rail.co.il

Several intercity buses also stop near the airport, connecting to central stations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other destinations. The main bus stop is located outside Terminal 3 and is accessible via a short walk or shuttle.

If you arrive or depart late at night, or during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), public transport does not operate.
In this case, the only available option to reach Netanya or other destinations is by taxi.
Licensed taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminal. Prices are fixed according to the government tariff system, and most drivers accept credit cards.

Tip: For convenience, you can also pre-book a taxi online or via apps like Gett or Yango, which operate throughout Israel.

SIM cards

Staying connected while traveling in Israel is easy and affordable. Most tourists use prepaid SIM cards from local operators such as Hot Mobile or Cellcom. These cards include both mobile internet data and local call minutes for a fixed price.

How It Works

Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in city shops, or arranged in advance by your tour organizer.
Once activated, you simply top it up with the desired amount — for example, adding 50 shekels provides around 50 GB of high-speed internet, plus talk time within Israel.

Israel offers excellent mobile coverage across the entire country, including cities, nature parks, and coastal areas.
In addition, free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, shopping malls, and public spaces — so 50 GB is usually more than enough for a standard trip.

Before leaving Israel, remember to return the SIM card if it was provided by your host or travel organizer. Unused balance or data typically expire after 30 days unless recharged.

Tip: To avoid issues, make sure your phone is unlocked before traveling, so it accepts local SIM cards.

Professional Assistance

To avoid any problems at passport control, I personally prepare and send official invitation letters for my clients in advance. Each document is properly formatted and includes all required information, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival in Israel.

Along with the invitation, I also provide a step-by-step instruction sheet explaining:

which documents to show,
what questions may be asked at passport control,
and how to answer them correctly.

This simple preparation helps travelers enter Israel confidently and without unnecessary delays.

Starting January 1, 2025, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will become mandatory for all Russian and Belarusian citizens visiting Israel for tourism.

The ETA system is designed to enhance border security and simplify entry procedures by pre-screening travelers before they arrive in the country. It functions as a visa-free electronic registration, allowing a smoother and faster process at passport control.

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online permit linked electronically to your passport. It allows visitors to stay in Israel for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa.

The system helps the Israeli authorities review applications in advance and approve travelers who meet the entry requirements for short-term stays.

To apply for ETA Israel, travelers must provide:

A valid foreign passport (with at least 6 months of validity).
Round-trip flight tickets.
Travel medical insurance covering the entire stay.
A planned itinerary or proof of hotel booking.
(Optional but recommended) An invitation letter from an Israeli citizen.

Processing Time and Validity

Application processing usually takes up to 48 hours.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
Each entry under the ETA program allows a maximum stay of 90 days.

Applications are submitted online via the official Israeli government portal:
👉 https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/apply-for-an-eta-il-1/

The fee is 25 NIS (approximately 560 RUB / 7 USD) per person, payable by credit card during the online application process.

Important Notes

You must apply at least 3 days before travel.
Print or save the confirmation of your ETA — you may be asked to present it at check-in or passport control.
ETA approval does not guarantee automatic entry; final admission remains at the discretion of Israeli border officers.

The ETA program makes travel to Israel easier, faster, and safer — helping visitors avoid unnecessary paperwork while maintaining a high level of border security.