Israel: Difference between revisions

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{{Country
|introduction='''Israel''' is a country situated in the [[Middle East]]. It has borders with the [[Palestinian territories]] ([[West Bank]] and [[Gaza Strip]]), [[Egypt]], [[Jordan]], [[Syria]], and [[Lebanon]]. The capital of Israel is [[Jerusalem]], but the economic center is [[Tel Aviv]].
The '''Dead Sea''', the lowest point on the face of planet [[Earth]] and one the most saltiest bodies of water on the planet, is shared between [[Israel]], [[Jordan]] and the [[West Bank]].
Israel is the only country in the world with a population of a Jewsish majority (75%). The non-Jewish population is mainly made of Arabs. Since its independence in 1948, Israel got into many conflicts with its neighbourd arabic countries. [[Egypt]] and [[Jordan]] signed a peace contract, but Israel is still in conflict with [[Syria]], [[Lebanon]], and the Palestinians.


{{Country
It is safe and nice to travel to Israel.
|transport=It is very easy to [[hitchhike]] in Israel. The Israeli and Palestinian side has only one road, Road 90, which continues south towards [[Eilat]] and [[Egypt]], and north towards [[Jerusalem]], [[Tel Aviv]] and northenr Israel ([[Beit She'an]], [[Tiberias]], Sea of Galille, [[Golan Heights]] etc).
 
Much of the public transportation is not running on Sabbath (from Friday night to Saturday night), especially in between cities.
|accommodation=The Dead Sea does not offer too much accommodation options for the budget traveler. Paying accomodation is expensive, but [[hospitality exchange]] works.
 
Wild camping in most of the places is very ok. You can even camp at night in parks or on beach in Tel-Aviv without troubles. It is also very easy to make friends and contacts, so it shouldn't be to hard to find a host, try to keep in touch with everybody you meet.
 
One obvious option on the Israeli side is the [http://www.youth-hostels.org.il/youth-hostels/asg_e/Category_eng_60.html Ein Gedi Youth Hostel], Masada Youth Hostel or Ein Gedi field school (it's a hostel). Another option is [[Camping]], which is possible in all the seasons of the year. Camping can be done only in designated areas:
# Ein Bokek beach (a very good option, toilets, shower and lots of cafes and restaurant around) - two sites: in front of David hotel, in front of Isrotel Dead Sea hotel.
# Desert camping sites (no services at all) such as near the foot of Masada National Park, or at Nahal Rahaf (Rahaf (dry) stream) close to highway 90, between Masada and Ein Bokek
|bewelcome-link=http://www.bewelcome.org/places/Israel/IL
|food=Food is not cheap. The general cost of life in Israel is actually pretty high, even more expensive than many European countries. But you can find some cheap things. Veggies in the markets can be cheap, and [[dumpster diving]] in the market and in general is very easy. Especially on Friday before Sabbath, when you can find a lot of food thrown away before the week end.
 
In some places you can also find cheap falafel pita, for 5 or 6 shekels, which is like a small but good meal for just a bit more than 1€. For 10 to 20 shekels (2,5€ to 5€), you can have a plate full of Hummus with bread, and it will fill you for a good part of the day.
Otherwise the best is to buy Hummus in the supermarket, for something like 10-15 shekels the kilo, with pita bread sometimes as cheap as 5 shekels for 10-15 pitas.
|connectivity=You can find many places with free wifi.
Otherwise many Israelis have internet on their phones and are very happy to help you.
|visa=Citizens from most [[Europe |European]], [[North America |North American]] and [[South America|South American]] countries do not need a visa prior to arrival. Note that [[Germany |German]] citizens born before January 1, 1928, do have to apply for a visa in advance. This visa will be given if you were not heavily involved in events during the Nazi era and will be valid for the whole time your passport is valid. Further note that in some Arab states it constitutes a crime for their citizens to enter Israel at all. Even if you're an Arab-born citizen of a [[Europe |European]] or [[North America |North American]] country having entered Israel may have consequences when returning to your country of birth.
|visa=Citizens from most [[Europe |European]], [[North America |North American]] and [[South America|South American]] countries do not need a visa prior to arrival. Note that [[Germany |German]] citizens born before January 1, 1928, do have to apply for a visa in advance. This visa will be given if you were not heavily involved in events during the Nazi era and will be valid for the whole time your passport is valid. Further note that in some Arab states it constitutes a crime for their citizens to enter Israel at all. Even if you're an Arab-born citizen of a [[Europe |European]] or [[North America |North American]] country having entered Israel may have consequences when returning to your country of birth.


[[File:IsraelVisaPolicy.PNG|thumb|right|600px]]
[[File:IsraelVisaPolicy.PNG|thumb|right|600px]]
===Avoiding countries to know you have been to Israel===
Because Israel is in war with other Arab countries, an Israeli stamp on your passport will block you entry to countries like [[Iran]], [[Lebanon]], [[Syria]], [[Sudan]]. When arriving, it is advised to get your visa on a separate paper that you should not loose while in Israel. You just need to ask for it, it is easy to get. If you then leave by plane or boat, no problem.
But if you want to leave by land (through [[Egypt]] or [[Jordan]]), there is a chance that the Arab countries discover you were in Israel: on the stamp of entry to Egypt or Jordan, the name of the boarder is written and is a proof you have been to Israel. So if you are unlucky, a police officer at the boarder of a 'forbidden country' might see it and you will not get visa. But leaving Israel to Jordan, you can ask to have the Jordanian visa on a separate paper as well, which makes you untraceable. It might work for Egypt as well, but this need to be checked witht the embassy. Be very careful when you ask on a separate paper that the police officer does not forget and '''keep a fixed eye on your passport''' during all the procedure, because if he is tired, doesn't understand well English or else, he might do whatever.
This is also true the other way around: if you wish to visit first Jordan and then Israel crossing by land, it might be worth to ask the Jordanian visa on separate paper.
All this was true in July 2015.


== Aliyah ==
=== Aliyah ===


If you are Jewish, or if your father, mother, grandfather or grandmother is Jewish, you can "make Aliyah", meaning that you can emigrate to Israel and you will usually be able to acquire a passport within 1 year.  Note that there are several downsides to this, as you won't be able to visit many countries anymore - legally Israelis are not allowed to visit Palestinian zone A areas in the [[West Bank]], "enemy countries" such as [[Iran]], [[Lebanon]], [[Syria]], Sudan and a couple more.
If you are Jewish, or if your father, mother, grandfather or grandmother is Jewish, you can "make Aliyah", meaning that you can emigrate to Israel and you will usually be able to acquire a passport within 1 year.  Note that there are several downsides to this, as you won't be able to visit many countries anymore - legally Israelis are not allowed to visit Palestinian zone A areas in the [[West Bank]], "enemy countries" such as [[Iran]], [[Lebanon]], [[Syria]], [[Sudan]] and a couple more. But then you can always show your other passport.




== Passport ==
=== Passport ===


* Passports must be valid for at least 06 months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay in Israel.
* Passports must be valid for at least 06 months after period of intended stay and visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay in Israel.


== Visa requirements ==
=== Visa requirements ===


Israel has agreements for the abolition of visa requirements with over 60 countries. Citizens of those countries may enter Israel with only a valid passport (no need for specific visa).
Israel has agreements for the abolition of visa requirements with over 60 countries. Citizens of those countries may enter Israel with only a valid passport (no need for specific visa).
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'''The Americas''': [[Argentina]], [[Barbados]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[El Salvador]], [[Ecuador]], [[Guatemala]], [[Haiti]], [[Jamaica]], [[Mexico]], [[Panama]], [[Paraguay]], St. Kitts & Nevis, Surinam, [[Trinidad & Tobago]], [[Bahamas |The Bahamas]], The Dominican Republic, [[Uruguay]], [[United States on America |U.S.A]].
'''The Americas''': [[Argentina]], [[Barbados]], [[Bolivia]], [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], [[Costa Rica]], [[El Salvador]], [[Ecuador]], [[Guatemala]], [[Haiti]], [[Jamaica]], [[Mexico]], [[Panama]], [[Paraguay]], St. Kitts & Nevis, Surinam, [[Trinidad & Tobago]], [[Bahamas |The Bahamas]], The Dominican Republic, [[Uruguay]], [[United States on America |U.S.A]].


== Types of visa and cost ==
=== Types of visa and cost ===


* '''Immigration visas''' are handled by the Jewish agency, who will recommend the local mission (embassy) to issue an immigrant's visa. The local embassy will act according to the Jewish agency's recommendation.
* '''Immigration visas''' are handled by the Jewish agency, who will recommend the local mission (embassy) to issue an immigrant's visa. The local embassy will act according to the Jewish agency's recommendation.
* '''Transit Visas''' visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations may request a transit visa for five days, which can be extended for another 10 days.
* '''Transit Visas''' visitors desiring to stop in Israel on their way to other destinations may request a transit visa for five days, which can be extended for another 10 days.
* '''Departure tax:''' When you leave Israel, you must pay a departure tax of 101 shekels (around 25 euro).


== Visa note ==
=== Visa note ===


* It is advisable to check with nearest consulate (or consular section at embassy) for visa requirements before traveling to Israel as requirements may vary for some nationals.
* It is advisable to check with nearest consulate (or consular section at embassy) for visa requirements before traveling to Israel as requirements may vary for some nationals.


==  Israeli Embassies and/or Consulates ==
===  Israeli Embassies and/or Consulates ===


===Canada===
'''Canada'''


Israeli Embassy in Ottawa, Canada <br> 
Israeli Embassy in Ottawa, Canada <br> 
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Friday:10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.<br>
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Friday:10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.<br>


===New Zealand===
'''New Zealand'''


Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand   <br> 
Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand   <br> 
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===United States===
'''United States'''


Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, United States  <br>   
Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, United States  <br>   
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Web Site: [http://www.israelemb.org/ http://www.israelemb.org/]<br>   
Web Site: [http://www.israelemb.org/ http://www.israelemb.org/]<br>   
== Links ==
* There is a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/547035102041431 rainbow group on facebook]. You can probably find gatherings or maybe cool host if you are lucky.
* A lot of experience and information about Israel on [http://untourdeuxsinges.com/en/blog/tag/israel/ untourdeuxsinges.com] a travellers' blog.
}}
}}
[[trash:Israel]]
[[couch:Israel]]

Latest revision as of 15:38, 7 March 2018