So there are some things you'll need before taking off for the airport. We recommend that you take photos of all your paperwork and Passport picture page on your phone in case it disappears, so you'll have access to important numbers to work on a replacement.
Passport requirements
You'll need at least 6 months left before your passport expires from the day you are to return home from your trip, or you'll need to renew your passport before we go. If you have not applied for one, usually your local post office carries applications and can provide an appointment to get your original passport. Give them a call to get started.
Visa requirements
If you are traveling on a US Passport through a Canadian or European gateway city to Israel, there are no visas necessary! (Unless your trip includes an excursion to Jordan. But we will let you know about getting a visa to Jordan if needed).
Covid requirements
We expect this portion to be in flux for a while. Latest update 9-14-21: Israel has surpassed the 90% point of vaccinating their population. Tourists will begin being invited to return in late September 2021. You'll need proof of a completed Covid vaccination at least 2 weeks ahead of travel and less than 6 months prior to travel, AND a negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours of boarding the plane in both directions. Here's the Facebook announcement from the Ministry of Tourism. All testing is at your own expense. Translation, you may need third booster if you got your vaccine early, and we will spend some of our last day or two in Israel getting our pre-flight test completed. You'll need to have both these items packed as accessible as your passport and ticket as you board the plane in your home airport, and the international airport, and any gateway city layover. Additionally, the current (fall 2021) protocol (which we hope will change before next summer) is an additional test (the serology version, verifying antibodies) administered at the Tel Aviv airport at your own expense. All incoming tourists & residents are to wait in "quarantine" (at home or hotel etc.) for 24 hours or until your negative test results are returned to you by email.
