Health & vaccination

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Israel or the Palestinian territories. Medical facilities in Israel are excellent, and medical advice is always granted in the Palestinian territories, as well. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water. 

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

Language

The official language in Israel is Hebrew, in the Palestinian territories it is Arabic (Syrian-Palestinian Dialect). English is lingua franca and will serve you well while travelling. 

Local currency

The official currency in both Israel and the Palestinian territories is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in Israel, or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. In the Palestinian territories, this withdrawing money is not always just as easy. In the urban centers, however, it will not be a problem. Moreover, you can withdraw cash in Israel and then take it with you. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

Security

The issue of security plays a big role in Israel and the Palestinian territories. 

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground. In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes. 

Over the past years, rarely any suicide attacks have occured in Israel. If so, they hit busses and public institutions. Alsharq tours primarily use their own coaches for transportation. As a travel group, we do not take part in any larger events or gatherings. It is part of our travel idea to spend several days in the Palestinian territories as well. Here, we also travel with our own coach.

Visa

Visa are provided upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. It is thus not necessary to apply for a visa at the Israeli Embassy in Germany. Usually, the visa will be issued as a three-months tourist visa at the passport control. To receive a visa upon arrival, you need a passport with a minimum six months validity at the  time of travel. The issuing of the visa might happen only after intense questioning from the side of Israeli authorities about the reason for your stay and your destinations inside the country. This is the standard procedure. We recommend to take a list of the tour's destinations and hotels with you and show it to the authorities, if necessary. More information on will be given by the Alsharq team during the preparation meeting and via email.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start.

GENERAL
ALBANIA
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
EGYPT
IRAN
IRAQI KURDISTAN
ISRAEL / PALESTINE
JORDAN
LEBANON
MOROCCO
MYANMAR
OMAN
PAKISTAN
TUNISIA
TURKEY
UZBEKISTAN
ARMENIEN
KIRGISTAN