Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most common used foreign language.

Jewish 76.4%, Muslim 16%, Arab Christians 1.7%, other Christian 0.4%, Druze 1.6%, unspecified 3.9%.

The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a modern economy.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF): Army Headquarters, Israel Navy, Israeli Air and Space Force (ISAF, includes air defense forces); historically there have been no separate Israeli military services.

The general entry and exit requirements for Americans traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are listed below. American citizens are advised to read all sections of this sheet very carefully for special regulations that may affect their travel.

The US Government seeks equal treatment and freedom to travel for all American citizens regardless of national origin or ethnicity. American citizens who encounter difficulties are encouraged to contact the US Embassy in Tel Aviv or the US Consulate General in Jerusalem by e-mail or at the telephone numbers below.

Security Screening: US citizens are advised that all persons applying for entry to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza are subject to security and police record checks by the Government of Israel, and may be denied entry or exit without explanation. 

American citizens whom Israeli authorities suspect of being of Arab or Muslim origin are likely to face additional, often time-consuming, and probing questioning by immigration and border authorities, or may even be denied entry into Israel. 

American citizens who feel they have been wrongly denied entry to Israel or the West Bank, or unnecessarily subjected to additional security screening, should fill out the Denial of Entry Sheet located under the US citizen services tab at the Jerusalem Consulate General web site, or contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Entering Israel: A passport valid for six months beyond the duration of stay, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry. A no-charge, three-month visa may be issued upon arrival and may be renewed. Travelers carrying official or diplomatic US passports must obtain visas from an Israeli embassy or consulate prior to arrival. Anyone who has been refused entry, experienced difficulties with his/her status during a previous visit, overstayed the authorized duration of a previous visit, or otherwise violated the terms of their admission to Israel should consult the Israeli Embassy or nearest Israeli Consulate before attempting to return. Anyone seeking returning resident status must obtain permission from Israeli authorities before traveling. The Government of Israel at times has declined to admit American citizens wishing to visit or travel to the West Bank or Gaza. Persons denied entry and who seek immigration court hearings to contest such denials may be detained for prolonged periods while awaiting a hearing.

Additional information is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html.

Airports:  53, Airports w/paved runways:  30

Tel Aviv – Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV/LLBG)
Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion, Israel, PO Box 7, Ben Gurion International Airport, 70100 Lod, ISRAEL
Tel: +972 (0)3 972 3344
Fax: +972 (0)3 975 2387
Website: www.iaa.gov.il
Customs, hours: 24 hours
Tel: +972 (0)3 971 5511

US Department of State TRAVEL WARNING  Updated 15 January 2009.  Please visit the US Dept. of State website for complete details at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw/922.html.

Infant MR total:  7.21 deaths/ 1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 79.17  (male 77.08/ female 81.37)

Required:  None
Recommended:  Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters:  MMR, DPT

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported throughout the area.

Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Some hospitals in Israel and most hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza, however, fall below US standards.

There has been a recent increase in the number of cases of West Nile fever.

Country Calling Code:  +972
Internet Country Code:  .il