Israel: main airports
Israel has three airports with active connections: Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, the main international gateway, Haifa Airport in the north, and Ramon Airport near Eilat, on the Red Sea.
Israel: recommended activities
Israel: visa and entry requirements
Most Western nationalities, including Italian, do not need a visa for short tourist stays (generally up to 90 days). The passport must have adequate remaining validity. Security checks on entry are generally thorough and can include detailed questions about the purpose of the trip.
Israel: safety
It must be said honestly: the security situation in Israel remains complex and can change rapidly, with the risk of missile alerts or tensions that periodically intensify depending on the regional context. Tel Aviv and the main tourist cities generally maintain normal daily life even during periods of tension, with widespread air-raid shelters and effective warning systems; always check your country's official advisories and the updated situation before departure and during your stay. The border areas with Gaza and Lebanon, and the West Bank, require specific attention and should be assessed separately from the main tourist areas.
Israel: health situation
No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Israeli healthcare facilities are among the most advanced in the Middle East, adequate for any emergency. Travel insurance nonetheless remains advisable.
Israel: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS); credit cards are widely accepted. Gett and Uber (in limited form) operate in the main cities. For connectivity, the operators Partner, Cellcom and Pelephone sell prepaid SIM cards, also available at the airport. On Saturday (Shabbat), from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, many businesses are closed and public transport stops in much of the country: plan your travel accordingly.
