Travel guide
Israel

Birthplace of Christianity and Judaism

Plagued by political and religious tensions, Israel is nonetheless a jewel to visit.

Here, the cradle of an entire civilization, a place of worship and pilgrimage for the three great religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam).

We enjoy a cool sunrise from the Massada fortress, directly overlooking the Dead Sea, before plunging into the expanses of the hinterland aboard a jeep.

Then it’s time to discover the renaissance of Tel Avive, a fashionable seaside resort.

Time difference

GMT+2

Currency

New Israeli Shekel

(THEY)

Telephone prefix

N.C.

How do you say...

Some words and expressions in the language

The two official languages are Hebrew and Arabic.

  • Good morning / Good evening = Boker tov / Erev tov = Sabah el khair / Masa-el khair
  • How are you? = Ma shlomesh / shlomcha (f.) = Kaifa halak ?
  • Goodbye = Lehitraott = Ma’assalama
  • Welcome = Bruchim habaim = Marhaba
  • Thank you (very much) = Toda (raba) = Shukran
  • Excuse me/Please = Noamika / bevaksha = Oatherni / Min fadhlak (m.) min fadhliki (f.)
  • My name is… = Shmi… = Ismi…
  • No thanks = Lo toda = La choukran
  • Yes/No = Ken / lo = Na’am / la

Key figures

Israel is 01h00 ahead of French time:

When it’s 2pm in Paris, it will be 3pm in Jerusalem.

Good to know

European plug – Type C or H

Santé

Up-to-date vaccinations:

  • DTPolio
  • MMR (in children)
  • Anti-tuberculosis

Consult your GP for more information.

Formalités

A visa is not required in Israel or the Palestinian Territories, for a tourist stay of up to three months (this authorization can be extended for a further three months on justified request).

Entry and exit stamps are not affixed to French passports. On the other hand, the Israeli border police issue travelers with a blue paper sticker, which they should keep for the duration of their stay.

As there are special conditions for traveling in the country, it is advisable to obtain detailed information on the www.diplomatie.gouv.fr website.