Israel
Packing list for Israel, travel insurance for Israel and taking your belongings
Packing list Israel: brief
To pack and check
- Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Many EU travellers do not need a visa for short stays, but always check the latest requirements. Bring a copy of your passport. The Israeli shekel (ILS) is the local currency, and card payments are widely accepted. Cash cannot be used on public transport. Buy an anonymous Rav-Kav card at the airport and load it with credit, or download the Moovit or Rav-Kav Online apps to pay for journeys digitally with your credit card.
- Clothing: lightweight clothing for the hot summers. For religious sites (Jerusalem and other holy places), covered shoulders and knees are important. The Dead Sea's salt content is so high that it can damage elastic, fade colors and wear out fabrics, so bringing an older swimsuit is a good idea.
- Footwear: sturdy walking shoes for desert regions such as the Negev and hikes in Ein Gedi. Flip-flops or sandals are useful for cities such as Tel Aviv.
- Personal care and hygiene: high-factor sunscreen. The UV index can be extremely high, especially in the Negev.
- Packing and protection: a daypack and, if traveling during the winter months, a light rain jacket. During summer, protection from the heat is generally more important than protection from rain.
- Insects and animals: insect repellent (preferably containing DEET), especially around lakes (such as the Sea of Galilee), the Jordan Valley and warmer coastal regions.
- Medicines and travel kit: a basic first-aid kit with plasters, oral rehydration salts, painkillers and any personal medication. Staying hydrated is important because of the heat and dry climate.
- Outdoor gear and practical items: sunglasses, a hat or cap and a reusable water bottle. The sun can be intense, especially in desert areas.
- Technology and equipment: Israel uses type H and type C sockets, so a travel adapter can be useful, depending on your country of origin.
To consider
- Water shoes for rocky or salty shores around the Dead Sea.
- A light scarf for protection against sun, dust and wind in the desert.
- A power bank for long days on the road.
- A snorkelling set if you plan to visit Eilat on the Red Sea.
- Lip balm and moisturizing eye or nasal spray can also be useful in the dry desert climate.
Are there mosquitoes in Israel?
- Mosquitoes are mainly found in the warmer and lower-lying parts of Israel, such as the Jordan Valley, around the Sea of Galilee and in some coastal regions.
- Irrigation in agricultural areas and hot summer weather can create large local mosquito populations, especially around standing water, parks and gardens.
- For most travellers, mosquitoes are mainly an evening and nighttime nuisance. Mosquito-borne diseases generally do not play a major role for visitors to Israel. In some seasons, however, West Nile virus can be present among mosquito populations, although the risk to travellers is generally considered low.
Are there sandflies in Israel?
- Sandflies are present in Israel and particularly common in desert areas such as the Negev and around the Dead Sea. They are most active during the evening and at night, and their bites can be intensely itchy.
- Israeli sandflies are also known for transmitting the parasite that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- Covering exposed skin and using insect repellent can help protect against bites.
- Read more about sandflies and sand fleas.
Can you buy DEET or other insect repellents in Israel?
- Yes. Insect repellents are widely available from pharmacies, supermarkets and outdoor stores.
- In addition to DEET, alternatives such as picaridin are also readily available.
Can you buy cannabis or bring weed into Israel?
- Cannabis has been partially decriminalised in Israel. Medical cannabis is legal, and small amounts for personal recreational use are often tolerated for Israeli citizens.
- This tolerance policy does not apply to tourists or foreign visitors. So possession and use can lead to serious consequences.
- The sale and import of cannabis remain illegal. Security checks are strict and violations can lead to serious problems.
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