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Birthright Travel Tips

There's so much to do while you're in Israel - and a few things you'll need to get ready. 

Prepare for your journey with this helpful guide, and get excited for the discoveries that await!

NOTE: This guide is for our classic 10-day trips. 

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  • Soon after confirming your trip spot, we'll email your detailed flight information and give you the official "greenlight" to make travel plans to/from your trip's gateway airport. On flight day, you'll need to arrive for

    check-in at least 4 hours before the departure time.

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    • Why arrive four hours prior?
      We use this time for orientations and icebreakers. Also, arriving four hours early will give you some needed buffer in case of delays.

    • If you are coming from Interstate, please allow a minimum of 8 hours before your departure to Israel.

    • How to find your group
      You'll be met by your staff who will post their location on the WhatsApp group. Do not check in before meeting up with our staff. 

  • What happens if you are delayed on departure day?
    Let us know immediately. If necessary, we'll try to reschedule you on the next available flight, but you will be traveling to Israel without staff, you will miss part of the trip, and there's no guarantee we can reschedule you successfully (in this case, your deposit would also be considered non-refundable – yikes!).

    • Any special seating requests must be made at airport check-in on the day of your departure – early requests are not permitted.

    • If you noted a special meal request when you registered, we'll submit it to the airline on your behalf.

    • Travellers will not receive mileage points for the group flight.

    • Luggage allowances (free of charge):

      • 1 checked Bag

      • 1 carry-on bag

      • 1 personal items

    • Individual ticket numbers are not given out pre-trip, and it's impossible to arrange check in online

  • Want to stay in Israel after your trip is over? Brilliant! You may be able to extend your stay in Israel either before you depart or after you arrive.

    Extending your ticket pre-trip is only handled by Disenhouse Birthright’s travel agency

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    TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FLIGHT EXTENSIONS:

    • Plan ahead
      Your group flight can be extended, but some airlines limit how many tickets may be extended in the group, and availability for date changes can become very limited or even non-existent during peak summer and winter holiday seasons. Extensions are not longer allowed 7 days prior to the trip to Israel.

    • Keep it simple
      You will be flying on a group ticket, which means you can only change the return date. You cannot change the route on the ticket to include another destination. You also won’t be allowed to extend your ticket on the front end and meet the group in Israel.

    • It's not over till it's over
      While we encourage extensions, you must participate in the entire Israel Outdoors trip until we return to the airport at the end. No exceptions to this Birthright Israel rule.

    • You're on your own!
      If you extend your stay in Israel, you will no longer be under our supervision or responsibility once the Birthright Israel trip is over.

  • Forfeiting your return flight is different than extending your return flight. Forfeiting your return means canceling your return flight altogether. You will be responsible for arranging your own flight home from Israel. To forfeit the return flight, email us with the subject “Return Flight Forfeit” at least two weeks before your trip starts to avoid losing your deposit.

  • All travellers must obtain a valid electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) before entering Israel*.

     

    It only takes a few minutes, and you should select "Taglit Birthright Israel / Masa Israel" as the purpose of your visit. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and costs 25 NIS (~$7.00 USD).

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    Apply at least 72 hours before departure. A confirmation will be sent to your email. Upload your ETA-IL confirmation for our records.

     

    Carrying a copy of your confirmation during the trip is also a good idea.

    To obtain your ETA-IL, go to https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il

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    *Israeli passport holders do not need an ETA-IL

    • If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

    • The ETA-IL requirement does not pertain Israeli passport holders.

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    SPECIAL OBLIGATIONS


    If you are an Israeli citizen or if either of your parents is a citizen,  you may have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip. This may be the case even if you don't hold an Israeli passport.

    If applicable, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. We recommend being cautious about these matters and contacting the Israeli Embassy in Canberra with any questions.

  • Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be issued a small slip of paper called a "Gate Pass" or "Blue Slip" which serves as your official entry permit.

     

    Israel asks visitors to keep the card on hand as proof of their status. It also proves that you are not required to pay certain taxes in Israel that only apply to Israeli citizens. We suggest taking a photo of your passport (the page with your photo) and the Gate Pass as a backup.

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  • Staying connected is a key part of your experience!

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    During the trip, our staff will use a WhatsApp group to coordinate the daily schedule. You'll probably also want to stay in touch with friends & family back home so everyone can know how awesome your trip is!

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    ​Everyone is required to have at least Data on their phone in order to be able to communicate at all time.

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    Order from O19 mobile:

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    HOW TO ORDER YOUR SIM

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    Start here. Make sure your phone is unlocked and check whether it's compatible with physical SIM cards or eSIM cards. The actual SIM gets delivered on arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, and we recommend ordering at least two days in advance. Your assigned phone number will be available in advance of the trip.

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    ORDERING TIPS

    Know your trip's “TL Code” — it's needed for 019's order form

    Forgot to order on time? There will probably be a few SIMs available at the airport; however, we recommend taking care of this on time!

Insurance ​

  • Birthright Israel requires all travellers to be covered by their OWN travel insurance that is valid in Israel.

     

    This insurance should include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies while in Israel. On top of that, it's a good idea to make sure you're also covered for those travel headaches that you think could never happen to you! We're talking about things like lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and delayed

  • We have two suggestions for providers. Both companies have confirmed they are still covering Israel, except for war-related incidents. You do not have to use one of these but please check into your policy to make sure it is right for you. 

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    Please note that the ZFA takes no responsibility for the travel insurance policy you choose to purchase.

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    Suggestion 1: Kogan insurance - you can use this ZFA page in order to receive 15% off your cover - https://koganinsurance.com.au/travel-insurance-zfa/

    Suggestion 2: Passport card - https://www.passportcard.com.au

Travel Tips

  • You'll stay in a mix of hotels, hostels, and country guest houses. Each room sleeps three people (single-gender), each with their own bed.

     

    You'll typically be allowed to choose your own roommates as the trip goes on. Each room has a bathroom with a shower. Exact accommodations will be posted on your itinerary prior to departure.

  • While this is a free trip, you'll still want to bring some money! Two meals a day are included, and you'll typically need to cover lunch on your own. Additionally, you may occasionally want to buy bottled water (although tap water is safe), snacks, drinks, souvenirs, etc. We recommend planning to spend $400 - $500 during the trip.

  • It is customary and expected to tip both the tour guide and the bus driver.

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    You'll soon understand that the guide and driver work around the clock to ensure the trip is a success. We ask everyone to bring USD$100. This will be collected by your staff in the first or second day of the trip.

  • Israel uses a 220-volt current. Outlet are different as well – two circular prongs in Israel. You'll need a simple adapter to plug your items into Israeli wall outlets.

  • All group meals, including meals on the plane, are kosher (Rabbinate certification). You will typically be purchasing one meal per day on your own (usually a light lunch), and you are free to eat whatever you choose.

     

    People with special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, allergy, etc.) should contact us in advance, and we will make a good-faith effort to accommodate you.

  • If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last your entire stay in Israel, since obtaining a refill in Israel will be challenging.

     

    We also recommend packing your medication in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed. If you have a notable medical condition, please inform us in advance - remember, this is all for your safety and will be kept confidential.

  • The trip is relatively short, and we are constantly on the move. We recommend leaving expensive electronics at home. Whatever you bring, your personal property is exclusively your responsibility at all times. Although theft is not common in Israel, it does happen, and you should never assume that items left in your hotel room or are on the bus are safe from theft.

  • Our program is jam-packed with long days and short nights. There will certainly be downtime on the trip, and we suggest you use that time to relax and recharge. If you hope to visit friends/family, your best option is to extend and meet up after the trip. If extending is not possible, the best time for visitors is on Saturday afternoon, which is typically a more relaxed time. Heads up: Birthright Israel rules do not allow leaving the group under any circumstances without staff authorization.

  • Shabbat is the day of rest, starting on Friday at sundown through twilight on Saturday.

     

    During the trip, there will be a public observance of Shabbat. Nothing in the program will force or encourage participants to violate the rules of Shabbat (or any other Jewish holidays that fall within the trip). How you choose to observe Shabbat is totally up to you. Keep in mind there will be participants on your trip of all Jewish backgrounds, and we only ask that each person be respectful of everyone else's individual choices.

  • You will not have access to laundry facilities while you’re in Israel, and this is a very active trip, so we suggest you plan and pack accordingly. Bringing a travel-size container of detergent may come in handy for washing clothes in your bathroom sink or shower.

PACKING TIPS

KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY

We can't stress it enough - bring comfortable, light-weight walking shoes! You'll need closed-toed shoes (Crocs don't count!) for some outdoor experiences. Hiking shoes are not needed. We do a lot of walking, and when your feet are happy, YOU are happy.

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MODESTY AT THE WESTERN WALL
Israel is a casual country when it comes to dress. However, we will be visiting some religious sites like the Western Wall, where "modest" clothing is appropriate. On these days, women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. We suggest bringing a scarf or cardigan to throw over your shoulders, and a skirt that can be easily pulled over shorts for a more "modest" look. Pants are also acceptable. Men should have their shoulders covered.

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SHABBAT ATTIRE
On Friday night, the pace of the trip slows down as we transition to celebrate Shabbat. To create a special atmosphere, we celebrate Shabbat with a fancier dinner. We recommend bringing something a bit nicer to wear. A good rule of thumb is to bring something "a step up" from what you wear on a daily basis. Low-cut, strapless, and mini clothing should be avoided. A polo or buttoned-down shirt with khakis or nice jeans is appropriate for men.

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STAY HYDRATED

Carrying a water bottle is mandatory, as your body will require much more frequent hydration than you are probably used to - between 2-4 litres of water a day..

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FUN IN THE (BLAZIN') SUN

You may find the sun is hotter and stronger than expected. You’ll want to wear a hat and sunscreen at all times when outdoors, and you may even opt for lightweight long sleeves and pants if you’re especially prone to burning (Even in the Winter).

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LUGGAGE & DAY PACKS

You'll be responsible for carrying your luggage to the airport and between the bus and hotels, so pack your belongings in something you are comfortable carrying! We recommend a rolling duffel/suitcase big enough to fit all your clothes for 10 days, but not too big to exceed the airline limits.

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We recommend bringing a small daypack or backpack to carry around your daily essentials when touring: wallet, water bottle, camera, hat, and extra layers (depending on the season). This bag can double as your carry-on for your flight.

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