Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?
Safety & Security

Is it Safe to Travel to Israel?

Have you ever mentioned to someone that you’d like to visit Israel and received a response along the lines of, “Is it safe to travel to Israel?”

You are not alone! Many visitors have had this response from concerned family and friends (and a few stragners) about travel to the Holy Land. The majority of the time, when Israel is discussed in the news, the focus is on negative events. However, it’s essential to distinguish between rhetoric and reality.

Current Safety Concerns and Perceptions

Before traveling to Israel, it’s essential to prioritize understanding the safety situation. Whether you’re exploring Jerusalem’s ancient streets, Tel Aviv’s bustling markets, or the Dead Sea’s tranquil shores, being aware of safety conditions is crucial. Seek accurate information from reliable sources like government advisories, local authorities, and reputable news outlets. By gathering insights from multiple sources and staying flexible, you can ensure a fulfilling and secure travel experience.

The Reality of Visiting Israel

Indeed, contrary to common assumptions, Israel is one of the safest destinations for travel. Though security issues occur, much like in other countries, most days are lived in peace. Individuals living in Israel speak various languages and worship different religions. Both Arabic and Hebrew are spoken as the official language of the nation. Arabs and Jews both serve in Parliament and other government positions. The majority of the population live in peace and friendship, working side-by-side in work and living as neighbours.

In fact, you are more likely to be a victim to terrorism in most European countries and the United States than you are in Israel!

Safety While Visiting Israel

When venturing to Israel, understanding safety considerations is paramount for a rewarding and secure travel experience. Let’s delve into key aspects to keep in mind:

1. Safety of Tourist Destinations

Israel contains countless iconic tourist destinations, each filled with historical and cultural significance. While these sites are generally safe for visitors, it’s advisable to stay informed about any localized security concerns or restrictions. This information can be found online, with your hotel receptionists and with your Immanuel Tours operator.

2. Transportation Options:

Israel offers various transportation modes, including buses, trains, and taxis, to navigate between cities and tourist sites. Hitch hiking is a common form of transportation here in Israel, however, we strongly advise against traveling in this form. It’s recommended to avoid travel to areas near the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, where security situations can be volatile.

3. Cultural and Religious Considerations

Israel’s rich tapestry of cultures and religions adds a layer of complexity to safety considerations. Respect for local customs and traditions is essential to fostering positive interactions and minimizing potential risks. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of cultural sensitivities, particularly during religious holidays or events.

In essence, navigating safety in Israel requires a combination of vigilance, cultural awareness, and respect for local customs. By staying informed, exercising caution, and embracing cultural sensitivity, travelers can embark on a fulfilling and secure journey through this captivating destination.

Is Israel Safe for Tourists?

Misconceptions about safety in Israel often arise from media coverage and geopolitical tensions. Despite occasional conflicts, the majority of the country is safe for tourists. Past visitors praise the welcoming culture and historical richness. While isolated incidents may occur, they don’t define the overall experience. Local authorities prioritize tourist safety with security measures at key sites and visible police presence in cities. Like any destination, Israel has risks, but with proper planning and awareness, tourists can mitigate them and enjoy a fulfilling trip.

Safety Measures and Precautions Taken By Immanuel Tours

It is important to remember that millions of visitors come to Israel every year and no incidences occur. We at Immanuel Tours would never put those who travel with us in harm’s way. If we felt any situation arose that made it unsafe, we would be very upfront and work with our groups to ensure not only safety, but peace of mind. We want those who travel to Israel to tour with us to leave wishing they never had to go and understanding why we love this nation so much.

Our commitment to safety assurance is unshakeable. Equipped with superior safety features, our tour buses tour buses offer superior safety and our drivers and tour guides are well-versed in how to respond in every situation, should one arise. Your safety is the most important thing to us and something we work tirelessly to ensure.

Safety in Different Regions of Israel

Urban Areas:
Urban centers like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are generally safe for tourists, with vibrant cultural scenes and bustling streets. As in any major city world wide, caution should be taken in crowded areas, especially during peak times or events.
Historical Sites and Religious Landmarks:
Israel’s historical sites, such as the Old City of Jerusalem, Masada, and Caesarea, are popular tourist destinations. While these areas are generally safe, visitors should be mindful of uneven terrain and steep steps at archaeological sites. Additionally, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines and respect heritage preservation efforts to ensure a positive experience for all. Israel is home to sacred religious landmarks for Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other faiths. When visiting religious sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or the Dome of the Rock, travelers should dress modestly and observe respectful behavior. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and religious practices to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
Natural Attractions:
From the serene shores of the Dead Sea to the rugged landscapes of the Negev Desert, Israel offers diverse natural attractions. While exploring outdoor destinations, such as hiking trails or nature reserves, travelers should stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and adhere to park regulations. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions, especially in desert regions!
Diversity of Safety Experiences:
It’s important to recognize that safety experiences can vary across different regions of Israel. While some areas may present minimal safety concerns, others may require heightened awareness due to proximity to geopolitical hotspots or border regions. When travelling closer to the Gaza strip and into the West bank, we recommend extreme caution and you must adhere to the rules of the area at all times. Travel advisories and detailed explanations can be found on government websites.

Safety Resources and Support While in Israel

Before traveling to Israel, you will need to purchase travel insurance just incase you feel unwell during your travels. You will be with a group at all times and an experienced tour guide who will assist you with contacting the authorities if necessary. In case of safety-related emergencies, travelers can dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for the fire department. These numbers connect travelers directly to local emergency services, which are available 24/7 to respond to various situations promptly.

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the contact information for their country’s embassy or consulate in Israel. Embassies and consulates can offer support and assistance to citizens in distress, including help with lost passports, medical emergencies, or legal issues.

Travelers can seek assistance and guidance from staff members of their hotel. Hotel concierges and tour guides are knowledgeable about the local area and can offer recommendations, arrange transportation, and provide support in case of emergencies. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism provides information and resources for travelers, including safety tips, travel advisories, and contact details for tourism information centers. Travelers can visit the ministry’s website or contact their offices for assistance and updates on travel-related matters.

Know You’ll Be Safe with Immanuel Tours

So, the next time you hear someone casting doubts on travel safety to Israel, feel confident to reply with a resounding “Yes, it is safe!”.

Here are the key points to remember:

Stay Informed: Understand the safety landscape in Israel by gathering accurate and up-to-date information from reliable sources such as government advisories, local authorities, and reputable news outlets.
Know Your Destination: Be aware of safety considerations for different regions of Israel, including urban areas, historical sites, religious landmarks, and natural attractions.
Be Prepared: Familiarize yourself with resources and support available in case of safety-related emergencies, including local emergency services, tourist police, embassies, and travel insurance providers.
Respect Local Customs: Show respect for local customs and traditions to foster positive interactions and enhance safety during your travels.
Plan with Confidence: Make informed decisions about your future trip to Israel by staying informed about safety and security considerations. With proper planning and awareness, you can embark on your journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Emergency services phone numbers:

100 police

101 medical emergencies

102 fire department

Remember, by staying informed and prepared, you can embark on a rewarding and unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Israel. Plan your future trip with confidence and set forth on an adventure filled with discovery and wonder.

What Do Our Clients Say About Us?

Donna Grossman

Thanks so much for my wonderful experience learning about the history and truly seeing the Bible come alive through the wisdom and gift of teaching through Lior. Such a fine brilliant teacher who truly knows the Bible. Everyone on our tour Steps of Faith drew closer to God and was challenged to think beyond ourselves and fall in love with Israel.

Thanks to the genius of David our bus driver who swiftly brought us safely through the Holy Land and provided wonderful places to eat during the holiday of Shavuot.
Nikki Adams
Our family (my husband and I, our 3 children, and my parents) just returned from a tour with Immanuel. The experience defies description. Our daughters (ages 19, 16, and 12) were in tears the last day simply because we were leaving. The hospitality, sites visited, connection to the Holy Land, the passion expressed for the land of Israel, the food and lodging--everything went so far above our hopes and expectations. David--our driver--and Lior--our tour guide--had chemistry and a gift for making us feel connected to the land. Gabby paved the way for easy planning. Our experience was best summed up by my husband: Going to Israel felt like a journey home. Forever we'll carry gratitude and love for the land of our forefathers and our Christ.
Bob Lutz – San Clemente, CA
I want to thank you for accommodating our group since we were only 14. And for giving us Yoni as a guide. You are fortunate to have him. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining. We LOVED him. And Dabash as our driver was excellent as well. Thank you for all your efforts. It was a memorable trip.
William Attaway
I've taken groups to Israel with Immanuel Tours since 2009, and have been overwhelmed with their impressive operation. They take such great care of the groups that work with them, and I've never thought of talking with anyone else. They are, quite simply, the best! I highly recommend them to you!
Stephen Gentry
We unfortunately did not get to take our tour with Immanuel tours due to the closing of Israel's border due to Coronavirus. However, you need to know that I have NEVER been treated as well by ANY company as we worked through the problem. Outstanding communication, always looking to take care of us and our needs. They legimately could have charged a cancellation fee, because they did all the work, but they waived all fees. Phillip ,Susan, and Carine are a delight to.work.with and we WILL use them we we are able to reschedule. Thank you Immanuel. Tours, you truly out the hospitable in hospitality.
RICHMONDA ADEAGBO
Thank you so much for the life changing experience. Our guide Yoni Simmons made all the difference. I believe Yoni is made for this. He made his narration so interesting! He was so knowledgable, patient, humble and caring. We could tell he loves what he is doing. He is a real minister of the word of God. If I have the opportunity I will recommend Immanuel Tours to other people and Yoni as a guide in particular.
Ronna
This was the trip of a lifetime! From start to finish everything ran smoothly and was so well organized. Israel is a beautiful country and I can’t imagine seeing it for the first time with anyone other than Immanuel Tours. Thank you so much for making our pilgrimage to the Holy Land such an incredible experience.
Marlene Peachy
I can’t begin to thank you……..I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I know I already have a larger group of people for next year, but these ones that came are forever changed. They laughed, they cried (for joy) they were deeply moved and Matti and Abbott were spectacular. They won’t stop thanking me!!! They know you are the best!!!! I was just a ride along and encourager. Of course, they weren’t just holiday travelers, they knew their Bible and were sincerely making a pilgrimage. They just had no idea how wonderful it would be. Thanks so very much!!! I don’t know how to write Matti and Abbott to thank them, but please convey that for me.
Sandra Luttrell, Zola Tours Manager
Zola Tours has been hosting pilgrims in the Holy Land for over 35 years, teaching and revealing the Bible from a Messianic Jewish perspective, and Immanuel Tours has been our land agent for almost 20 of those years. Immanuel Tours staff and services are over-the-top excellent and professional; yet at the same time they treat their clients like family, with a personal touch! They oversee and ensure each part of our tours is handled with perfection and that we and they provide an everlasting, monumental, never-to-be-forgotten Holy Land experience for each of our pilgrims! We cannot sing their praises enough, and we give them the highest and most honored accolades and recommendation possible! If you are in need of the BEST land agent in Israel, PLEASE give them a chance to prove everything we say and believe about them!

With warmest and sincerest blessings,

Sandra Luttrell
Zola Tours Manager
Pastor Doug Byrum
My wife, Glenna and I have traveled to Israel 13 times, 11 of those with Immanuel Tours. They are simply the best. Reasons, they are family, they care about every aspect of your tour. If someone is hurt they will sit at the hospital. I consider everything they do to be first class. It truly is if you ask and it is possible they will make it happen. It is the only group my tours will travel with, I have used others, none this good. Give them a try, you won't be sorry, I promise...
Matt Stone
Just got back from a Zola Levitt Israel tour and my wife and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Dror was our guide and Charlie was the driver. They both performed above expectations. We couldn't get enough of Dror's observations and knowledge. Charlie made the transportation logistics seem effortless, he was applauded multiple times navigating us around. A++
Lina Oliver

Thank you so much for a very well organized tour/pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our guide, Asher, and our driver, David, were very nice & they were so great. Very knowledgeable too! It was a wonderful experience. We hope to visit the Holy Land again with Immanuel Tours.
Maria Sison
I was fortunate to join the Holy Land Pilgrimage provided by the Immanuel Tours and sponsored by Father Joel Lopez of Illinois, USA on November 6-14, 2013. I have to say that it is a once in a life time experience that has strengthened my faith and helped me grow spiritually and the memories of which I will treasure for the rest of my life. Father Joel was as good as it gets—so much fun to be with. I think that he will attract many pilgrims in the furure just by his personality.

But of course the wonderful experience would not have been possible were it not for the presence of our driver David and out guide Asher Vaza. Asher has such love and passion for the history of Israel and the Jewish Faith and it showed whenever he spoke which was so captivating and always transformed us all to that amazing time. He has a vast knowledge of history which was very impressive. I’m old and have worked hard all my life and have gone to so many places and participated in many tours and have not encountered a guide as good and as moving as Asher. He is an asset to your company. Many in the group said that they will only recommend Immanuel tours of the Holy Land if Asher and David are on it. and We loved David and Asher. I do not think Father Joel will like another driver and guide aside from those 2. They work so well with each other and have such respect for each other that the whole group commented on it. Of course, that fact just added to make the experience even more enjoyable. Father Joel, David and Asher is a combination that is hard to replicate.

On our last evening in Jerusalem I met The CEO of Immanuel Tours and his daughter Susan. It was very nice that they both came to meet us. We all appreciated that very much. The whole company and especially those 2 seem like the people I will want to have travel dealings with even in other places. You have a very respectable/trustworthy company and I will pray for your continued success. I know that you will bring more pilgrims to the Holy Land and beyond.
Greg and Katie Holloway
Our first experience with Immanuel Tours was over 10 years ago in 2006. We have been using them ever since and can say the service level has never wavered. They offer impeccable customer service, with such personal attention given to every detail. We consider them not just our tour company but they have become our Israeli family. We have been so blessed through them and highly recommend them.
Linda Arnold
My first pilgrimage to The Promised Land was with Immanuel Tours and the entire trip exceeded my expectations. I liked it so much that my husband and I signed up for another tour the following year and took 5 family members with us! Okay, so if that wasn’t enough we signed up again this year and took 4 more friends! Yes, that is three years in a row!

When I go back to Israel, I will only travel with Immanuel Tours. Outstanding guides, exceptional drivers, and first rate service. Immanuel Tours is truly excited to be a part of your incredible, experience in the Holy Land and care about every little detail.
Teresa
We had the trip of a lifetime!!

Thank you and our wonderful guide, Ilan! He is a fantastic guide. So knowledgeable and hard working. We learned so much from him. We are so very grateful to him!

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip!! Many thanks to you and Ilan!

We will continue to lobby for Israel here in the U.S. And will recommend Immanuel Tours to anyone going to Israel!

Todah!

Teresa
David Chavers
Immanuel Tours provided very personalized service to us. Two of our group flew in from Egypt ahead of the others by about 8 hours. The two were settled into the hotel, picked up by car by Susan herself and driven to the airport to meet the rest of the incoming group and ride the bus back to the hotel as a group. No extra charge, ''just part of it'' they told us. There were six employees on hand to meet us at the airport to make sure everything went smoothly.

I could continue, but this email cannot do justice to the service and accommodations Immanuel Tours provided us. I guess the strongest statement I can make is that we are returning with another group this coming year. The thought of using someone else has not even crossed our minds. These people took care of business, and became our friends in the process.
Gina

I must tell you I give both Immanuel Tours and Mordi my highest recommendation – Donna and I had an amazing trip. The personal service, hotels, attention to detail and most of all the flexibility of Mordi (he learned I like frozen coffees – so there was always a stop somewhere) to change up the itinerary when timing/location deemed necessary.

Now a special word about Mordi – his knowledge and passion for Israel is so evident in his spirit it is a joy to spend time with him. He has a great sense of humor (which I’m sure he needed with us) and loved sharing his Jewish faith and Israeli heritage during our unending questions.

Yoav – a note of thanks for all your help with our pilgrimage – I know you did all the legwork for the sites, hotels and details. It was flawless and we appreciate all your hard work. You’re the best!

Again, thank you Immanuel Tours – it was a life changing experience and you made it happen.

Next year, in Jerusalem!