Chaim V’Chessed: Tishrei Travel Advisory 5787

With Tishrei approaching, thousands of travelers will be making their way to and from Israel for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkos. Chaim V’Chessed offers the following important reminders to help ensure a smooth journey.

Travelers Insurance

Every holiday season,  Chaim V’Chessed  is contacted by travelers to or from Israel, who encounter a medical crisis and discover that they do not have sufficient medical insurance. 

It cannot be emphasized enough that both Israelis traveling abroad and visitors to Israel must obtain appropriate travelers insurance before traveling. 

Customs

Travelers entering Israel should be aware of customs regulations. The duty-free allowance for gifts is $200 per person. Items exceeding the allowance should be declared.

Jewelry and other valuables should never be brought into Israel in their original store packaging. New jewelry in boxes, especially multiple pieces, may appear to Customs officials to be newly purchased merchandise intended for resale, potentially resulting in customs charges and even suspicion of smuggling. Jewelry intended for personal use should be removed from its packaging and brought as a personal item.

Travelers leaving Israel with expensive jewelry, watches, electronics or other valuables that they intend to bring back should consider declaring these items to Customs before departure.

Bringing Food into Israel

Food imports are subject to restrictions. As a general rule, travelers may bring up to 3 kg of food, with no more than 1 kg of any one type. Raw meat may not be brought into Israel.

Arba Minim

Those traveling to Israel for Sukkos with Arba Minim should be aware of Israel’s agricultural import regulations.

As in previous years, one esrog may be brought into Israel for personal use. Lulavim, hadassim and aravos may not be brought into Israel and may be confiscated at the airport.

Travelers whose lulav, hadassim or aravos are confiscated will be provided with replacement Arba Minim through arrangements made by the Ministry of Agriculture.

ETA-IL

Passengers en route to Israel must obtain an ETA-IL before traveling. Travelers should apply only through the official government website, at this link. Beware of unofficial sites which charge additional fees.

Israeli citizens traveling on an Israeli passport do not require an ETA-IL. Additionally, Israeli citizens are currently permitted to enter Israel using a foreign passport, if they hold one. While technically they are exempt from the ETA-IL requirement, Chaim V’Chessed that they obtain one regardless. The same applies to student visa holders.

Check Your Passport

Before heading to the airport, check the validity of every passport in the family and make sure all travelers meet the entry requirements for their destination.

Foreigners traveling to Israel must have at least three months of validity on their passports to enter the country.

Safe Travels!

Whether you are traveling for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur or Sukkos, a few minutes of preparation can prevent significant problems during your trip. Ksiva v’Chasima Tova!