Before you go · Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 5 November 2026. Entry rules and travel advice change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated November 2026
Travel advice
Check your own government’s travel advice before you travel. On 27 October 2026, the UK government’s advice for Israel noted a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout the country and possible disruption at Ben Gurion Airport; check your flight with your airline before you go.
The ETA-IL and your passport
Since 1 January 2025, visitors who do not need a visa must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA-IL) before they travel, the UK government explains: it is applied for on the official site, israel-entry.piba.gov.il, costs NIS 25, is valid for two years and covers visits of up to 90 days. Never pay a third-party site.
Your passport should be valid for at least 90 days after the date you arrive (UK government advice). At Ben Gurion, visitors are given an entry card rather than a passport stamp; keep it with your passport.
Shabbat and holidays
From Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, and on Jewish holidays, trains and most buses stop and many shops close, though much of Tel Aviv’s restaurant and café life carries on. Plan airport journeys around Shabbat, and check opening hours for Friday and Saturday.
Kosher and not
Some restaurants and hotel dining rooms are kosher (no meat with dairy, and most closed on Shabbat); many of Tel Aviv’s restaurants are not. Each listing says so where the venue does.
On the beach
Swim only on beaches with lifeguards on duty, and follow their flags: the Mediterranean has strong currents. Bring sun cream and water; the summer sun is fierce.
Money
The currency is the Israeli new shekel. Cards are widely accepted; pay for buses, trains and the light rail with the Rav-Kav card or app.
Visiting places of worship
Dress modestly to visit churches, mosques and synagogues, and in Jerusalem’s Old City: shoulders and knees covered. Respect services and prayer times.
Questions and answers
Do I need an ETA to visit Israel?
Most visitors who do not need a visa must apply for an ETA-IL before they travel, on israel-entry.piba.gov.il (UK government advice).
Do trains run on Saturday in Tel Aviv?
No: trains and most buses stop from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening for Shabbat.
Can I swim in the sea in Tel Aviv?
Yes, on lifeguarded beaches, when the lifeguards are on duty.
Entry rules and travel advice change, sometimes at short notice. Check israel-entry.piba.gov.il and your government’s travel advice (in the UK, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel) before you travel.