10 tips for planning a perfect vacation
Tip 1: Passport date validity check
Passport validity date period should be checked long enough before booking the flight to provide adequate time for a necessary renewal. Many countries require a passport validity of at least six months following the travel departure date, but not all (it is recommended to check this with the travel agent/airline/representation of the destination country). Remember, Israeli citizens are obliged to leave and enter Israel with an Israeli travel document only.
Tip 2: The validity of the children’s passport
After you have checked your passport, check the validity of the passports of the children accompanying you on the trip. Remember, each passenger requires their own valid passport. Most countries require six months of remaining validity in children’s passports as well.
Tip 3: The validity of your passport
Check that the passport you have is in order. The passport must be complete, without tears and have a complete number of pages. Do not glue or fasten anything to the passport pages. The photo must be updated and accurate. Remember! A valid passport prevents unnecessary delays at airports and border crossings.
Tip 4: Government orders delaying departure from Israel
Quite a few Israelis arrive at the airport packed and holding a valid passport in hand, then it turns out that they cannot fly due to a departure ban from Israel. Before ordering a flight ticket, it is recommended to check if there is an order preventing your departure. Remember, only an official cancellation of the departure delay order is acceptable at the airport or border crossing. You can find out about the existence of a delay order by calling *3450 or by logging into your Israeli citizen government account at https://login.gov.il/ and:
- Select Personal Information (פרטים אישיים) in the sidebar.
- In the Passport and Transit Certificate (דרכון או תעודת מעבר) section, click or tap the Check for delayed departure from the country (בדיקת עיכוב יציאה מהארץ) link.
- On the Check for Delayed Departure (בדיקת עיכוב יציאה מהארץ) screen that opens in a new tab, you should see the words
לא קיימים נגדך צווי עיכוב יציאה
indicating that there are no exit detention orders against you.
Tip 5: Compare the passport with reservation details
Make sure that the details on the passport are the same as those on the flight ticket and hotel reservation. Mismatched names can cause problems and unnecessary delays.
Tip 6: Photocopy of the passport
Take a picture of your passport and store it in a separate place from the passport (e.g., secure online account, phone, printed copy). The importance of possessing a photo of the passport should not be underestimated, it can help in the process of issuing a temporary passport, when lost abroad.
Tip 7: Additional ID
Bring another official ID with you – a driver’s license or ID card and avoid any inconvenience at border crossings in Israel and abroad.
Tip 8: Store your passport in a safe place
Both at home and abroad, make sure you keep your passport in a safe place. Avoid leaving your passport unattended.
Tip 9: Locate the Israeli embassies abroad
Before your arrival in the destination country, find out where the official Israeli missions (embassy or consulate) are located, and be prepared ahead of time for unplanned events. The list of Israeli missions can be accessed on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hebrew | English).
Tip 10: Behave responsibly!
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to obey the instructions of the border controllers and avoid unpleasant confrontations. Even in the country you arrive at, be sure to obey the local laws and answer politely and patiently the questions of official representatives of the country. You are the ambassadors of Israel wherever you go.
We wish you a pleasant vacation!
Source: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/tips_for_planning_best_vacation
