Do Indian citizens need a visa to enter Israel?

Yes. Indian passport holders are NOT covered by Israel's ETA-IL electronic travel authorisation, which is only available to citizens of a limited list of visa-exempt countries. Indian citizens must apply for a B/2 Tourist eVisa before travelling to Israel. The eVisa-B2 system for Indian passport holders was launched on 1 July 2025 by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi — this was a significant policy change that replaces the previous sticker-visa process with an online application. Apply via the official Israeli government portal at embassies.gov.il/india. The fee is ₪50 (approximately ₹1,600–1,700 at recent exchange rates). Processing time is a minimum of 3 weeks; apply at least 4–5 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays. The Israeli Embassy reports a high approval rate for genuine tourism applications; however, approval is never guaranteed and is determined by the immigration authority on a case-by-case basis. You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended stay, passport-size photographs, confirmed return flight bookings, confirmed hotel reservations, recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip, and travel insurance. There is no visa on arrival for Indian passport holders.

What is the best airline route from India to Israel?

El Al Israel Airlines operates a direct non-stop service between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL, New Delhi) and Ben Gurion Airport (TLV, Tel Aviv). This is the most convenient option, with a flight time of approximately 7 hours — among the shortest connections between India and a Middle East destination. El Al typically operates this route several times per week; check schedules at elal.com as frequencies change seasonally. If the El Al direct route is unavailable or sold out, connecting options via Gulf hubs are efficient: Air India and IndiGo connect via Dubai (DXB, FlyDubai — Emirates has permanently suspended its Tel Aviv service; FlyDubai is a separately managed airline also owned by the Dubai government), Doha (DOH, Qatar Airways) or Abu Dhabi (AUH, Etihad), with total journey times of 8–11 hours. Turkish Airlines from Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi via Istanbul (IST) is another popular routing. There are currently no non-stop services from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad — these cities connect via Delhi or a Gulf hub.

Is Indian vegetarian and Jain food available in Israel?

Israel has excellent options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, though dedicated Jain food (no root vegetables, strict onion/garlic-free) is not widely available in restaurants. Israeli cuisine naturally skews vegetarian: hummus, falafel, shakshuka, sabich, tabbouleh, grilled vegetables and mezze spreads are the backbone of daily Israeli eating. Kosher dietary laws prohibit mixing meat and dairy — a 'dairy' (chalavi) kosher restaurant serves no meat at all, making it entirely safe for lacto-vegetarians. Tel Aviv in particular has an extraordinary vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene: popular options include Meshek Barzilay (farm-to-table organic, south Tel Aviv), Anastasia (all-day brunch café, large vegan menu), and the chain Buddha Burgers. Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market has abundant vegetable and grain stalls. Hummus restaurants (Abu Hassan in Jaffa, Azura in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda) are dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly. For strict Jain travelers, self-catering is easiest — Israeli supermarkets (Shufersal, Rami Levy) have excellent fresh produce sections, and the availability of legumes, grains and vegetables is outstanding.

Is Israel safe for Indian tourists?

Israel is generally safe for tourists and receives millions of international visitors each year, including a growing number from India (70,000+ Indian visitors in 2023 before the eVisa launch, with significant growth expected post-July 2025). The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) publishes travel advisories for Israel at mea.gov.in — always check the current advisory before booking, before departing, and during your trip. The main tourist circuits — Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and Eilat — are the principal destinations visited by Indian tourists and are routinely visited by international travellers. Areas near the Gaza Strip border and the northern border with Lebanon carry elevated caution. The security situation in Israel can change; consult the MEA advisory alongside the Israeli Ministry of Tourism's guidance. Indian Embassy in Israel: 140 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv — Tel: +972-3-629-6230. Emergency number in Israel: 100 (police), 101 (ambulance), 112 (national emergency operator, works from Indian SIM cards).

How much does a trip to Israel cost for an Indian traveller?

Israel is a mid-to-upper-end international destination — roughly comparable in cost to Western Europe rather than Southeast Asia. Rough daily budgets in ILS (New Israeli Shekel) and approximate INR equivalents at ₪1 ≈ ₹24–25 (verify current rate before travel): Budget traveller (hostel dorm bed, falafel + hummus meals, public buses) — ₪200–350/day (~₹5,000–8,750). Mid-range (3-star hotel, sit-down restaurants, a mix of public and private transport) — ₪500–900/day (~₹12,500–22,500). Comfortable/touring (boutique hotel, guided day trips, car hire) — ₪1,000–1,500/day (~₹25,000–37,500). For a 10-day trip, budget a minimum of ₹80,000–100,000 all-in excluding international flights. International return flights from Delhi typically cost ₹45,000–90,000+ depending on airline, season and booking lead time. The eVisa fee adds ₪50 (~₹1,650). Prices are estimates in ranges only — actual costs vary significantly by season, booking lead time and travel style. Israel is notably more expensive during Passover (March–April), Jewish High Holidays (September–October) and the summer peak (July–August).

Will my Indian SIM card and UPI work in Israel?

Indian SIM cards work in Israel for calls and data through roaming, but roaming rates can be expensive — check your carrier's international roaming plan before departure. Jio, Airtel and Vi (Vodafone Idea) all offer international roaming packs for Israel; compare rates on their websites. A more cost-effective option is to buy a local Israeli tourist SIM on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Golan Telecom and Hot Mobile kiosks are open in the arrivals hall around the clock) — a 30-day unlimited-data SIM typically costs ₪50–90 and includes calls within Israel. Alternatively, an eSIM from providers such as Airalo or Nomad lets you activate Israeli data before you leave India. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is not accepted in Israel — Israel uses its own card payment infrastructure. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are universally accepted throughout Israel. Bring your Visa or Mastercard (check that international transactions are enabled with your bank before travelling) and withdraw NIS cash from ATMs on arrival. American Express has limited acceptance outside upscale hotels. Google Pay and Apple Pay work in Israel if linked to a Visa or Mastercard.

Do Indian citizens need a visa to enter Israel?

Yes. Indian passport holders are NOT covered by Israel's ETA-IL electronic travel authorisation, which is only available to citizens of a limited list of visa-exempt countries. Indian citizens must apply for a B/2 Tourist eVisa before travelling to Israel. The eVisa-B2 system for Indian passport holders was launched on 1 July 2025 by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi — this was a significant policy change that replaces the previous sticker-visa process with an online application. Apply via the official Israeli government portal at embassies.gov.il/india. The fee is ₪50 (approximately ₹1,600–1,700 at recent exchange rates). Processing time is a minimum of 3 weeks; apply at least 4–5 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays. The Israeli Embassy reports a high approval rate for genuine tourism applications; however, approval is never guaranteed and is determined by the immigration authority on a case-by-case basis. You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your intended stay, passport-size photographs, confirmed return flight bookings, confirmed hotel reservations, recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip, and travel insurance. There is no visa on arrival for Indian passport holders.

What is the best airline route from India to Israel?

El Al Israel Airlines operates a direct non-stop service between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL, New Delhi) and Ben Gurion Airport (TLV, Tel Aviv). This is the most convenient option, with a flight time of approximately 7 hours — among the shortest connections between India and a Middle East destination. El Al typically operates this route several times per week; check schedules at elal.com as frequencies change seasonally. If the El Al direct route is unavailable or sold out, connecting options via Gulf hubs are efficient: Air India and IndiGo connect via Dubai (DXB, FlyDubai — Emirates has permanently suspended its Tel Aviv service; FlyDubai is a separately managed airline also owned by the Dubai government), Doha (DOH, Qatar Airways) or Abu Dhabi (AUH, Etihad), with total journey times of 8–11 hours. Turkish Airlines from Mumbai (BOM) or Delhi via Istanbul (IST) is another popular routing. There are currently no non-stop services from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad — these cities connect via Delhi or a Gulf hub.

Is Indian vegetarian and Jain food available in Israel?

Israel has excellent options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, though dedicated Jain food (no root vegetables, strict onion/garlic-free) is not widely available in restaurants. Israeli cuisine naturally skews vegetarian: hummus, falafel, shakshuka, sabich, tabbouleh, grilled vegetables and mezze spreads are the backbone of daily Israeli eating. Kosher dietary laws prohibit mixing meat and dairy — a 'dairy' (chalavi) kosher restaurant serves no meat at all, making it entirely safe for lacto-vegetarians. Tel Aviv in particular has an extraordinary vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene: popular options include Meshek Barzilay (farm-to-table organic, south Tel Aviv), Anastasia (all-day brunch café, large vegan menu), and the chain Buddha Burgers. Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market has abundant vegetable and grain stalls. Hummus restaurants (Abu Hassan in Jaffa, Azura in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda) are dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly. For strict Jain travelers, self-catering is easiest — Israeli supermarkets (Shufersal, Rami Levy) have excellent fresh produce sections, and the availability of legumes, grains and vegetables is outstanding.

Is Israel safe for Indian tourists?

Israel is generally safe for tourists and receives millions of international visitors each year, including a growing number from India (70,000+ Indian visitors in 2023 before the eVisa launch, with significant growth expected post-July 2025). The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) publishes travel advisories for Israel at mea.gov.in — always check the current advisory before booking, before departing, and during your trip. The main tourist circuits — Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and Eilat — are the principal destinations visited by Indian tourists and are routinely visited by international travellers. Areas near the Gaza Strip border and the northern border with Lebanon carry elevated caution. The security situation in Israel can change; consult the MEA advisory alongside the Israeli Ministry of Tourism's guidance. Indian Embassy in Israel: 140 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv — Tel: +972-3-629-6230. Emergency number in Israel: 100 (police), 101 (ambulance), 112 (national emergency operator, works from Indian SIM cards).

How much does a trip to Israel cost for an Indian traveller?

Israel is a mid-to-upper-end international destination — roughly comparable in cost to Western Europe rather than Southeast Asia. Rough daily budgets in ILS (New Israeli Shekel) and approximate INR equivalents at ₪1 ≈ ₹24–25 (verify current rate before travel): Budget traveller (hostel dorm bed, falafel + hummus meals, public buses) — ₪200–350/day (~₹5,000–8,750). Mid-range (3-star hotel, sit-down restaurants, a mix of public and private transport) — ₪500–900/day (~₹12,500–22,500). Comfortable/touring (boutique hotel, guided day trips, car hire) — ₪1,000–1,500/day (~₹25,000–37,500). For a 10-day trip, budget a minimum of ₹80,000–100,000 all-in excluding international flights. International return flights from Delhi typically cost ₹45,000–90,000+ depending on airline, season and booking lead time. The eVisa fee adds ₪50 (~₹1,650). Prices are estimates in ranges only — actual costs vary significantly by season, booking lead time and travel style. Israel is notably more expensive during Passover (March–April), Jewish High Holidays (September–October) and the summer peak (July–August).

Will my Indian SIM card and UPI work in Israel?

Indian SIM cards work in Israel for calls and data through roaming, but roaming rates can be expensive — check your carrier's international roaming plan before departure. Jio, Airtel and Vi (Vodafone Idea) all offer international roaming packs for Israel; compare rates on their websites. A more cost-effective option is to buy a local Israeli tourist SIM on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Golan Telecom and Hot Mobile kiosks are open in the arrivals hall around the clock) — a 30-day unlimited-data SIM typically costs ₪50–90 and includes calls within Israel. Alternatively, an eSIM from providers such as Airalo or Nomad lets you activate Israeli data before you leave India. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is not accepted in Israel — Israel uses its own card payment infrastructure. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are universally accepted throughout Israel. Bring your Visa or Mastercard (check that international transactions are enabled with your bank before travelling) and withdraw NIS cash from ATMs on arrival. American Express has limited acceptance outside upscale hotels. Google Pay and Apple Pay work in Israel if linked to a Visa or Mastercard.

Israel Travel Guide for Indian Visitors (2026)

Israel receives a growing number of Indian visitors — drawn by Christian pilgrimage routes, Jewish heritage connections, the Dead Sea, and a fascination with one of the world’s most ancient and complex countries. Since July 2025, the Indian eVisa-B2 process has made the trip significantly easier to plan. This guide covers the essential practical information for Indian passport holders: the visa process, flights, vegetarian food, connectivity and safety.

For the broader trip-planning picture, see the complete first-time visitor guide and the is Israel safe guide.

The most important thing first: you need an eVisa

This is the single most critical piece of planning for Indian passport holders. India is NOT on Israel’s ETA-IL visa-exempt list. The ETA-IL (Israel’s electronic travel authorisation, similar to the US ESTA) is only available to citizens of a specific set of countries — India is not among them.

Indian citizens must apply for a B/2 Tourist eVisa before boarding any flight to Israel. There is no visa on arrival.

The eVisa-B2 online application (since July 2025)

The Israeli Embassy in New Delhi launched an online eVisa-B2 system for Indian passport holders on 1 July 2025. This replaced the previous appointment-based sticker visa process. You can now apply online from anywhere in India:

Apply at: embassies.gov.il/india (official Israeli Embassy India portal)
Fee: ₪50 (approximately ₹1,600–1,700 at recent exchange rates; fee is charged in shekels)
Processing time: minimum 3 weeks — apply at least 4–5 weeks before travel
Validity: typically up to 90 days, with the actual period of stay determined at the port of entry
Approval: The Israeli Embassy reports a high approval rate for tourism applications with complete documentation; approval is not guaranteed

What documents you will need

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Israel
Recent passport-size photographs meeting Israeli embassy specifications
Confirmed return flight itinerary (booking confirmation is sufficient; a ticket purchase is not required)
Hotel reservation confirmation (a Booking.com confirmation letter is accepted as proof of accommodation)
Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds
Travel insurance policy covering the full duration of your trip
Any previous Israel visas or travel history (if applicable)

Do not apply through unofficial third-party websites — they often charge significantly more than the official ₪50 fee and are not affiliated with the Israeli government. The official portal is embassies.gov.il/india.

Flying from India to Israel

El Al direct service: Delhi (DEL) to Tel Aviv (TLV)

El Al Israel Airlines operates a non-stop direct service between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). This is the fastest and most convenient option:

Flight time: approximately 7 hours westbound; slightly longer eastbound
Frequency: several times weekly (check elal.com for current schedule — frequencies vary seasonally)
Jet lag: minimal. Israel Standard Time is UTC+3 in summer and UTC+2 in winter; IST (Indian Standard Time) is UTC+5:30. The time difference is just 2.5–3.5 hours — far less adjustment than flights to Europe or North America

Connecting flights via Gulf hubs

If El Al’s direct route is full or not price-competitive for your travel dates, connecting options via Gulf hubs are efficient:

Hub	Carriers	Total journey time
Dubai (DXB)	Air India, IndiGo, FlyDubai	8–10 hours
Doha (DOH)	IndiGo + Qatar Airways	8–10 hours
Abu Dhabi (AUH)	Air India + Etihad	8–11 hours
Istanbul (IST)	Turkish Airlines	9–12 hours from major Indian cities

There are no non-stop services from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad at time of writing — travellers from these cities connect via Delhi or a Gulf hub.

Watch this space — Israir direct routes: Israir, Israel’s low-cost carrier, has announced planned direct services from Tel Aviv to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), subject to approval from India’s DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). No confirmed launch date as of mid-August 2026 — check israir.com for the latest status.

When to book. Fares from India to Israel are lowest in January–February and October (outside Israel’s peak seasons). The most expensive periods are Passover (March–April), the Jewish High Holidays (September–October), the summer peak (July–August) and the Christmas–New Year window. See the cheap flights guide for airline comparison tools.

Christian pilgrimage for Indian travellers

The Indian Christian community — particularly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Nagaland — is among the fastest-growing pilgrim segments visiting Israel. Israel contains the most significant sites in Christian tradition, concentrated in a compact geography:

Key pilgrimage sites

Galilee region:

Nazareth — the Basilica of the Annunciation (largest church in the Middle East; over the site where the angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to Mary); Mary’s Well; the Synagogue Church
Sea of Galilee — the Church of the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount); Tabgha (Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes); Capernaum (Jesus’ base of ministry; ruins of the synagogue he is said to have preached in)
Yardenit — the Jordan River baptism renewal site at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee; popular with Indian pilgrims for baptism or renewal of vows; clean, well-managed, free entry

Jerusalem:

Via Dolorosa — the route Jesus walked to the crucifixion; 14 Stations of the Cross through the Muslim Quarter and Old City
Church of the Holy Sepulchre — the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection according to Christian tradition; deeply moving for pilgrims; no entry fee; arrive early (before 8am) to avoid heavy crowds
Garden of Gethsemane — the olive grove where Jesus prayed before his arrest; centuries-old olive trees; Church of All Nations adjacent

Bethlehem (West Bank):

Church of the Nativity — birthplace of Jesus; UNESCO World Heritage Site; located in Bethlehem in the Palestinian Authority (not Israel proper). Most pilgrimage tours include Bethlehem as a day trip from Jerusalem; the checkpoint crossing is straightforward for international tourists with valid passports. See the Jerusalem–Bethlehem day trip guide for logistics.

Pilgrimage tour options

Organised day tours from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv cover multiple pilgrimage sites efficiently. GetYourGuide and Viator offer both group and private options with English-speaking licensed guides. Indian Christian associations and churches sometimes organise dedicated group pilgrimages — check with your denomination or diocese for group tour programmes, as these often include Indian pastoral leadership during the tour.

Vegetarian and dietary considerations

Israeli cuisine is naturally well-suited to vegetarian travellers — the country’s food culture centres on vegetables, legumes, dairy and eggs.

What Indian vegetarians can eat freely

Hummus — the national staple; made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic; dairy-free and vegan
Falafel — deep-fried chickpea or broad-bean balls; universally available; vegan
Shakshuka — eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce; vegetarian; widely served for breakfast and lunch
Sabich — pitta sandwich with fried aubergine, hard-boiled egg, hummus and Israeli salad; vegetarian
Mezze spreads — baba ganoush, tabbouleh, labneh, Israeli salad, stuffed vine leaves (some contain meat — check)
Israeli salad — finely diced cucumber, tomato and onion; always vegan
Dairy (chalavi) kosher restaurants — these restaurants serve no meat at all under kosher law; they are entirely safe for lacto-vegetarians

Kosher and vegetarian overlap

Israel’s kosher restaurant system creates a practical advantage for vegetarians: restaurants certified as dairy-kosher (chalavi) serve no meat and are a de facto vegetarian restaurant category. Look for the kosher certificate (teudat kashrut) displayed at the entrance. Vegetarian-friendly chains include Café Landwer (dairy kosher, extensive salad and eggs menu, widespread across Israel) and numerous neighbourhood dairy cafés.

Tel Aviv’s vegan scene

Tel Aviv has one of the world’s highest concentrations of vegan restaurants per capita. Recommended options:

Meshek Barzilay — organic farm-to-table; south Tel Aviv; popular with local health-conscious crowd
Anastasia — all-day brunch café; large vegan selection; popular near Florentin
Buddha Burgers — plant-based burgers; multiple Tel Aviv branches
Abu Hassan (Jaffa) — the most famous hummus restaurant in Israel; dairy-free and vegan; arrive early as queues form quickly

Jain dietary requirements

Strict Jain dietary practice (no root vegetables, no onion/garlic) is not available in dedicated Jain restaurants in Israel — the food culture does not have a category that maps to this. Self-catering is easiest: Israeli supermarkets (Shufersal, Rami Levy, Victory) have excellent fresh produce sections. The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv and Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem are outstanding for fresh vegetables, legumes and grains. Bring your own spice mix if you follow a strict regimen.

Halal food

Halal-certified restaurants are available in East Jerusalem (Muslim Quarter), Arab neighbourhoods (Akko, Nazareth, Jaffa, Haifa’s Wadi Nisnas) and Israeli-Arab towns. Wolt and Google Maps “halal” filters are increasingly reliable in these areas. Kosher ≠ halal — pork is forbidden under both systems, but the animal slaughter methods and certification authorities differ; Muslim travellers who require halal certification should verify with the specific restaurant.

Mobile phone and connectivity

Indian SIM roaming in Israel

All three major Indian carriers (Jio, Airtel, Vi/Vodafone Idea) offer international roaming packs for Israel. Rates and data allowances vary by plan — compare current options on each carrier’s website before travel, and activate the pack before departure.

Better options for data

Israeli tourist SIM — available at Ben Gurion Airport arrivals hall (Golan Telecom and Hot Mobile kiosks, typically open around the clock). A 30-day unlimited-data SIM card costs approximately ₪50–90 (~₹1,250–2,250) and includes calls within Israel. Your Indian phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM; most current Jio, Airtel and Vi handsets are network-locked — check with your carrier before travel.
eSIM — providers such as Airalo and Nomad offer Israel data eSIMs that you activate on your phone before leaving India. Compatible with iPhone XS and later, most Samsung Galaxy S20+ series and later, and other eSIM-capable handsets. No physical SIM swap needed — useful for keeping your Indian number active for two-factor authentication while also having Israeli data.

Payments: UPI is NOT accepted

UPI (Unified Payments Interface), BHIM and PhonePe are not accepted in Israel. Israel operates on standard international card infrastructure. What works:

Visa and Mastercard — accepted universally across Israel, including contactless (tap-to-pay)
Rupay — limited acceptance; Rupay Global (via Discover/Diners network) works at some Israeli terminals but is not as reliable as Visa/Mastercard
Google Pay / Apple Pay — work in Israel if linked to a Visa or Mastercard
UPI / BHIM / PhonePe — not accepted

Before you travel: contact your Indian bank to confirm that international transactions are enabled on your card and that the spending limit covers your trip. Some Indian banks require a call or SMS activation for overseas use. Axis Bank, HDFC, ICICI, SBI and Kotak all issue Visa/Mastercard debit cards with international functionality; inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent security blocks.

Cash. Carry some New Israeli Shekel (NIS/₪) cash — approximately ₪200–400 — for markets, small cafés, shared taxis (sheruts) and rural areas. Airport exchange desks offer poor rates; withdraw NIS from Bank Leumi or Bank Hapoalim ATMs in the city instead. Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs — always choose to be charged in NIS.

Time zone and jet lag

Israel Standard Time is UTC+3 in summer (last Sunday of March to last Sunday of October) and UTC+2 in winter.

India is UTC+5:30 year-round.

Season	Israel time	IST	Difference
Summer (late March – late October)	UTC+3	UTC+5:30	India is 2h 30min ahead
Winter (late October – late March)	UTC+2	UTC+5:30	India is 3h 30min ahead

Jet lag is minimal — the time shift is only 2.5–3.5 hours, far less than a trip to Europe (5.5h behind) or North America (10.5h+ behind). Most Indian travellers adjust within a day. On the El Al direct flight departing Delhi in the evening (typical schedule), you arrive Tel Aviv the same evening local time — a good window to have dinner and go to bed at a normal hour.

Currency and money

Israel’s currency is the New Israeli Shekel (₪, ILS). The approximate rate at time of writing is ₪1 ≈ ₹24–25 — verify the current rate at XE.com before and during your trip; this guide does not quote a fixed rate.

Travel style	Daily budget (₪)	Approx. daily (₹)
Budget (hostel, falafel, buses)	₪200–350	₹5,000–8,750
Mid-range (3-star hotel, restaurants)	₪500–900	₹12,500–22,500
Comfortable (boutique hotel, car hire)	₪1,000–1,500	₹25,000–37,500

All amounts are indicative ranges only; actual costs vary by season, booking lead time and individual choices.

Exchange. City-centre exchange bureaux in Tel Aviv (Allenby Street area) and Jerusalem (Ben Yehuda Street) typically offer better rates than airport desks or bank counters. Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport. See the Israel money guide for more on exchange strategy.

Power adapter

Israel uses Type H sockets — a unique three-flat-pin format (V-shape or Y-shape) used almost nowhere else in the world. Indian plugs (Type D — the round three-pin format used in India and much of South Asia, or Type C — the two-round-pin European format used on some Indian electronics) do not fit without an adapter.

Voltage is compatible. Israel runs on 230V/50Hz — the same voltage range as India (220–240V/50Hz). Your Indian phone charger, laptop adapter and camera charger will work in Israel with just a plug adapter (no voltage converter needed, as long as the device is marked “100–240V” — nearly all modern electronics are).

Buy a Type D/C to Type H adapter before you leave India — they are inexpensive on Amazon India (search “India to Israel travel adapter”) and considerably cheaper than options at Ben Gurion Airport.

Israeli Embassy in India and Indian Embassy in Israel

Embassy of Israel in India (New Delhi) 3 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi 110011 Telephone: +91-11-3041-7500 Website: embassies.gov.il/india

Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai Naman Midtown, A-Wing, 14th Floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone (W), Mumbai 400013 Telephone: +91-22-6160-7801

Embassy of India in Israel (Tel Aviv) 140 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63451 Telephone: +972-3-629-6230 Emergency: +972-52-888-9601 (available 24 hours)

Israel practicalities at a glance — for Indian travellers

Item	Detail
Visa	eVisa-B2 required (not ETA-IL); apply at embassies.gov.il/india; ₪50 fee; 3-week minimum processing
Flights	El Al DEL–TLV direct (~7h); Air India/IndiGo via Gulf hubs
Time difference	India is 2.5h ahead (summer) or 3.5h ahead (winter); minimal jet lag
Currency	New Israeli Shekel (₪); ₪1 ≈ ₹24–25 (verify at XE.com)
Payments	Visa/Mastercard — UPI/PhonePe/BHIM not accepted
Power	Type H socket; 230V/50Hz — same voltage as India; plug adapter needed
Food	Excellent vegetarian options; kosher dairy restaurants are meat-free; strong vegan scene in TLV
Mobile data	Local SIM (₪50–90) or eSIM from Airalo/Nomad recommended over roaming
Emergency number	112 (works from Indian SIM cards); 100 police; 101 ambulance
Indian Embassy in Israel	140 HaYarkon Street, Tel Aviv · +972-3-629-6230

Planning your Israel trip from India

A 10-day itinerary covers Israel comfortably for most Indian travellers: 2–3 nights Tel Aviv (beaches, White City architecture, Carmel Market, vibrant food scene); 3–4 nights Jerusalem (Old City, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Yad Vashem); a Galilee day trip or overnight (Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Yardenit, Tabgha — especially significant for Christian pilgrims); and a Dead Sea half-day (Ein Gedi or Kalia Beach). The 5 vs 7 vs 10 days guide helps calibrate the right trip length.

For the Galilee and Negev, a rental car makes the most sense — roads are excellent, English signage is clear, and India’s right-hand traffic is the same side as Israel. Your Indian driving licence must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Israel — the IDP is issued in India by the Automobile Association of India (AAI) and regional transport authorities. See the Israel driving guide and the car hire guide for details.

Christian pilgrimage sites in Israel covers every major site in depth with logistics and practical guidance. Is Israel safe? addresses the security question with area-specific context.