Travel to Israel

There are regular direct flights from major cities in Europe and North America, as well as from a number of Asian cities to Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion International Airport, located only 46 KM west of the conference venue.

The Local PCO – Ortra LTD., operates a travel agency with attractive air travel fares to Israel.

For further details, you may contact Ms. Heli Belo, heli@ortra.com

Transportation from/to Ben Gurion Airport

Taxi | Taxis are readily available at the airport. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Taxis can be found outside the Arrival Hall of the airport (to the left). Taxi services are regulated and the Taxi companies at Ben Gurion Airport operate under permission. The cost of the taxi is approximately 260 NIS (approx. 72 USD).

Train | The train station is located on Level S of the Landside Building, adjacent to the Arrival Hall. The train will take you to the Central Station in Jerusalem (Jerusalem–Yitzhak Navon  station) from where you will need a Taxi to reach your hotel.

Bus | Public transportation services to Jerusalem are located at Terminal 3, level G, gate 1. Line 485 run from Ben-Gurion International Airport, to the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem, from where you will need a Taxi to reach your hotel. 

Car Rental | The car rental companies’ counters are located on the first floor of the East Gallery in the Arrival Hall. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pre-booked Transportation and Airport Assistance

In addition to the public transportation, Private Airport Transfers are also available on a pre-arranged basis.

Private Arrival/Departure Transfer US$ 225 (up to 2 passengers)

• Upon arrival, you will pass through immigration, collect your bags, pass through Customs, and then proceed to the Arrivals Hall.
• Please turn on your cell phone when exiting the airplane so that the service company can contact you – please send us in advance your cell number.
• For departure transfers your driver will be waiting for you in the lobby of the hotel, holding a sign with your name on it.
• Pick up for return transfer will be 4 hours prior to flight departure time.

VIP Arrival Escort Service & Transfer US$ 370 (up to 2 passengers)

• This service operates from the plane, where you will be greeted on landing at the end of the flight sleeve. A representative will escort you all the way through passport control, luggage collection, directly to the awaiting car transfer which will take you to your hotel.

The Transfer can be booked through the Registraiton form. 

 
Entering Israel

Visas
All visitors are required to have a valid passport, and for some countries, a visa is required. For more information, please contact your nearest Embassy, Consulate or local travel agency well in advance. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.
For the full Country list – Click Here

Passports are not stamped upon arrival or departure.

Countries without Diplomatic Relations with Israel
A request letter should be sent an email to Ortra GSOS@ortra.com no later than three months prior to the Conference including full name, full address, a copy of the first page of the passport and arrival and departure flight details.
Ortra will approach the Israeli authorities to obtain a visa on behalf of the delegate. Visa will be issued at the airport upon arrival. 
*Granting of such requests is at the discretion of the authorities in Israel.

Passport Control

Upon arrival in Israel, visitors undergo a security check and are requested to present a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of their departure, as well as entry forms with their personal details. It is important to ascertain that the details are filled out accurately and to keep a copy of the form in order to present it upon departure from Israel.

Arrival by Air – Visitors arriving by air will receive forms to be filled in during the course of their flight, in order to prevent delays at the passport controls. It is important to ascertain that the details of the passenger and the flight on which he/she arrived are filled out accurately. Travelers will be requested to present their passport, a boarding pass and an entry form at passport control. After their passport has been stamped, incoming travelers continue to the passenger luggage area, where carts are at their disposal. From there, they continue to customs control and to the airport exit.

Arrival by Land – Visitors arriving at the borderline passes on the Israel-Egypt or Israel-Jordan border will receive forms in which their personal details must be filled in. After doing so and undergoing a security check, they must present the completed forms together with their passport.

Tourists continuing from Israel on to Arab countries (except Egypt and Jordan), please note: You can request that your passport not be stamped with an Israeli stamp. You must notify the clerk of your request before your documents are stamped. The granting of such requests is at the discretion of the authorities.

Customs

There is a two-lane customs transit system, one green and the other red, at Ben Gurion Airport and at the Rafah (Rafi’akh) Crossing Point. At the remaining airports and passes, travelers must submit a declaration to the customs officer as to whether they have items that do not appear in the list of duty free items or whether the quantities exceed the duty free allowance.
Visitors who do not have goods to be declared may go through the green lane at the exit from the passenger arrival hall. Articles that do not need to be declared:
Personal clothing, shoes and cosmetics – in quantities that can usually be carried in the traveller’s hand baggage.
Alcoholic beverages – up to one litre for spirits and up to two litres for wine, per person aged 17 and over.
Tobacco of all types – up to 250 grams per person aged 17 and over.
Presents and other commodities – items other than alcoholic beverages, alcoholic perfumes, tobacco, and television sets, costing up to US$ 200, as determined by the clerk at the entrance terminal, according to lists in his possession.
Food – up to a total weight of three kilograms, on condition that the weight of each type of food does not exceed one kilogram.
Additional items – laptops, stills camera and movie camera (not including video camera), radio, tape recorder, pair of binoculars, personal jewelry, musical instruments, gramophone, pram, camping or sports equipment, bicycle and other like articles.
 
Visitors with goods for which a deposit must be paid that will be returned to them when they leave Israel must go through the red lane. Visitors with items not appearing in the list of duty free items or in the list of taxable items must also go through the red lane and declare them. In case of doubt, the tax authorities recommend going through the red lane. Failure to declare taxable items represents an offense, for which the traveler must pay an administrative fine, be prosecuted or have the goods confiscated.
 
It is forbidden to import the following items into Israel without a license issued in advance:
plants, firearms, raw meat, raw materials, counterfeit currency or documents, knife or penknife not intended for professional use, etc.

Departing Israel

Security Check

As from 2014, the Israel Airports Authority has implemented a modern advanced security system for baggage inspection for flights departing Ben Gurion Airport – Hold Baggage Screening (HBS).
The HBS was developed by the Israel Airports Authority for totally automatic passenger baggage security inspection, and to improve the level of service. The system complies with the strictest of requirements and is based on the highest level of technology.
The new security inspection process includes a few questions, after which passengers will proceed directly to the counter of their respective airlines in order to check in for their flight and hand over their baggage.
After tagging your baggage at the airline counter, the baggage will be sent for the automatic inspection by the new HBS system. In certain cases the need may arise to open the baggage for manual inspection. This manual inspection is carried out under total electronic surveillance and documented.

NOTE:
Bags should be unlocked.
Security leaves the 3.5 hrs. time which is published for the whole security/check-in procedure as unchanged. This means that the security lines will open at D-3.5 hrs and check-in opens at D-3hrs.
Late passengers’ acceptance – will be coordinated with the airlines as done before. It should be clear that 1 hour time is still needed for the baggage security process in the HBS. Late passengers will therefore be advised that there is a chance that their luggage will not make it to the flight on time. Therefore counters will be closed 60 min before departure.
Oversized baggage will be dealt in front of the elevator dedicated for OOG luggage.
No oversize baggage and/or unsuitable luggage will be accepted at check-in and to be sent to the HBS system and the baggage sorting system accordingly.
The Maximum dimensions allowed to be accepted at check-in – Length: 115 cm, Width: 80 cm, Height: 70 cm, Weight: 40 kg

Check-In
After the security check, each passenger must check in at the counter of the airline they are flying with. They will then check in their luggage and receive a boarding pass and seat number.
Early Check-In Service – Some of the airline companies have early check-in service. Passengers can clarify this with the airline. Information about early check-in for airlines other than El Al is available from the airport information service: +972-3-9755555 or on the Israel Airports Authority website . For early check-in services on El Al flights please see El Al Website.

Passport control
After check-in passengers continue to passport control. They must present their passport, airline ticket, and the form that they filled out upon arrival in Israel.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement
According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay. For more details please visit the official website of the Ministry of Finance, Israeli Department of Customs and VAT.

 

TOURS

Jerusalem of Gold

 Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mount Zion to visit King David’s Tomb, Room of the Last Supper, and the Dormition Abbey; Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish Wailing Wall and the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Proceed to the New City and visit Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust (Self-guided).

On Saturdays and Jewish holidays, instead of Yad Vashem, drive to  Ein Karem, southwest of Jerusalem, traditionally known as the birthplace of John the Baptist; Stroll in the narrow lanes of the picturesque neighborhood, stopping by Mary’s spring and continue to visit the remarkable Church of Saint John the Baptist. Return to your point of departure.

NOTE: Modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering are required for visiting holy sites.

Departure: Daily | Pick-up time: 09:00.

Price: $81 per person.

Jerusalem & Bethlehem

Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mount Zion to visit King David’s Tomb, Room of the Last Supper, and the Dormition Abbey; Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish Wailing Wall and the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born; Visit the Church of Nativity and Manger Square; View the Shepherds’ field. Return to your point of departure.

NOTE: Modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering are required for visiting holy sites.

Departure: Daily | Pick-up time: 09:00.

Price: $118 per person

• The tour is subject to Palestinian authority regulations.
• Palestinian guide meets the tour only after the border crossing.
• Border crossing may include a short unaccompanied walking portion.
• Change of vehicle may be required upon entering Palestinian authority territory.
• Passports are required.

Masada & The Dead Sea

Depart Tel Aviv via the Judean hills to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth; Visit a Dead Sea cosmetic products shop. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada and learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palace, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths, and other findings. Descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea; Enjoy the unique opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud that many believe has therapeutic effects. Return to your point of departure. 

NOTE: Comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, bathing suits, and towels are recommended.

Departure: Monday-Friday | Pick-up time: 09:00.

Price: $123 per person

Tel Aviv City Tour

Visit the Diaspora (Anu) museum; Drive around the main streets of Tel-Aviv, the center of business and entertainment of Israel; Also known as The “White City,” Tel-Aviv was declared by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site for its Bauhaous style buildings. 

Stop at Rabin square, the location where the Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, was assassinated. Continue to old Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world; Visit the ancient ruins and walk along the Artist’s Quarter. Visit Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood of Tel Aviv, built in 1887 and Nachlat Binyamin, the pedestrian mall of the city, where you can enjoy live street music, arts, crafts, and homemade jewelry.

Departure: Friday | Pick-up time: 06:00.

Price: $132 per person

*Guests picked up from Jerusalem will join the tour from Tel-Aviv. Transfer from/to Jerusalem may be accompanied by a driver only.

Biblical Highlights of the Galilee

Drive through the coastal road and the landscape of lower Galilee to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. Continue, via Kana, to Tiberius, the lively resort town on the Sea of Galilee. Drive along the Kineret Lake to Capernaum and view the ruins of the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught; Continue to Tabgha and visit the Church of Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes with its beautiful mosaic floor. Proceed to Yardenit, the famous baptismal site located where the Jordan River flows out from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea; enjoy the peaceful and natural surrounding on site. Return to your point of departure.

NOTE: Modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering are required for visiting holy sites.

Departure: Monday-Friday | Pick-up time: 06:00.

Price: $110 per person

Pearls of the Western Galilee

Drive along the coastal road to Caesarea, the ancient Roman capital and port; enjoy a walking tour of the theatre and the archaeological ruins and excavations. Continue to Haifa for a scenic view of the City, the Port, and the magnificent Baha’i Gardens and Shrine. 

Proceed to Rosh Hanikra; descend by cable car into the underwater grottoes and admire the spectacular natural formation.

Onto Acre, the Old City recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site; Walk through the market, the mosque, and the old port; Visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt and learn about their fascinating history and culture. Return to the point of departure.

Departure: Tuesday or Friday | Pick-up time: 06:00.

Price: $136 per person

*Guests picked up from Jerusalem will join the tour from Tel-Aviv. Transfer from/to Jerusalem may be accompanied by a driver only.

Private Tours

If you are interested in a private tour – please contact us at: gsos@ortra.com   

Welcome to Israel! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you walk through centuries of history, explore vast terrains, and experience a melting pot of culture, unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

But before we set off to explore, we must know how to travel around the country! Follow along for these insightful tips on transportation in Israel, specifically Jerusalem.

Traveling to Jerusalem:

Jerusalem is about a 35–40-minute drive from Ben Gurion International Airport, one of the largest travel hubs in the Middle East. The high-level security standards at Ben Gurion Airport are unmatched, and there are several means of transportation between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem.

1.      InterCity Train (Rakevet Israel) – Utilizing the express train is the greatest and most affordable way to travel to Jerusalem.  The train ride is about 20 minutes time and costs 13 -18 NIS (about $5 USD).

2.      Taxi – You’ll find both private and shared taxi services at Ben Gurion Airport located at Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall Exit. A private taxi to Jerusalem costs approximately 230 NIS ($63 USD) Sunday – Friday and about 290 – 300 NIS ($80
         USD) on Saturday.  Payments for taxi rides can be done either using cash or a local app called Gett (available for download on iOS or Android). There’s no need to book ahead for the trip, just be sure to have enough cash as not all
         taxis accept credit cards. Please note: by law, taxis must have a meter running. The driver may try to negotiate a fixed price but that is generally illegal.

3.      Shared Taxi (Nesher Sherut) – A Nesher Sherut (shared taxi service) is a cheaper alternative to a private taxi. You’ll find Nesher vans outside the Arrivals Hall and they will drop you off anywhere in Jerusalem. The service runs 24/7.
         Please note that travel from Ben Gurion Airport with this service does not require pre-booking however travel from Jerusalem to the airport requires booking 24 hours in advance and it is advised to note your flight’s departure time.
         The shared taxi costs 62-67 NIS (about $17), and you’ll find the current rate clearly posted outside the terminal.

4.      Bus – There is a direct bus that makes round trips between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem daily. The No. 485 Afikim bus operates 24 hours a day (Saturday evening through late Friday afternoon) and departs from Terminals 1 and
         3 at the airport and from several locations in Jerusalem, including the Central Bus Station. The journey is approximately an hour and costs 16 NIS (about $5 USD). Bus fare is only accepted through a card called Rav Kav, which you
         can purchase here.

 Traveling Around Jerusalem:

Jerusalem is a large city, with several neighborhoods interconnected by a system of public and private transportation. It is very easy to get around Jerusalem without a car, although rental cars are available throughout the city, and many sites can be reached on foot.  If you know your destination and have the proper app or website, you are set to go. It is easy to get around by bus and light rail in Jerusalem, and information is generally in Hebrew and English.

Another alternative way to travel around Jerusalem is by publicly available motorized scooters or bikes, which you can find pretty much everywhere.

1.      Light Rail and Bus – Public transportation in Jerusalem consists of a network of buses and a central light rail system that connects one end of the city (Mount Herzl) to the other side (Pisgat Zeev).

a.      Light Rail - Using the Jerusalem Light Rail requires you to buy a ticket before boarding the train; tickets can be purchased at all the stops. A single ride on the light rail is 5.90 NIS.

b.      Bus - Buses in Jerusalem are all run by ‘Egged’; they are mostly green although some are white with red stripes. There are several routes within the city, and the standard bus fare in Jerusalem is 5.90 NIS for a single trip.

c.       Paying for public transportation (buses, trains, light rail) is done by using a ‘Rav Kav’ with a smartcard chip. See below for more information.

d.      NOTE: No public transport on Shabbat – The Jerusalem bus and rail systems shut down for Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) on Friday afternoon. Buses stop about an hour before sundown, and light rail a few hours before. Service
         resumes after sunset on Saturday night (buses start about an hour after Shabbat ends, and the light rail a few hours later. Tip: Since there’s no public transportation in Jerusalem during Shabbat, be mindful of planning ahead for
         your visit to Jerusalem if you’re staying there during Shabbat. If your flight lands on a Friday night or a Saturday day and you need to get to Jerusalem, you may book a shuttle or private taxi ride from the airport to Jerusalem.

2.      Taxi – Taxis in Jerusalem are ubiquitous within the city limits. Taxi ordering apps such as Gett operate in the city, and be sure to ask for a receipt at the end of the ride.

3.      Car Rental – There are several car rental agencies in Jerusalem.

4.      By Foot – Walking is the best way to experience the city and enjoy all its beauty. Much of Jerusalem is walkable; since the city is built on mountains, the humidity level is much lower than most cities – providing pleasant weather
         most of the time. The terrain in Jerusalem features a range of high slopes, hills, and steep ascents. In the Old City, many of the lanes and alleyways are inaccessible to cars, so you’ll have to tour on foot (it’s also much more
         impressive this way!). Visitors can stroll through the City Center easily, and walking to the Old City from downtown should take no more than 20 minutes. 

Intercity Travel:

Despite its small size, Israel offers a wealth of diverse experiences that can easily be explored in day trips from Jerusalem. For example, a mere 45-minute bus ride away lies Tel Aviv, a vibrant coastal city with a buzzing nightlife, world-class culinary, and stunning beaches. If you’re interested in exploring around Israel, a 2-hour drive will lead you to Tiberias in Northern Israel, while the Dead Sea in Israel’s Negev Desert can be reached in less than 40 minutes.

How to purchase tickets for public transportation:

Every train station has an electronic machine to purchase train tickets. If you hold a digital wallet on your phone, you may utilize the Moovit app and pay with your phone for every ride.

Google Play                 Apple Store

Paying for public transportation (buses, trains, light rail) is done by using a ‘Rav Kav’ with a smartcard chip. Rav Kav cards are available at kiosks, the Central Bus Station, all Cofix branches, Super-Pharm, etc. throughout the city, and all Rav Kav cards are reloadable. You may also buy tickets digitally through the ‘Moovit’ app and scan a QR code on the buses to pay for your trip.

Terms & Conditions

Tourism Services

• Registration to daily tours opens until June 13th  2024.
• Tours operate on a share car basis.
• Meals are not included.
• VAT for Israeli passport holders will be added accordingly to the law.
   

Cancellation Policy for Ground Transportation and Tourism Services

For alterations of reservations or any other invoiced item, an administrative charge of 35 USD will be charged. Alternative participants are readily accepted for an administrative fee of 30 USD.

Refund of payments made towards registration will be refunded if written notification reaches the Meeting Secretariat, Ortra Ltd. GSOS2023@ortra.com as follows:

• Cancellation is received within 14 days from the date of registration (unless registration was made during the 7 days prior to the Meeting) Full refund, excluding 30USD handling fees.

If cancellation is received 15 days or more from the date of registration refund will be made as follows:

• Until April 30th, 2024 – Full refund with a deduction of 30 USD handling fee
• From May 1st., 2024 – 50% refund
• From May 25th, 2024 – No refund