Israel

Travelers must bring their original passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the trip. A Passport Card is not valid for international air travel or entry into Israel.

U.S. citizens are required to complete ETA-IL, Israel’s electronic travel authorization, before travel. Carnival US can assist travelers with this process before departure when applicable.

Green Card holders and travelers who are not U.S. citizens may have different entry requirements depending on the passport they hold. Some travelers may need to apply for an Israel visa through the consulate. A U.S. Green Card does not automatically replace a visa if the traveler’s passport requires one.

Carnival US provides visa assistance services for Green Card holders when needed. This service may include online application support, flight confirmation, invitation letter from the local partner, and guidance for required documents or biometrics. Travelers should contact Carnival US at least 2 months before departure.

This service may require an additional fee. Please contact the office for specific pricing and processing time.

Israel has strict airport and border security procedures. Travelers should answer all questions calmly, clearly, and honestly. If a traveler does not understand a question in English, they may request a Vietnamese interpreter.

Useful phrase:

“I don’t understand. Can I have a Vietnamese interpreter, please?”

Travelers should keep the following documents easily accessible:

Passport

ETA-IL or visa approval if applicable

Carnival US tour confirmation

Hotel list

Flight itinerary

Travel insurance

Emergency contact information

Travelers should take photos of their passport, visa or ETA-IL, flight itinerary, travel insurance, hotel list, and emergency contact information. Save copies on the phone/cloud and share one copy with a trusted family member.

Do not place passports, cash, bank cards, medication, or important documents in checked luggage.

Important: If missing documents prevent a traveler from departing or entering Israel, Carnival US is not responsible, and the standard tour cancellation policy will still apply.

Each traveler is generally allowed to bring:

One (1) checked bag

One (1) carry-on bag

One (1) personal item

Specific baggage rules may vary depending on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should include clothing, shoes, toiletries, liquids, and items not needed during the flight. Travelers should pack light and neatly because the Israel pilgrimage may include hotel changes, airport security, walking through old cities, stone streets, churches, holy sites, and areas with limited bus access.

Do not place important documents, passports, cash, bank cards, jewelry, medication, or valuable items in checked baggage. These items should always be kept with the traveler.

Allowed Size and Weight for Checked Baggage

The total length + width + height should not exceed 62 inches / 158 cm.

Economy Class: One (1) checked bag up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.

Business Class: Two (2) checked bags, with each bag up to 75 lbs / 32 kg.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage should include passport, ETA-IL or visa documents if applicable, flight information, travel insurance, money, bank cards, phone, charger, medication, one extra set of clothing, and essential toiletries in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Power banks must always be packed in carry-on baggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Travelers should bring enough personal medication for the full journey, including prescription medication and common medicine such as headache medicine, digestive medicine, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, bandages, and personal health items.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Israel may include walking 3–5 miles per day on ancient stone paths, hills, stairs, old city streets, church courtyards, and uneven ground.

Women are advised not to wear high heels during pilgrimage days. Travelers should bring at least two pairs of comfortable walking shoes to rotate during the trip.

Travelers should never accept luggage, packages, food, gifts, or personal items from anyone else to carry through the airport or border. This includes friends, acquaintances, or even other travelers in the group. This is very important for Israel security procedures.

Hotels used by Carnival US during the journey are generally arranged according to the itinerary and travel route. Many hotels are comfortable and convenient, but at some pilgrimage destinations, hotels may be simpler and focused more on location, safety, and practicality rather than luxury service.

Travelers should understand that a pilgrimage is different from a leisure vacation. The purpose of the journey is centered on sacred places, prayer, reflection, and meaningful experiences rather than luxury accommodations.

Carnival US will send travelers detailed hotel information by email, including hotel names, addresses, and other important details.

Check-In / Check-Out

Hotel check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hotels will try to accommodate early check-in when possible. However, if rooms are not ready, travelers may store their luggage at the hotel and continue with the program or rest in the hotel area.

Hotel check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, depending on the hotel and itinerary.

Before leaving the room, travelers should carefully check all drawers, nightstands, closets, the bathroom, outlets, luggage area, and hotel safe before leaving the room. Please make sure no passport, cash, jewelry, medicine, charger, or personal item is left behind.

Room Keycard

Many hotels use keycards to operate room doors, electricity, lights, or elevators. In some hotels, the keycard must be inserted into a slot near the door to activate electricity and outlets inside the room.

Some elevators may require guests to scan or tap the keycard before selecting a floor.

Additional Hotel Services

Some hotels offer paid services such as minibar, entertainment TV, laundry, or room service. If travelers do not wish to use these services, they should avoid pressing payment buttons or opening paid services on the TV.

Some hotel minibars may have sensors. If an item is moved, lifted, or used, the system may automatically record it and charge the room according to the hotel’s policy.

Paid TV or movie services may charge the room once selected, even if the traveler does not watch the full program.

Sabbath Notes

In Israel, some hotels may have a Shabbat Elevator during Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening. This elevator stops automatically on many floors so observant Jewish guests do not need to press buttons.

Travelers who do not need the Shabbat Elevator should use the regular elevator when available, out of respect for guests observing Sabbath.

Some hotel services, restaurants, or front desk operations may be limited during Sabbath. Travelers should follow the guide’s instructions and ask the hotel staff if needed.

Bathroom

All hotel rooms have private bathrooms. Most hotels provide towels, soap, shampoo, Wi-Fi, and a hair dryer, but travelers should still bring their own personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, slippers, medication, and items they use regularly.

Bathroom floors or bathtubs may become slippery when wet. Travelers should move slowly and be careful when stepping in and out of the bathtub or shower.

Personal Items to Prepare

Travelers are encouraged to prepare:

Travel-size toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, body wash, and personal hygiene items.

Personal medication and common medicine, such as motion sickness medicine, headache medicine, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine.

SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Tissues, lip balm, and hand sanitizer.

Bandages, ointment, vitamins, and basic first-aid items.

A pen for filling out forms.

Any other personal items needed during the trip.

If travelers need to purchase additional items during the journey, they may ask the tour guide or hotel front desk for assistance.

Israel’s main international gateway is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), serving Tel Aviv and the Jerusalem area.

Carnival US will send travelers the flight itinerary and meeting information by email before departure. This document includes flight details and ticket information, but it is not a boarding pass.

Travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. For flights involving Israel, travelers should also be prepared for additional security questioning and baggage screening.

Travelers may check in online 24 hours before the flight or check in at the airline counter at the airport.

If the ticket includes a codeshare flight, travelers should check in with the airline listed as the operating carrier or as instructed in the final flight email. For example, a ticket may show United Airlines, but the flight may be operated by Lufthansa.

If seat assignments or flight segments are missing from the electronic ticket, the airline may update the information closer to departure.

If travelers have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, they should provide their Known Traveler Number when possible or notify the airline counter staff so TSA PreCheck can appear on the boarding pass when applicable. These programs apply mainly to U.S. airport procedures and may not apply to Israeli airport security or immigration.

If travelers need special meals, child meals, wheelchair assistance, or other airline services, please contact Carnival US as early as possible. Requests are subject to airline availability and approval.

When the airplane lands in Israel, travelers should check all personal belongings before leaving the aircraft. After exiting the plane, proceed through immigration, collect checked luggage, and follow the tour guide’s flag or meeting instructions to avoid getting separated from the group.

At Ben Gurion Airport, security and immigration procedures may take longer than usual, especially during peak travel times. Travelers should remain patient and answer questions honestly.

If travelers do not see the tour guide, driver, or group at the airport or meeting point, they should not leave the area on their own. Please call the phone number provided in the final confirmation email from Carnival US.

Important Note: Travelers should not say words related to aviation security threats, such as “bomb” or “explosive,” in any language while at the airport, during baggage check-in, security screening, or on the airplane. Such words may cause serious delays, security questioning, or legal consequences.

When returning to the United States, travelers will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection at the first U.S. airport of entry.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been abroad for more than two days may generally return to the United States with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompany the traveler upon return.

For travelers who bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case U.S. Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

Travelers must declare food, plants, seeds, medicine, large amounts of cash, and valuable items when required. Certain fresh fruits, meats, plants, seeds, agricultural products, and some religious or natural products may be restricted or prohibited.

Do not bring fresh fruits, fresh meat, raw food, or unpackaged agricultural products back to the United States. Packaged items with clear labels are easier to declare.

Israel uses the Israeli New Shekel, written as ILS or shown with the symbol ₪.

Exchange rates may change depending on the time of travel. As a general reference, 1 USD is approximately equal to 2.80 ILS. This means $10 USD is about 28 ILS, $50 USD is about 140 ILS, and $100 USD is about 280 ILS.

Travelers should remember that the U.S. Dollar is stronger than the Israeli Shekel in value. If an item costs 100 ILS, it is approximately $35–$36 USD, depending on the exchange rate.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Israel, including at hotels, restaurants, larger stores, tourist shops, and many service locations. American Express and Discover may be less commonly accepted.

Travelers should still carry some cash in Israeli Shekels, especially smaller denominations such as 10–20 ILS, for tips, public restrooms, church candles, small souvenirs, markets, and places that may not accept cards.

Before departure, travelers should notify their bank and credit card companies that they will be traveling to Israel. This helps prevent cards from being blocked or temporarily suspended due to international transactions.

ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Tiberias, and other common travel areas. Fees may apply depending on the traveler’s bank and card type.

Do not exchange money with strangers on the street. If travelers need to exchange money or withdraw cash, they should use reputable exchange offices, banks, ATMs, hotel guidance, or instructions from the tour guide.

Cash should be divided and stored in more than one safe place. Do not keep all cash, passport, and credit cards in the same bag or wallet.

For this section, the better term is Tax Refund / VAT Refund.

Israel may offer VAT refund options for eligible foreign tourists when purchases are made from participating stores and meet the required purchase amount and conditions.

To request a VAT refund, travelers should ask the store at the time of purchase if the item qualifies for tourist tax refund. Travelers should keep the original receipt, invoice, passport, tax refund form, and purchased items easily accessible.

At departure from Ben Gurion International Airport, travelers may need to present the tax refund form, receipts, passport, and purchased items at the official VAT refund counter before leaving Israel.

Refund eligibility, minimum purchase amounts, refund methods, and processing procedures may vary. Travelers should confirm details directly at the store or tax refund counter before making large purchases.

Please note that the refund amount may not equal the full tax amount because processing or service fees may apply.

Travelers should not accept or carry luggage, packages, or goods for anyone outside the group.

Travelers should also check items carefully to avoid counterfeit goods or poor-quality imitations of famous brands. Purchase from reputable stores whenever possible.

When visiting churches, Christian holy sites, synagogues, Jewish sacred places, mosques, or other religious locations in Israel, travelers must dress modestly and respectfully.

Inappropriate clothing may result in being denied entry at some sacred sites.

General rules for holy places:

Shoulders must be covered.

Knees must be covered.

Avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops, short shorts, short skirts, sheer clothing, or clothing that is too revealing.

Bring a light jacket, shawl, or scarf to cover shoulders or head when needed.

Specific site notes:

At the Western Wall, men must cover the top of the head. A kippah is usually provided free at the entrance. Women should cover shoulders and knees.

At a synagogue, men must cover the head with a kippah or hat. Women should dress modestly and may be asked to cover the head depending on the site.

At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, shoulders and knees should be covered. Travelers should keep silence and respect the prayerful atmosphere.

At the Temple Mount / Esplanade Mosques, modest clothing is strictly required. Legs, shoulders, and sometimes head covering may be required. Religious items from other traditions may be restricted.

At the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, shoulders and knees should be covered. Travelers may need to bend down when entering through the Door of Humility.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Travelers may walk 3–5 miles per day on stone streets, hills, stairs, church floors, old city paths, and uneven surfaces.

Women should avoid high heels. Travelers should bring two pairs of comfortable shoes and rotate them during the trip.

Hotel phone calls can be expensive. Travelers are encouraged to use an eSIM, local SIM card, or international roaming plan from the United States.

An eSIM is recommended for convenience. Travelers may purchase an Israel eSIM before departure through providers such as Airalo or other eSIM companies. Common price ranges may include:

5–10GB data plan: approximately $10–$20

Large or unlimited plan: approximately $25–$45

International roaming plans from U.S. carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile often cost around $10–$15 per day, depending on the carrier and plan.

Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi for guests. Travelers may use iMessage, Viber, WhatsApp, or other internet-based apps to contact family and friends when Wi-Fi or mobile data is available.

Travelers should not depend completely on hotel Wi-Fi. It is recommended to save hotel addresses, tour leader contact numbers, guide phone numbers, and meeting points offline.

For group travel, travelers should make sure their phone is charged each morning and should carry a small power bank in their personal bag.

In case of an emergency in Israel, travelers may call:

100 – Police

101 – Ambulance / medical emergency

102 – Fire department

106 – Tourist assistance / municipal hotline in some areas

For a real emergency, contact the tour guide immediately if possible and follow local emergency instructions.

If travelers are separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately.

If travelers lose an item at a hotel, airport, restaurant, church, pilgrimage site, old city area, market, or tourist attraction, they should report it to the nearest staff member, security point, or tour guide as soon as possible.

For minor health issues, inform the tour guide so they can help contact the hotel, local guide, pharmacy, clinic, or emergency service if needed.

Israel uses electricity at approximately 220V / 50Hz.

The most common plug type in Israel is Type H, a three-pin plug that is different from standard U.S. and European outlets. Some outlets may also accept Type C plugs, but this is not guaranteed.

Travelers should bring a universal travel adapter that works in Israel. A universal adapter can be purchased before departure from stores such as Amazon or Walmart.

Before using hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, chargers, or other electronic devices, please check that the device supports 100–240V. If a device only supports 110V, a voltage converter may be needed.

Power banks should always be packed in carry-on luggage and must not be placed in checked baggage.

Israel is a meaningful and sacred destination with deep biblical history, holy sites, ancient cities, and diverse religious communities. However, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and follow all guidance from Carnival US, the tour guide, local authorities, and airport security.

Security procedures in Israel may be stricter than in many other countries. Travelers should answer questions honestly, remain calm, and never carry items for another person.

Travelers should keep passports, cash, bank cards, phones, and important documents secure at all times. Do not keep all valuables in one bag, and avoid placing your wallet or phone in your back pocket. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

When visiting Jerusalem Old City, the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, markets, churches, synagogues, or mosques, please stay with the group and follow the tour guide’s instructions.

Crowded places such as markets, old city streets, religious sites, and tourist areas require extra attention. Keep bags close to the body and avoid separating from the group.

Travelers should respect local religious customs. Israel includes Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Armenian, and other communities. Modest clothing, quiet behavior, and respectful photography are important.

At some sites, photography may be restricted, especially during prayer, Sabbath, or religious services. Always follow signs and guide instructions.

Weather can be hot, especially in the Dead Sea, desert, and summer months. Drink water regularly, wear sun protection, and inform the tour guide if feeling dizzy, weak, or unwell.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

If travelers become separated from the group, they should stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately. Do not leave the area on your own unless instructed by the tour guide or Carnival US.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, or issues resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

The tour usually includes breakfast at the hotel and dinners according to the itinerary. Meals may vary between Mediterranean-style meals, Middle Eastern-style meals, international meals, Asian-style meals, and dishes suitable for Vietnamese travelers depending on the restaurant, schedule, and local conditions.

Israeli cuisine is fresh, colorful, and influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Jewish, Arab, and international traditions. Common ingredients include vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, olive oil, herbs, bread, fish, chicken, lamb, yogurt, sesame, tahini, and spices.

Some meals in Israel may taste different from what Vietnamese travelers are used to. Dishes may include more bread, dips, salads, grilled meats, chickpeas, herbs, olive oil, or dairy.

Carnival US will try its best to vary the menus whenever possible, while also giving travelers the opportunity to experience local flavors.

Kosher Food Notes

Many restaurants and hotels in Israel follow kosher food rules. This means pork is usually not served, and meat and dairy are not served together in the same meal.

Kosher restaurants may use separate dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment for meat and dairy. Travelers should wait for restaurant staff to provide the correct utensils and should not move spoons, forks, or plates from one course to another unless instructed.

During Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, many kosher restaurants may close or operate on limited schedules. Meals may be arranged at the hotel or at restaurants that remain open.

Travelers should not use the Shabbat Elevator unless needed and should follow the guide’s instructions during Sabbath.

Travelers may bring small personal food items such as vegetarian instant noodles, snacks, chili, vegetarian seasoning, or light food items to use when needed. However, travelers should not bring pork floss or pork products into Israel, as these items may be restricted or confiscated.

Travelers should inform Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, vegetarian needs, dietary restrictions, or special meal requests, so the team can assist within the limits of what is available.

Due to restaurant conditions, pre-arranged menus, kosher rules, Sabbath schedules, and differences in food culture, not all special requests can be fully guaranteed.

The pilgrimage sites in Israel carry extraordinary spiritual meaning because they are closely connected to the Bible, the life of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and the earliest Christian communities. These are not only historical landmarks; they are places of prayer, memory, Scripture, and encounter.

In Jerusalem, pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa, pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane, and stand near places where the Passion, death, and resurrection of Christ are remembered. In Bethlehem, travelers reflect on the mystery of the Nativity. In Nazareth, pilgrims remember Mary’s “yes” at the Annunciation. Around the Sea of Galilee, travelers encounter the landscape of Jesus’ public ministry, His miracles, His teaching, and His calling of the disciples.

As travelers visit these sacred places, they are encouraged to keep a spirit of prayer, silence, respect, and gratitude. Some places may be crowded, some may be simple, and some may require long waits or careful walking. Modest clothing, comfortable shoes, patience, and an open heart will help each traveler enter more deeply into the meaning of the Holy Land.

These pilgrimage sites invite travelers not only to learn about the past, but also to renew their own faith, prayer, trust, and relationship with God.