What Are the Air Travel Regulations for Israel?
Passengers traveling abroad need to be aware of specific regulations for air travel. In Israel, political and safety concerns mean that extra precautions are taken both in arrivals and departures. Don't make the mistake of thinking that all you need is a passport when you're going to Israel. In fact, the U.S. Department of State urges American citizens to avoid all travel to Israel. Canadian citizens are advised to be cautious.
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History
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In response to terrorist attacks like that on September 11, 2001 and the roadside bombing of the U.S. embassy convoy in Gaza in 2003, all government officials have been prohibited from traveling to the region, so there is no consular support for travelers. The U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv is very limited in the amount of support they can offer to U.S. travelers. The Canadian embassy in Tel Aviv, however, is active. Canadian travelers are urged to register at the embassy when they arrive.
Apply for a Passport
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Pick up a passport registration form at any U.S. Post Office. You will need to provide proof of your identity and citizenship, which may include birth certificate, picture ID and proof of address. Specific requirements and passport regulations are available on the documentation provided with your passport application. The application is free at any post office but there is a charge for turning it in. Canadians can apply online or get an application from any Passport Canada office, Canada Post outlet or Service Canada Centre. Required identification and fee schedules are similar.
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Citizenship
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American or Canadian citizens with parents of Israeli citizenship are considered by the Israeli government to hold dual nationality and must adhere to the citizen rules of the Israeli immigration officials. If Israeli officials suspect that travelers are Arab or Muslim, they need to be prepared for time-consuming questioning and probing from border-control agents and may be denied entry into the country.
Rules for Palestinians
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According to the Israeli immigration officers, if you have ever lived in Palestine or spent a considerable amount of time there, you may be required to apply for a Palestinian identification number. Furthermore, if anyone in your family, including your grandparents or parents, were born in the West Bank or Gaza or spent a considerable amount of time there, or live there now, you may be required to obtain a Palestinian Authority travel document
Register With the Embassy
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Especially if you may be considered Palestinian, Americans should register before their trip at the U.S. State's Department Travel Registration website. Vacationers or business travelers also should be registered before they arrive. Canadians can register online as well, through the Registration of Canadians Abroad Service. Be sure to ask about specific entry and exit points before you schedule your trip because you may be directed to a specific airport to enter the country.
Boarding U.S. International Flights
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When boarding a U.S. International flight, you are subject to the same TSA requirements as for domestic travel. All liquids and medications must be placed in a ziploc bag and removed from your carry-on luggage before being scanned. No liquids over 3 ounces will be allowed in your carry-on luggage. Familiarize yourself with the TSA requirements so that you don't end up losing contraband items at the security-checkpoint or being detained for further inspection.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Rules for Flying to Israel
