Flying to Israel - what do I need to be aware of?

you can enter the country even if you don't have a return ticket yet. your visa might not be extended if you ask for it in israel. it is better to ask for it at the israeli embassy near you. (call them first)

make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months at the time of arrival.

laptops are tax free in israel, so you don't need to declare that. don't bring more than one liter of alchohol or more than 20 packs of cigarettes.

as for border control, take with you the exact names, address and phone numbers of your friends. it can speed things up (the person at the border control might give them a call).

and most important - have fun!

1. on the week of your arrival go to apply for resident stay, I am not sure what is your story but if you do this early you will have nothing to worry about, and you will know early about problems if there are any, worst case your family in U.S can mail you whatever you may have forgotten some original documents.

2. You will not have problem with a laptop, I have returned to israel dozens of times never had any red/green line thing going on. While I have an Israeli passport others without one go to the same place in the air port and do the same things.

Make a check list and put everything together, also preferably you should scan all the documents so you have a backup in the computer. Buy the return ticket, if this is what they want bring it with you..if only to show you follow all the rules to the latter, worst case don't use or change its date, you can easily do that if you are early enough.

First, you're going to have a fantastic time! Now a couple of other points: many people there speak English to some extent or the other, so you won't have a lot of problems communicating. The Israelis take security very seriously so NEVER joke about it. Make sure you have your passport or some form of identification with you at all times--many hotels will ask you for ID on the way in, even if you've already been in and out a dozen times. Don't get upset when you see soldiers--men and women, and all in their late teens/early 20's--walking around with machine guns. That's their job, everyone is required to serve in the military in Israel. A lot of them will be on holiday but they are required to go around armed. One important thing--make sure that you carry a bottle of water with you at all times. Israel gets HOT in the summer and you can easily become dehydrated although bottled water is sold. In the airport it's just like every other one except security is much higher and again it's taken extremely seriously, don't joke about anything at all related to your transportation or you'll find yourself and your luggage being totally searched. See as many things as possible, I would suggest trying to hire a tour guide since they'll speak Hebrew and be able to show you things in the most efficient manner. If this isn't possible then make sure you spend at least 4-5 days in Jerusalem, there's a huge amount to see there especially in the old city. You may want to check ahead of time for places *not* to go, for instance Mea Shearim which is extremely Orthodox would more than frown on a female tourist unless she is properly clothed. Overall Israel is a very safe country and there's a lot of nightlife especially in the larger cities. Remember that the entire country pretty much shuts down on Shabbat, beginning somewhat before sundown on Friday and extending until sundown on Saturday, but then things really pick up again Saturday night. Also remember that you'll need electrical plug adaptors for things like your computer although the AC adapter itself can easily handle the 220 V circuit. Feel free to e-mail me if you have other questions.

The security on that land is insane.

A friend of mine had her laptop, camera, ipod and cell phone confiscated while entering at the airport.

The jews never gave her back her stuff. I believe they sold everything in the fleamarket.

Some cash was lost too. She went legal when she got back but since that country is still primitive there was no bureau responsible for matters as such.

Stay away if you can.

i really dont know. but im just gonna say something before the haters answer. Israel is a nice country to visit. ive known people who live there and have been there. my old teacher went there to volunteer. it will be one good vacation. there were American soldiers who somehow got to Israel and were suprised that it wasnt a terror stricken country lol

be aware of palestinian rockets!LOL.