Frequently Asked Questions

You will find below a list of the most frequent questions that we are asked by prospective pilgrims to the Holy Land. We have tried to group the information into subjects but if anything is unclear or a specific question you have seems not to be answered, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please Note: All the links below to external websites will open in a new window.

Travel Document Requirements:

Passport

• You will need a full international passport, valid for at least SIX MONTHS beyond the scheduled date of your return to the UK. If your passport contains entry or exit stamps or a visa for an Arab country (except Jordan or Egypt) it may cause a delay at Israeli immigration.
• Follow this link for more information for UK Nationals visiting Israel and the Holyland from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
• If you have previously visited lots of different Arab countries (not including Jordan or Egypt) which are recorded in your passport, then contact us for advice.
• Keep a note of your passport number in case you have the misfortune to lose it.

Visas

• Holders of EU passports when visiting Israel and the Holy Land do not require a visa.
• Holders of other passports should check with their own embassy.

Vaccinations

• Please check with your local doctor’s surgery or health centre.
• Follow this link to check the current health and vaccination situation in the Holyland from the UK National Travel Health Centre.

Tickets

• All our airlines operate a ticketless system. You will need your passport to check in for your flight and no tickets are issued.

Travel Insurance

PALESTINE PILGRIMAGE act as an Introducer Appointed Representative for the purposes of your travel insurance, appointed by Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority whose status can be checked on the FSA Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.

Contact Details: Address for correspondence: A1 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN13 3QZ

Telephone: 01903 267432 Fax: 01903 268946.  Email enquiries@globaltravelinsurance.co.uk

We can provide you with an application form enabling you to arrange this insurance, please contact us if you require a form (one per passenger).  If preferred, you can click here where you can obtain a quotation and arrange the insurance online.

Beyond providing this information, we are not allowed to assist you in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.

Israeli Immigration

• You will asked the nature of your journey to Israel. A smile often helps at the immigration desk. Tell the officer that you are on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and will be staying in Galilee and Bethlehem. The Pilgrimage is organised by Gemm Travel who are based in Jerusalem.
• If you are likely to want to visit an Arab country on another occasion, other than Jordan, you should ask the Israeli Immigration Officer not to stamp your passport.

Your Baggage

How much baggage can I take?

• The weight allowance varies between airlines. Detailed joining instructions will be sent to you before your departure. Alternatively you can check the website of the airline you will be flying with. Individuals will be personally responsible for any excess baggage charge, which will be payable in full at the check-in desk.

What are the rules regarding hand baggage?

• In general per person; one item of hand luggage of no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22ins x 18ins x 10ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels. plus one handbag, laptop or large camera case (not all three!).
• Remember there are restrictions regarding flammable items, including matches, and other aerosols and liquids
• Follow this link for the current rules concerning hand baggage issued by British Airways, our normal carrier.
• Each airline carrier may have different rules, so check if we are using a different carrier.

Flight Details

Where do we fly from?

London Heathrow, London Luton or Manchester airports.

Where do we fly to?

Tel Aviv – Ben-Gurion International Airport

How long is the flight?

It is a direct flight, no other stops en-route, of around 4.5 hours.

Who is the carrier?

We use British Airways, easyJet or jet2com.

Money and Currency

Cash and Travellers Cheques

• We recommend that you take between £40-£50 in Israeli Shekels.
• Experience shows that US Dollars are the most convenient currency to carry, although Sterling is acceptable.
• Tips – The gratuities to hotels, drivers and guides are included in the cost of your trip. You might, however, like to leave a small tip at restaurants and bars outside the hotels.
• Collections – Whilst groups of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land are growing, it is still nowhere near the numbers it was. This decline in visitors has seriously affected the people of the Holy Land, especially those directly involved with tourism. At most of the religious sites there is the opportunity to make a donation which takes on a much greater importance than would normally be the case. When joining the local community for their Sunday liturgy one should remember that our generosity in the collection makes a real difference to the families we worship with.

Credit Cards

• Credit Cards are accepted although the facility is not as generally available as in most western countries.