Israel travel guide

Israel (Yisra'el), officially the State of Israel (Hebrew: Medinat Yisra'el; دَوْلَةْ إِسْرَائِيل, Dawlat Isrā'īl), is a country in Southwest Asia located on the southeastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It has borders with Lebanon in the north, Syria and Jordan in the east, and Egypt on the southwest, and contains geographically diverse features within its relatively small area. The West Bank and Gaza Strip, which are partially administrated by the Palestinian National Authority, are also adjacent. With a population of about 7.2 million, the majority of whom are Jews, Israel is the world's only Jewish state. It is also home to Arab Muslims, Christians and Druze, as well as other religious and ethnic minority groups. Jerusalem is the nation's capital, seat of government, and largest city.
The modern state of Israel has its roots in the Land of Israel, a concept central to Judaism for over three thousand years. After World War I, the League of Nations approved the British Mandate for Palestine with the intent of creating a "national home for the Jewish people". In 1947, the United Nations approved the partition of the Mandate of Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab. The Arab League rejected the plan, but on May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence. The new country's victory in the subsequent Arab-Israeli War expanded the borders of the Jewish state beyond those in the UN Partition Plan. Since then, Israel has been in conflict with many of the neighboring Arab countries, resulting in several major wars and decades of violence. Since its foundation, Israel's boundaries and even the State's very right to exist have been subject to dispute, although Israel has signed peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, and efforts are being made to reach a permanent accord with the Palestinians. (...)

Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for tourist or business stay of up to 90 days. Notarized consent from parent(s) required for children traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone elses custody. Consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Israel, 3514 International Dr., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/364-5527) or nearest Consulate General: CA (323/852-5500 and 415/844-7500), FL (305/925-9400), GA (404/487-6500), IL (312/297-4800), MA (617/535-0200), NY (212/499-5400), PA (215/546-5556) or TX (713/627-3780). Internet: www.israelemb.org. Mention tripwolf when you contact American Passport following the link below to ensure eligibility for special rates and services.