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Travel Note

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Travel Note

Where am I flying to?

The best airport depends on your departure location and travel preferences: 📍 Tel Aviv: Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) Distance to Nazareth: 1.5–2 hours by car (~110 km) Best for: Most international travelers, as TLV offers the most direct flight options from the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Transportation: Rental cars, taxis, shared shuttles, or buses are available. 📍 Amman: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) Distance to Nazareth: 2.5–3 hours by car (including border crossing) Best for: Guests coming from the Middle East, Europe, or Australia who may find better flight options into Jordan. Transportation: Travelers need to cross into Israel via the Sheikh Hussein Bridge or Allenby Bridge (border regulations vary). 📍 Haifa: Haifa International Airport (HFA) NEW Distance to Nazareth: Approximately 40 minutes by car (~35 km) Best for: Travelers from select regional destinations seeking the closest airport to Nazareth. Airline: Currently, only Air Haifa operates flights to HFA. Destinations: Direct flights are available from: Athens, Greece (ATH) Larnaca, Cyprus (LCA) Paphos, Cyprus (PFO) Note: Haifa Airport is a smaller facility with limited international connections so you will have to self-transfer. Flight availability may vary, and it's advisable to check with Air Haifa for the most current schedules. ⚠️ Important Note for Arab Travelers: Unfortunately, travelers of Arab backgrounds, especially Lebanese and Palestinians, should expect additional questioning, delays, and at times, discriminatory treatment at both Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and border crossings from Jordan.

Travel Note

Where are We staying?

We have organized a hotel block at: The Blend Boutique Hotel (By Golden Crown) Room Rates (Per Night, in NIS — Breakfast included): Single Room – ₪700 Double Room – ₪800 Double + 1 Child – ₪950 (limited availability) Booking Instructions: Please email info@goldencrown.co.il and mention Reservation #11732 (Please cc pyouakim@gmail.com) Include: Full name(s) Room type (single, double, or double + child) Check-in and check-out dates Passport country (important for VAT exemption) You may also call the hotel to reserve: Direct: +972 4-6508001 (ask for our group reservation, available 7:00am–3:00pm EEST, Sunday–Friday) Or leave a message at the front desk: +972 4-6508000 💰 Payment will be made at the hotel upon arrival. This hotel is spacious and can accommodate everyone. Located inside the main downtown area, offering modern amenities, bar and restaurant.

Travel Note

Do I need a Visa?

As of January 1, 2025, Israel has implemented a new entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries. If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia you must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before your trip. Key Details: Application Process: Submit your ETA-IL application through the official Israeli government website. Ensure the URL ends with ".gov.il" to confirm its authenticity. Fee: The application fee is 25 Shekels (approximately $7 USD). Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge higher fees. Processing Time: It's recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure to allow sufficient processing time. Most applications are processed within this timeframe (Usually within the hour) Validity: Once approved, the ETA-IL is valid for multiple entries over two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Without an approved ETA-IL, you will not be permitted to board your flight to Israel. Therefore, it's essential to complete this process before your travel and best to bring printed proof of the approval email. For more information and to apply, visit the official ETA-IL website:

Travel Note

What should I expect at airport security and immigration?

Travelers entering Israel should expect strict security checks at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and land border crossings. At Ben Gurion Airport: Security screening may include detailed questioning about your travel plans, accommodations, and any connections to Arab countries. If you have an Arabic name, or have previously visited Lebanon or other Middle Eastern countries, you may face additional questioning and longer wait times. Expect to be asked about your family background, work, and multi-generational heritage. Israeli authorities often conduct thorough interviews, especially for travelers with Arab or Palestinian ties. They will likely ask you the same questions multiple times in different ways. As frustrating as it is, remain calm and patient—this is a common tactic used to verify consistency in your answers. At Jordan-Israel Border Crossings: The Sheikh Hussein Bridge and Allenby Bridge crossings can take time due to extensive questioning and security checks. Travelers with Arabic backgrounds may experience longer processing times. Expect to be asked about your work, your reasons for visiting, your parents, grandparents, and extended family. General Tips: Be polite, patient, and prepared with details about your itinerary. Carry printed confirmations of your hotel bookings, event invitations, and return tickets. Avoid carrying political materials, religious texts, or anything that might raise security concerns. Expect repetition—officials may ask you the same question in different ways to test your consistency. Stick to simple, direct answers.

Travel Note

How do I get around?

Wedding & Event Transportation For complete flexibility for exploration we do suggest you rent a car, however parking can be challenging in the old city. Otherwise, there is lots to see and do within a 15 min walking radius of the hotel. Additionally, the hotel can help organize taxis as needed. We are organizing transport buses for the wedding day to ensure easy access for guests to and from the Hotel. The hotel is downtown and very close to the Old City, please note there does tend to be a lot of traffic in the area. (The pre wedding event is at the hotel so no transport will be needed for hotel guests)

Travel Note

Do you also want to visit Lebanon?

Lebanon Will Deny Entry if They Know You Have Been to Israel Israel no longer stamps passports, however if any evidence of travel to Israel is found, Lebanese authorities will refuse entry outright. This applies even if you only visited Palestinian territories via Israel. Israel Does Not Automatically Ban Travelers Who Have Been to Lebanon While travelers with Lebanese stamps may face heavy questioning at Israeli airports or border crossings, entry is not automatically denied. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit to Lebanon, but it is still possible to enter. If you must visit both during this trip: Fly into Lebanon first, then travel from Lebanon to a third country (For example, Jordan). You must enter that third country (Get your passport stamped) Important Warnings You cannot travel directly between Israel and Lebanon—there is no border crossing, and you must fly via a third country. Be prepared for extensive questioning in Israel if you have a Lebanese stamp in your passport. If you have dual citizenship, using separate passports might help, but Israeli border officials may still ask about your travel history. Bottom Line ✔️ Enter Lebanon first to avoid being denied entry. ✔️ Fly to Israel from a third country (Airports in Amman, Istanbul, Cairo, Dubai, are best.). ✔️ Expect lots questioning in Israel but know that entry is still possible. ❌ Do not visit Israel first if you plan to go to Lebanon later on the same trip (Or you could get deported like Phillip once was)

Travel Note

What's the weather like?

Nazareth in early August is typically quite hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine. Expect daytime temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F) and warm evenings around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Humidity levels are moderate, and rain is very rare during this time of year. ☀️ What to Pack: Light, breathable clothing Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen An umbrella (It won't rain, but Phill will appreciate it) A light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings Our wedding reception venue is outdoors at night - so dress up accordingly.

Travel Note

Can I drink tap water in Nazareth?

Yes, tap water in Nazareth is safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to drink bottled water, as some visitors find the water’s mineral content different from what they’re used to. Bottled water is widely available at hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Travel Note

Is it safe to travel to Nazareth?

Yes, and getting safer every day! Jokes aside, Nazareth has remained quite safe and well-protected over the past two years, even during regional tensions. As a Palestinian Christian town within Israel, it has not been a target. The worse does seem to be behind us, and while we can’t predict the future, we will share updates if anything changes. Your safety and comfort come first, and we completely understand any concerns.

Travel Note

Phill, What has travel there been like recently?

I've mostly been booking return (round-trip) tickets to London, Rome, Athens, or Dubai then booking regional carriers into Tel Aviv. However, direct flights from international carriers are have resumed. I’ve flown in and out of Tel Aviv over the past year (6 separate trips) and haven’t had any major issues—though I was held for questioning once for about three hours. In March, I tried the route via Jordan, flying into Amman and driving to the border. It was a long process, included lots of transfers, felt less convenient, more manual and the questioning was the same.... I've added a detail description in new question. Most recently I've been flying into the new Haifa Airport via Athens. The airport is only 30 mins from Nazareth and has been the best/easiest experience of them all. It's all very exciting!

Travel Note

What was it like driving from Jordan?

If you're traveling from Jordan to attend the wedding, here’s a firsthand timeline from Phillip’s recent trip to Nazareth via Amman: Time Zone Note: Jordan was one hour ahead of Palestine due to Daylight Saving Time changing clocks in different locations and different times, so please verify the time zone and the Border opening hours (link below, click 'View') before traveling Travel Timeline: Flew into Amman on a Saturday, spent the night at a hotel since the Border is closed on Saturdays and left tot he Border early Sunday morning: 5:00 AM – Left hotel in Downtown Amman (Allow ~2 hours to reach the border) 6:50 AM – Arrived at the Jordan River Border Crossing, also known as Sheikh Hussein Bridge (not to be confused with the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, which the further south and enters the West Bank) 7:30 AM – Supposed opening time, but actual opening was 8:30 AM due to an unexpected time zone miscommunication 8:35 AM – Border Taxi – Important: Amman taxis cannot drive into the border. You must transfer to a designated border taxi on site. Shared ride cost: 5 JD per person. 5-minute drive to drop-off, followed by a 2-minute walk (Note: would be slightly cumbersome with large bags) to Jordanian Immigration Building. 8:50 AM – Completed Jordanian exit processing 9:15 AM – First transfer bus of the day departs. Transfer to bus between borders is required. Ticket: 4 JD per person 9:30 AM – Arrived at Israeli side Israeli side included bag checks, passport control, and roughly 20 minutes of questioning 10:20 AM – Cleared immigration and officially entered to find Marleen smiling on the other side... making it all worth it. (From here it was only about 45min to Nazareth) Tips: Bring cash in Jordanian Dinars (JD) for taxis and border fees. Pack lightly if possible. Expect delays and allow at least 4–5 hours door to door Please note, the border is closed on Saturdays and closes early on Fridays. Please check the link below (click 'View') for updated hours.

Travel Note

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