Eilat

To visit Israel, your passport should be valid for at least the duration of your stay. While Israel recommends six months of validity, it's no longer a strict requirement as long as your passport remains valid during your visit. Most visitors from countries with visa exemption agreements, including the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, can enter Israel for up to 90 days without a visa. However, as of August 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) must be obtained online at least 72 hours before travel. For those from non-exempt countries, a visa is required in advance. In addition, Israel issues an entry card instead of stamping passports, which helps avoid complications when travelling to certain Arab or Muslim countries. Carry your passport if you plan to visit Palestinian territories, as it may be required at checkpoints.

The closest airport for travellers flying to Eilat is Ramon Airport, located about 18 kilometres north of the city. If you are flying internationally, you might also consider arriving at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, which is about 300 kilometres from Eilat, and then taking a domestic flight or a bus to Eilat.

Eilat’s town centre is compact and easy to get around on foot. Local buses, including Route 1 which serves the hotel area and Route 15 along Taba Road, generally run every 30 minutes from 7am to 7pm—service is reduced on Fridays, with a break around 3pm, and there is no service on Saturdays.

In Eilat, finding taxis is generally easy, especially around popular tourist areas and hotels. Taxis are metered, but it’s advisable to ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Another alternative is the local ride-hailing app Gett, which is widely used in Eilat. It's worth noting that taxi fares can be higher at night and on Shabbat, so planning your transportation in advance can help avoid surprises.

Country code: +972 Area code: 8