FAQ - Important Travel Info

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Due to TSA regulations, it is mandatory that you submit your passport information in your Birthright Israel application & upload a copy of your passport 60 days prior to the date you are traveling.

Make sure that your passport is valid six months after that date that you return from Israel. If you do not have a passport or it will soon expire, you should apply for one ASAP. Information can be found here.

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to travel, but you do need your American passport to travel. If you are not a US citizen, you will need to apply for a visa at the Israeli consulate that serves your area. You can find a list of consulates on the Israeli Embassy website.

If you were born in Israel or have ever held Israeli citizenship or have held an Israeli passport, you are not eligible unless you prove by official documentation that you left Israel before the age of 12. If you are accepted to the program, you will need to obtain army exemption papers from your local Israeli consulate. You must travel with your Israeli passport as well.

Please note: if your passport is not submitted in your Birthright Israel application, your acceptance is still tentative. We will be unable to issue you a ticket to Israel without the necessary passport information. If you do not have your passport within 60 days before your scheduled departure, you may be removed from the program at your own expense.

Once you have a valid passport, submit the details following the instructions below:

Birthright Israel Application: Go to the Birthright Israel website & login. Go to the travel section of your application to enter your passport information & photo using one of the methods below:

Enter your cell number in the online application to text yourself the link to the Birthright Israel App. Download the app & use on your mobile device to scan your passport.
Click "enter your passport information manually online" & fill out all information. If you do not have a passport or have your passport with you, you should still click on this and answer the question of "Do you currently hold a valid passport?" with the option "No/Not With Me - Will Enter Later." If you select this option, make sure to obtain, renew, or order your paassport as soon as possible.

Please note that your passport number is located on the upper right hand corner of the page with your picture on it. It is a nine digit number.

Make sure to click "save section" before exiting this page.

If you are having trouble uploading your passport, please email registration@shorashim.org.

INSURANCE

You are responsible for your own primary health insurance & making sure it covers you while you are abroad. While you are in Israel, Shorashim provides you with basic health insurance that has limited coverage for things that it covers. This coverage does not include pre-existing conditions (including most psychological conditions), drinking, drugs, bag losses, connecting flights, layovers, etc.

If you do not have health insurance that covers you abroad, you must purchase insurance that will cover you abroad. Please confirm in your Birthright Israel application that your medical insurance covers you abroad.

CTAS, is an Israeli insurer that has designed a policy specific for Birthright Israel. Please review what CTAS insurance covers as well as the specific terms & conditions of its insurance policies, to make sure it fits your needs while traveling. Shorashim is not responsible for any issues with your CTAS insurance coverage, denial of claims or other issues (as any insurance you purchase is between you & CTAS directly). Please contact CTAS directly with any questions regarding the insurance.

PACKING LIST

The Necessities
In Israel, constant hydration & protection from the sun is a top priority. Because of this, a canteen/water bottle, hat, & sunscreen are ABSOLUTELY necessary!

You want to be comfortable: make sure to bring close-toed shoes for hikes & shoes that are comfortable to walk in, as you will be on your feet!

Baggage
Because you will be loading your luggage on & off of the bus/responsible for maneuvering your baggage at the airports, it is essential to pack in something you are comfortable carrying, meaning trying your best to not overpack.

Baggage limits are usually 50 pounds or under, so we recommend bringing a suitcase or duffel on wheels.

Additionally, it is a good idea to pack a backpack to carry around your belongings. We also recommend bringing a small cross-body or fanny pack for activities where you do not want to carry your backpack.

Other Important Information
We recommend that participants drink at least three liters of water a day, as the sun is much hotter in Israel than North America. Camelbak packs come highly recommended by alumni & staff.

Although Israel is a generally a very casual country when it comes to dress-code, it is important to have the appropriate attire for religious sites. On days when we are visiting to Old City in Jerusalem or the holy city of Tzfat, your shoulders & knees will need to be covered. We recommend pants, cropped pants, maxi skirts, or dresses.

On Shabbat, please dress a little fancier than usual. We recommend casual skirts, dresses, maxis, & polos or button down shirts with khakis or jeans as a fitting option.

Download the Birthright Israel App for easy access to your packing list & tons of other resources.

For more packing tips, check out Pinterest Board.

Winter Adventures
Israel is temperate in the winter with averages ranging from the low 40s to high 70s, depending on location. We recommend packing layers to accommodate these temperature changes. Check out our recommended winter packing list.

Summer Adventures
Israel is hot during the summer! Temperatures range from the low 60s to more than 100 degrees, depending on your location. We recommend clothing for a warm climate, with some layers for cooler nights in the desert. Check out our recommended summer packing list .

Spending Money
Participants generally bring between $300 - $400 spending money.

You can expect to spend money on the following:

Gifts & souvenirs
Daily purchases of drinks & snacks
Money for one meal per day
Recommended group tip/gift for bus driver & tour educator ($100 for 10-day, $70 for 7-day)
$10-$15 for a group t-shirt if you choose

CELL PHONE PLANS

We strongly recommend that each participant traveling on Birthright Israel with Shorashim has a phone with both data & calling capabilities.

Why should I get a phone plan for my Birthright Israel trip with Shorashim?

019Mobile phone plans are created specifically for Birthright Israel participants with Shorashim. These plans are budget-friendly & help you stay connected in whatever way makes sense for you. From internet & data to calling, texting, & everything in between, there is a plan for you!

Can I bring my US phone with me?

Yes! 019Mobile makes it so easy for you by sending you a SIM card prior to your trip. Just make sure your phone is unlocked. You can put in your 019Mobile SIM card while in Israel & then upon your return to the US, you will be able to put your original SIM card into your device.

How do I unlock my phone?

Contact your cellular provider! If for some reason they are unable to unlock your phone, do not worry. You can still order a phone through 019Mobile.

I am going to get an international phone plan through my wireless service provider. Is that okay?

019Mobile makes it as easy as possible for you to stay in touch with your friends/family while in Israel and access internet at your convenience. We recommend activating a SIM card for data service &/or local cell phone service in Israel through 019Mobile Although you are able to use your wireless service provider, please keep in mind that 019Mobile has support on the ground in Israel & is your most cost effective option.

To make it happen, please visit the 019Mobile page.

AIRPORT PROCEDURE

Preparation/Arrival

You need to meet your group at the ticket counter at least four hours before your flight.

Please note that in your Birthright Israel mobile app, your flights will outline with the airport that you are departing from & the airport that you are returning to following your experience.

It is your responsibility as a Birthright Israel participant with Shorashim to get to the departure airport on the date & time of your flight. You will meet your staff members who will be flying with you to Israel & they will assist you in checking in under the group ticket and going through airport security.

All airlines allow one checked bag, a carry-on, & a small bag at no additional charge. You should not bring more than this, as this is what your bus will be able to accommodate. For specific dimensions questions pertaining to a specific airline, please visit their website.

Some flights are nonstop, but some flights do require a layover. If you are departing from JFK & want to consider flying into La Guardia as a more cost-effective option, there are various options to assist you in traveling between airports.

The Flight

All meals on the flight & in Israel will be kosher. If you require special meals on the flight and in Israel, please review your medical information in your Birthright Israel application & adjust your dietary restrictions as necessary at least two months before departure. Please note that if you are on an airline other than EL AL special meals on the plane will not be kosher.

Any seating requests must be made at the airport on the date of departure as Shorashim & Birthright Israel do not have any control over seating arrangements on your group ticket.

Please note that Birthright Israel handles all international travel & that Shorashim will not be responsible for any cost or changes regarding domestic travel, to &/or from departure cities. This is including, but not limited to, weather, mechanical, or other potential delays/changes, etc.

Other Important Information

You must fly with your group from the departing US airport.

Passports must be valid six months from your date of departure & you must have your passport with you to travel.

If you want to cancel your return flight all together, please email us at registration@shorashim.org with the subject: "Your Name - Cancel Return Flight." You must email us at least 10 days prior to your departure. If you fail to cancel your return ticket, this will result in the loss of your deposit.

EXTENSIONS

Whether you are interested in staying in Israel after your trip or exploring other countries, extending your Birthright Israel experience is a great option!

We recommend beginning the process as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates & your acceptance is no longer conditional.

Here is how you extend:

Login to your Birthright Israel Application
Click on the link that says "Gil Travel" under "Order Trip Extension"
Choose your top three date choices for extension.

Gil Travel will then be in touch with the proposed cost & next steps. Please note that Shorashim staff are not responsible for assisting in any way with extensions, as it is all completed through Gil Travel.

It is recommended to apply for a trip extension at least a month before your departure, as changing your ticket while in Israel may prove difficult & more costly when in Israel.

All extensions prior to departure from North America are handled by Gil Travel & not the airline. Please do not contact the airline that you are flying on about extensions prior to leaving North America. If you do choose to extend while in Israel, you will then reach out to the airline on which you are ticketed.

Each airline charges different fees to extend flights, & although fees are subject to change, which is outlined here. You must fly home to the gateway airport from which you departed. It is not an option to pay for a layover in another city or change your return flight destination.

If you decide to stay in Israel for longer than the airline allows, you will be responsible for purchasing your return flight.

For additional information & specific airline policies, please visit Gil Travel.

Keep in mind that if you are not returning with your group on the same flight, you will be responsible for your own PCR test prior to returning to the US.

Please note that the Ministry of Interior approval to enter Israel is valid for one-time entry only. As of May 2021, Participants & staff cannot travel to Europe - or another destination - & re-enter Israel. They will not be allowed in at the border, even if it is solely to catch a flight back to the states; do not plan such a trip.

Other Post Trip Information:

Once the Birthright Israel: Shorashim program ends, you are responsible for your trip. Shorashim is not responsible for issues, flight cancellations, changes of flights, etc. with your extension.

OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL PREP

Conditional Acceptances: Please note that your acceptance will be conditional upon receiving your initial offer. You will receive an email once your trip placement is no longer conditional.

Booking Your Domestic Travel: Please check your specific flight information in your Birthright Israel Mobile App under the trip information header. You should not make travel plans or book any domestic travel until you have an unconditional confirmed spot on the program & have been given their exact flight details, including notification of the departure gateway. We encourage participants to purchase domestics flights with flexible cancellation policies &/or travel insurance. Birthright Israel and Shorashim will not compensate any domestic flight costs in the event your trip is cancelled. Once your acceptance is fully confirmed, you will need to book a domestic flight unless you are able to drive or take the train to your departure airport. Remember, you must arrive at the ticket counter at least four hours before your flight departs, which means booking flights that that arrive at your departing airport at least five hours before departure. This is to accommodate for the time it will take for you to obtain your baggage, transfer terminals, & connect with your group at the ticket counter of the airline that you are traveling with for your Birthright Israel experience. Please note to account for time changes & pay attention to if your departure/return airports are the same or different when making your travel plans

Joining Your Facebook Group: Stay connected with your group! You will receive an email from us to join your Facebook group. Once you receive this, please make sure to join, as your staff & Shorashim will be sharing important information through this platform. You can also connect with others in your group through the Birthright Israel Mobile App.

Acccessing Your Itinerary: Your itinerary will be available prior to departure in the Birthright Israel Mobile App. You will receive an email, so make sure to add info@shorashim.org. This will also be posted in your Facebook group. Itineraries are subject to change.

Notify Debit/Credit Card Company: Make sure your bank knows of your travel plans. Be sure to check with them about any international fees. With this in mind, we recommend taking out at least $300 in cash to bring with you. Please note that some stops along your journey will be "cash-only", so it is important to have cash.

Social Media: Remember, it's okay to humble brag! If you're posting on social media before, during, or after your experience, make sure to tag us:

Facebook: @Shorashim
Instagram: @ShorashimIsrael
Twitter: @Shorashim
Snapchat: @Shorashim
TikTok: @Shorashim

Our Pinterest boards offer helpful pre-trip resources. Make sure to also connect with our Shorashim LinkedIn company page & join our Shorashim LinkedIn group to expand your network, & see how your Shorashim experience can enrich your resume & professional development, & for other helpful professional resources.

CANCELLATIONS/DEPOSIT REFUND DEADLINES

Birthright Israel allows you to cancel off a confirmed trip at least 35 days before departure without incurring any loss of your deposit. If you change your mind 35 days or more before your scheduled flight, all you need to do is inform Shorashim in writing and ask for a refund of your deposit or that it be carried over to a future season. Cancellations made after the deposit deadline will result in a forfeited deposit.