Where to transit to Israel (I-xra-en)? Important notes when transiting

WARNING CURRENT SECURITY SITUATION – READ CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING

Due to the Gaza conflict and the complex evolving regional security situation, many flights to Israel have been canceled or delayed. Most governments, including Vietnam, advise citizens to carefully consider traveling to Israel at this time.

Israel, the "Holy Land" of three major world religions, is a unique intersection of ancient history and modern technology. From sacred Jerusalem with the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to vibrant Tel Aviv with its Mediterranean beaches, from the mysterious Negev Desert to the miraculous Dead Sea, Israel offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience.There are no direct flights from Vietnam, so transit through Europe or the Middle East is mandatory.

Extremely important note on the consequences of traveling to Israel:

• Israel does not stamp passportssince 2013, only issuingBorder Control Card(a separate entry card)
• You may still be denied entryto some Arab countries if there is evidence of a previous visit to Israel
• Travel history to Arab countriesmay be thoroughly checked upon entry to Israel

Overview of the Israeli aviation system

Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)near Tel Aviv is the main and only gateway serving regular international flights, located 20km from Tel Aviv and 50km from Jerusalem. It is one of the airports withthe strictest security in the worldwith special inspection procedures.

Main Airlines:

• El Al: Israel's flag carrier, renowned for its security
• International Airline: Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Austrian Airlines

Most popular transit points

Europe (Most stable option)

Frankfurt (FRA), Germany:

• Important notes for transit to Nicaragua has daily flights to Tel Aviv (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: Europe's largest hub, good connections from Singapore/Bangkok, stable
• Disadvantages: Crowded airport, long transit times
• Example of average level:: Schengen visa needed if leaving the airside

Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands:

• KLM has daily flights (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: Schiphol Airport is friendly, excellent connections from Vietnam
• Disadvantages: Potential delays due to weather

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France:

• Paris (France): has direct flights (4.5 hours)
• Advantages: Has direct flights from Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines
• Disadvantages: Complex airport

Vienna (VIE), Austria:

• Austrian Airlines daily flights (3.5 hours)
• Advantages: Efficient airport, less congestion, good Austria-Israel relations

London Heathrow (LHR), UK:

• British Airways, El Al has daily flights (5 hours)
• Note: Vietnamese citizens often needUK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

Middle East (Requires monitoring)

Istanbul (IST), Turkey:

• Hanoi Istanbul Amman daily flights (3.5 hours)
• Advantages: Competitive prices, good connections from Vietnam, modern airport
• Note: Turkish-Israeli relations might be tense
• Transit Visa: Not required if transiting airside for under 24 hours

has 4-5 daily flights (1.5 hours)

• Emirates, flydubai has flights (when operating) to Tel Aviv (3.5 hours)
• Advantages: Modern airport, many flights from Asia
• Note: Might be affected by regional situation

daily flights to CGK, DPS (8-9 hours)

• For longer international journeys, you can fly by  has flights (3 hours)
• Advantages: Premium service, modern Hamad airport
• Note: Situation may change

Other hubs

Athens (ATH), Greece:

• Aegean Airlines, El Al has regular flights (2.5 hours)
• Advantages: Close to Israel, less politically affected

Suggested route from Vietnam

Option 1: Via Frankfurt (Most Stable)

Vietnam → Singapore/Bangkok → Frankfurt FRA → Tel Aviv TLV

• Hãng : Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
• Time: 15-18 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.400-2.500$USD
• Advantages: Stable, wide network, Star Alliance

Option 2: Via Amsterdam

Vietnam → Amsterdam AMS → Tel Aviv TLV

• Hãng : KLM (possibly same ticket)
• Time: 13-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.300-2.300$USD
• Advantages: KLM has good connections from Vietnam

Option 3: Via Istanbul

Vietnam → Istanbul IST → Tel Aviv TLV

• Hãng : Turkish Airlines
• Time: 12-16 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.000-2.000$USD
• Advantages: Best price, good service
• Note: Monitor the political situation

Option 4: Via Vienna

Vietnam → Bangkok/Tokyo → Vienna VIE → Tel Aviv TLV

• Time: 15-18 hours + layover
• Cost: $1.200-2.200$USD
• Advantages: Efficient airport, less congestion

Safe transit time

Same ticket/same alliance:

• Europe (FRA/AMS/VIE/CDG): Minimum $2.5-3$ hours
• Istanbul: Minimum $2-2.5$ hours
• London: Minimum $3-3.5$ hours

Other tickets (self-transfer):

• Châu Âu: Minimum $5-6$ hours
• Istanbul: Minimum $4-5$ hours
• Special: Additional$2-3$Arrive at TLV airport early

Important notebefore departure due to strict security checks.3-4 hoursVietnam citizens are visa-exempt for 90 days

Visa and required documents

Visa exemption for Israel – a big advantage:

and have at least 2 blank pages(required for entry)

Required documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages
• Round-trip air ticketTravel insurance
• Proof of financial means: $50$ USD/day or$1.500$ USD total
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Travel insurancesince 2013

Border Control Card – Extremely important:

• Israel does not stamp passportsa separate entry card
• with a barcode- needed when leaving Israel and proving legal status: Avoid difficulties when traveling to Arab countries
• Keep carefully – needed when leaving Israel and proving legal status
• Advantages: Avoid difficulties when arriving in Arab countries

Special entry process:

Israel has the world's strictest security checks:

• Security Interview: All travelers are asked detailed questions
• Baggage Check: Items may be opened and inspected individually
• Time: 1-3 hours depending on the case
• Attitude: Always be honest, calm, and cooperative

Common Airport Questions:

• Purpose of your trip?
• Length of your stay?
• Who is paying for your trip?
• Do you know anyone in Israel?
• Have you visited any Arab countries?

Security and safety – Extremely important

Current Security Situation:

• Gaza Conflict: Rocket attacks, airstrikes
• Dangerous Areas: Gaza Strip, West Bank, Lebanon/Syria border
• Iron Dome: Missile defense system but not 100% effective
• Air raid siren: Frequent, need to know how to respond

Relatively safe areas:

• Tel Aviv center: Main tourist area
• Jerusalem West: Modern Jewish area
• Haifa: Northern industrial city
• Eilat: Red Sea resort

Responding to alerts:

• Red Alert (Tzeva Adom): Missile alert – you have 15-90 seconds to find shelter
• Shelter/Safe room: Find a safe room or shelter
• Red Alert Israel app: Mandatory download for alerts

Personal safety measures:

• Avoid crowds, protests
• Always have an evacuation plan
• Register with the Embassy
• Follow 24/7 news
• Emergency number: 100(police)101(emergency)102(fire)

Health and insurance

Vaccinations:

No mandatory vaccination requirements from Vietnam to Israel.

Recommendation:

• Hepatitis A, B: For all travelers
• Typhoid feverImportant
• Tetanus : Booster update
• COVID-19Follow the latest regulations

Special health insurance:

• MandatoryInsurance covers"acts of war", "civil unrest"
• Minimum: $100.000$USD
• ImportantEmergency evacuation, war trauma treatment
• NoteMany regular insurances exclude conflict zones

Currency and costs

Currency:

• OfficialNew Israeli Shekel (NIS/ILS)
• Exchange rate: $1USD\approx 3.7NIS$(fluctuates with the situation)
• FeaturesIsrael is one of the most expensive countries in the world

Estimated costs from Vietnam:

Round-trip air ticket: $1.000-2.600$USD (can be higher due to the situation)

Accommodation (per night):

• Hostel: $30-60$USD
• Mid-range hotel: $100-200$USD
• Upscale hotel: $250-500$USD

Food and drink (per meal):

• Street food/falafel: $5-10$USD
• Casual dining: $15-25$USD
• Mid-range restaurant: $30-50$USD
• Fine dining: $60-100$USD

Transportation:

• Public bus: $1.5-3$USD/ride
• Taxis: $10-30$ USD in the city
• Car Rental: $40-80$USD/day

Activities:

• Western Wall: Free
• Yad Vashem: Free
• Masada + Dead Sea tour: $80-120$USD
• Jerusalem Old City tour: $50-80$USD

Estimated 7-day cost: $1.500-3.000$ USD/person

Payment methods:

• Credit cards: Widely accepted
• Cash: Required for markets, tipping
• ATMs: Ubiquitous
• Shabbat (Saturday): Many services are closed from Friday evening to Saturday evening

Culture and religion

Religion:

• Jewish: 75% of the population
• Islam: 18% (mostly Arab Israelis)
• Christianity: 2%
• Druze: 1.5%

Languages:

• Hebrew: Official language
• Arabic: Second official language
• English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Shabbat – Important to know:

From Friday evening to Saturday evening:

• Most shops and restaurants are closed
• Public transport is not operating
• Only taxis and Uber are running (more expensive)
• Prepare in advance: Buy food, charge your phone

Important Jewish Holidays:

• Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year (September-October)
• Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement – the entire country stopsPassover
• 20−25°C: Passover (March-April)

Best time (when things are stable)

Spring (March-May) – Ideal:

• Weather: $20-25°C$, most pleasant
• Advantages: Flowers bloom, perfect weather, little rain
• Note: Passover may affect services

Autumn (October-November) – Good:

• Weather: $22-28°C$, warm
• Advantages: After the hot season, the sea is still warm
• Note: Important Jewish festivals

Summer (June-September) – Hot:

• Weather: $28-35°C$, very hot and dry
• Advantages: Beautiful sea, long days
• Disadvantages: Extremely hot, most expensive

Winter (December-February):

• Weather: $5-15°C$, rainy
• Advantages: Few tourists, low prices
• Disadvantages: Bad weather, short days

Preparation checklist

Documents:

• Passport valid for 6+ months with 2-3 blank pages
• Round-trip flight ticket (must have)
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Proof of financial means (bank statement)
• Insurance covers “acts of war”

Security and communication:

• Red Alert Israel app (required)
• List of shelters near accommodation
• Emergency phone number
• Register with the Vietnamese Embassy

Health:

• Special war insurance
• Personal medications with English prescription
• Basic first-aid kit

Finance:

• USD/EUR Credit Card + Cash
• Contingency fund for emergencies
• Money for Shabbat taxi (more expensive)

Technology:

• Type C/H Adapter (Israel has its own standard)
• Israel SIM or roaming
• High-capacity power bank
• Useful apps:
  • Red Alert: Missile alert
  • Waze: GPS (developed in Israel)
  • Moovit: Public transport

Conclusion and recommendations

Israel is a destination of deep spiritual and historical significance, but it is currently in a complex security situation. Traveling to Israel requires very careful consideration.

Optimal transit route (when the situation is stable):

• Frankfurt (Lufthansa): Most stable, extensive network
• : Direct connection from Vietnam: Good connections from Vietnam
• Vienna (Austrian): Efficient airport, good Austria-Israel relations
• Istanbul (Turkish): Good price but need to monitor the political situation

Absolute preparations needed:

• Monitor the situation daily through international news
• War Insurance mandatory
• Red Alert app and understand how to respond
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Contingency budget large for unexpected situations

Advantage of Vietnamese citizens:

• Visa exemption for 90 days– a great advantage
• Border Control Card instead of stamping passports
• Avoid some issues with Arab countries

Strong recommendation:

• Only travel when the situation is completely stable
• Register with the Embassy before and during the trip
• Always have an exit plan from Israelwithin 24-48 hours
• Avoid sensitive areas (Gaza, West Bank, borders)
• Follow security advisories from governments

Israel can offer a unique spiritual and cultural experience, but personal safety is always the top priority. Only travel after carefully considering all risks and being fully prepared.

Warning: The Israel-Palestine situation changes very rapidly. Always check the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, airlines, and reliable news sources before deciding to travel. Personal safety is more important than any travel plans.