TERMS AND CONDETIONS
Kindly review these terms and conditions thoroughly prior to utilizing this website. Your access to this site is explicitly dependent on your agreement to the specified terms and conditions. Your use of this site indicates your consent to these terms and conditions. If you disagree with any aspect of the terms and conditions outlined, you are advised not to use this site.
Premium Global Tours Ltd. operates as a tour operator, working with independent contractors who provide transportation, sightseeing arrangements, and hotel accommodations for our tour programs. It is important to note that these contractors are not agents or employees of Premium Global Ltd.
Please be aware that all services provided, and vouchers issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by our suppliers. By utilizing their services, you acknowledge and agree that Premium Global will not be held liable for any changes in flight or itinerary schedules, strikes, delays, acts of governments, fires, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, accidents, losses, injuries, or damages to you or your fellow travelers in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services.
These circumstances may arise directly or indirectly from any occurrence or conditions beyond our control, including defects in vehicles, breakdowns in equipment, thefts, delays, cancellations, or changes in itinerary due to any act, omission, or event that occurs while you are on board the aircraft.
Premium Global Ltd and/or its agents are not liable for any delays in passenger arrivals at airports or resorts due to inclement weather. They are also not responsible for any payment or refund for transfers, unused hotel accommodations, or meals caused by such late arrivals. Passengers are responsible for any losses or expenses incurred as a result. It is recommended that passengers purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances. Premium Global Ltd is not responsible for circumstances beyond its control, including trip cancellations due to acts of war, terrorism, or natural disasters.
Additionally, Premium Global Ltd is not liable for any costs associated with COVID-19 requirements and regulations, such as testing, vaccination certificates, quarantine requirements, etc. Please note that regulations for each country are constantly evolving.
Please take the time to acquaint yourself with the Information for Agents and Tour Organizers, which covers Israel, the Holy Land, Jordan, and Egypt.
Introduction
Please be aware that the information provided below is intended to give you an overview of the tourism industry in the Holy Land (Israel, Jordan, Sinai, and Egypt). Our quotations and operations are based on these conditions. It is important to carefully review this information to familiarize yourself with the current situation. However, please note that the situation in the area is subject to change without notice. We make every effort to keep this information updated, so we recommend checking back periodically.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Index:
1.Hotels
5. Itineraries
7. Payment
8.Fees for Full Group Cancellation
10. Shopping
12. Specific details regarding the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine)
13. Jordan-specific information
14. Information specific to Egypt
1.Hotels
The tourism industry in Israel is currently experiencing a significant surge, while Jordan and Egypt are seeing comparatively less demand. During the high season months of March-May and October-November, the demand for hotels can exceed the limited availability. In Israel/Palestine, the demand is particularly high during Easter (Western and Orthodox Easter) and Jewish Holidays. To ensure a smooth travel experience, we strongly recommend the following:
1. Plan and book your accommodations well in advance (even a year or more ahead is not too early!).
2. Consider visiting during the shoulder and low seasons when the demand is lower, allowing for more availability.
3. Be prepared to make non-refundable deposits to secure your hotel space.
4. Finalize your travel arrangements as early as possible, including group status and rooming lists.
5. Be flexible with your itinerary and hotel preferences. Adjusting your plans to fit the available hotels is often more practical than the other way around.
6. Avoid making changes to your tour once it is booked, such as altering dates, sequence, or hotels.
Agents who are well-organized in advance and willing to make early financial commitments will have an advantage in securing hotel space over others.
Our prices are based on the hotels listed or similar. If the listed hotels are not available, we will find the best alternative. The final hotels used will be confirmed by us. If hotels within the quoted price range are unavailable, there may be a supplement for more expensive hotels.
Please note that Israel does not have a hotel grading system. In Jordan and Egypt, hotel ratings exist but the quality within each category can vary significantly.
A quotation does not guarantee a booking. Once you give us the go-ahead, we will begin the hotel booking process. It is possible that the requested hotels may not be available. Please wait for our confirmation before assuming any hotel bookings. We recommend checking in with us periodically for updates on your booking.
During peak periods or busy seasons, hotels may require non-refundable deposits to secure reservations. Some hotels may even request deposits to be made 1-4 months in advance. Rest assured, we will relay these deposit requests to you. It is important to note that hotels have the right to cancel bookings if payment is not received. In the unfortunate event of a cancellation, we cannot guarantee availability at the same hotel and will arrange the best alternative option for you.
Please be aware that the availability of single rooms is subject to availability. Especially during high season, there may be a limited number of single rooms available in hotels. Some hotels may even restrict the number of single rooms to 10% of the total rooms booked. We advise you to consider this limitation and limit the number of single room requests. If you have a significant number of single room requests, we recommend consulting with us before confirming with the client.
Hotels charge a single room supplement regardless of the reason for the single occupancy. This means that even if a person is forced to stay alone due to the unavailability of a roommate, hotels will still apply the supplement charge.
In most hotels, twin and double rooms are equipped with twin beds. In double rooms, the two beds are typically pushed together to form a larger bed.
Triple rooms, on the other hand, usually have an additional fold-up bed or a mini-sofa bed that can be converted into a bed. However, it's important to note that these extra beds may not be as comfortable as the regular ones. Hotels usually offer a minimal reduction in price for triple occupancy. It is advisable to inform clients about the specific conditions of triple rooms.
Most hotels typically offer a limited selection of bed types, such as King size or Queen size. However, 5-star hotels may have a wider variety available. It is important to note that hotels usually cannot guarantee specific bed types for group bookings. Groups are usually assigned rooms based on availability upon check-in. Pre-booking rooms for groups is generally not an option. On the other hand, individual travelers staying in 5-star hotels may have a better chance of booking a specific room and bed type.
The majority of hotels in Israel do not offer designated non-smoking rooms, except for the Deluxe Five Star Hotels. It is important to note that smoking is strictly prohibited in all hotels across the country.
Hotels offer rooms on a run-of-the-house basis for both groups and individual travelers (FITs). This implies that hotels allocate rooms based on availability during check-in. As a result, you can take advantage of discounted room rates. However, specific requests such as adjoining rooms are subject to availability and hotels are not obligated to fulfill them. While we forward your requests to hotels, we cannot guarantee their fulfillment. To secure such rooms, you would need to make an individual room reservation at higher rates compared to group bookings.
The majority of hotels offer Wi-Fi access in both public areas and rooms. Gradually, an increasing number of hotels are now providing this service free of charge, at least in the lobby. In cases where hotels do charge for Wi-Fi, the cost can range from $2 to $5 per hour and $5 to $20 per day.
The majority of hotels in the Holy Land are Jewish hotels and adhere to kosher guidelines. This implies that there are certain limitations on the provision of food, such as the prohibition of serving dairy and meat products together. Additionally, on Holy days, cooking is not permitted, and only cold plates are served. However, it should be noted that some hotels in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho, which fall under the Palestinian Authority areas, are not kosher. Furthermore, hotels in Jordan and Egypt also do not follow kosher practices.
In addition to the dietary restrictions, it is important to mention that hotels generally have a policy of not allowing guests to bring outside food and drinks into the premises for consumption.
In Jordan and Egypt, it is common for hotels not to offer tap water during meals, instead opting to sell pricey bottled water. Despite our efforts, this practice has remained unchanged.
Half Board packages are designed around exclusive hotel prices for Half Board (HB) accommodations. Unless otherwise specified, all breakfasts and dinners are provided at the hotels. It is important to note that opting out of these meals may result in minimal or no reduction or refund of the special HB rate. Additionally, dining outside the hotels will incur higher expenses as restaurant dinners tend to be pricier and involve additional transportation costs.
Hotels typically do not cater to individual meal or dietary preferences (such as nut-free or gluten-free) due to the high volume of guests they serve daily. While we strive to accommodate specific dietary requests, it is important to note that restaurant staff may not always be trained to handle such requests. Guests are advised to take personal responsibility for their dietary needs and carefully monitor the food they consume. In many cases, meals are served buffet-style, allowing guests to choose dishes that align with their dietary requirements.
Many hotels require a minimum of 15 paying guests to qualify as a group. However, certain hotels may have an even higher minimum requirement. If the group falls below 15 individuals, some hotels may switch to charging FIT rates instead of group rates, which could result in higher costs. Feel free to reach out to us if your group is expected to have less than 15 people.
Hotels must receive confirmation of group status no later than 60 days before the arrival date. Rooming lists must be submitted at least 30 days prior to arrival. During peak seasons, hotels may request this information earlier.
Porterage is a complimentary service provided by hotels and is covered by a service fee. While most hotel porters also appreciate tips from guests, these additional payments are optional.
Air Conditioning: In most hotels, there is a single set of pipes that is used for both heating and air conditioning. As a result, hotels are unable to offer both heating and air conditioning at the same time. Typically, hotels switch from air conditioning to heating in the Fall and from heating to air conditioning in the Spring. However, this switchover process is quite complex and takes around 2-3 days to complete. Consequently, hotels face difficulties in providing air conditioning or heating during this transition period. For instance, if the hotel is set to heating and there is a sudden hot weather spell, the rooms may become uncomfortably warm without any air conditioning. Unfortunately, this is a common practice among most hotels and there is little that can be done to address this issue. Only a select few high-end hotels with a dual piping system are able to offer both air conditioning and heating.
Please be informed that the standard check-in time at hotels is usually 2:00 pm or later. However, early check-in is subject to availability upon arrival and cannot be guaranteed. To ensure early check-in, it is necessary to pay for the room night from the previous night before arrival.
In certain Jewish hotels, late check-in is only permitted after the conclusion of Shabbat on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays. This policy is particularly observed in resort areas like the Dead Sea, Tiberias, the coast, and Eilat. The reason behind this practice is that religious Jews are unable to check out before the end of the Sabbath, resulting in hotel rooms becoming available later. As hotels operate based on this principle, we are unable to make any alterations to this policy.
Hotels typically have a check-out time ranging from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. It is uncommon for hotels to offer late check-out, and if you wish to secure this option, you will need to pay for an extra night.
Hotels may encounter situations of overbooking, where they have more confirmed rooms than available. In such cases, the hotel may need to relocate a group to another hotel of equal or higher standard. While we, as agents, may oppose this decision, we must acknowledge that the law permits hotels to make such changes. As a land operator, we cannot be held liable for these circumstances. It is important to consider this when organizing trips to the area.
Deluxe hotels have the option to relocate a reservation in the event of a State Visit. An example of this occurred during President Obama's visit in 2013, when the King David Hotel canceled all existing reservations to accommodate President Obama and his entourage. It is important to note that this practice is permitted by Israeli law, although it is not a common occurrence.
Please ensure that the final rooming list is submitted to us at least 40 days prior to the group's arrival. During peak season, some hotels may require the rooming list or status up to 4 months in advance.
The Holy Land is currently experiencing a surge in demand, surpassing the available hotel rooms. To address this issue, we recommend the following strategies:
1. Consider moving your business operations to the low season, where there is more availability, lower prices, and fewer crowds at tourist sites.
2. Plan ahead by finalizing group details well in advance, including rooming lists and the program. Some companies are submitting rooming lists up to 4 months before the group's arrival. Working ahead increases the chances of securing space.
3. Be prepared to make non-refundable deposits to secure hotel space.
4. Stay flexible with hotel choices and the order of the itinerary when making bookings. It's easier to adjust the program to match available space rather than the other way around.
5. Once a tour is booked and hotels are confirmed, avoid making changes. Altering the program or hotel arrangements could result in losing the reserved space and creating complications.
Hotels often have exorbitant prices for telephone calls, mini bar items, drinks, and other extras. However, there is an alternative option available in the form of telephone sims or telephone cards that can be used in each country. It's worth noting that certain hotels may impose additional fees for telephone access, meaning even dialing a toll-free number can result in charges. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly review all costs and charges before utilizing a hotel telephone or consuming items from the hotel. It is important to mention that we are unable to mediate in any disputes regarding charges between a client and the hotel.
2.Restaurants:
Our lunches are typically served at local tourist restaurants, most of which are self-service and offer a starter, main course, and fruit. Some restaurants have a fixed menu.
Drinks are not included in the meals. The selection of restaurants is based on various factors:
- Location: Restaurants must be conveniently located near the visited sites or along the route.
- Parking & Access: Restaurants should have parking facilities and be accessible for buses.
- Seating capacity: Restaurants must be able to accommodate groups. - Speed of service: Quick service is essential to ensure that meal times do not cut into sightseeing time.
- Price
- Cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Availability of adequate and clean restroom facilities.
Please note that specific restaurant requests may result in additional costs if they exceed our budgeted options.
Restaurants typically do not cater to individual meal or dietary preferences (such as no nuts, gluten-free, etc.) due to the high volume of customers they serve daily. While we strive to accommodate any specific dietary requests, please understand that restaurant staff may not always be trained to handle these requests. It is the responsibility of the customers to manage their own dietary needs and to personally verify and take responsibility for the food they consume.
Typically, dinners take place at the hotel. Hotels offer a discounted Half Board rate, with no price reduction for missed meals like dinner or breakfast.
Opting for a meal outside the hotel may result in additional costs (in Jordan and the Holy Land).
Normally, dinners are held at the hotel. Hotels provide a special Half Board package, where skipping a meal (dinner or breakfast) does not lead to a reduced price. Therefore, having a meal outside the hotel could incur extra expenses (in Jordan and the Holy Land).
3.Transportation:
All of our transportation providers utilize fully licensed tourist vehicles that adhere to government regulations.
Bus Size: In the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), quotations are based on the utilization of a 14–19-seater coach for groups of up to 15 individuals. For groups of 16 to 25 people, a 33- or 50-seater coach is used, and for larger groups of up to 50 individuals, we provide large 50+ seater coaches. Please note that the largest coach size available is a 59-seater bus.
In Jordan and Egypt, quotations are based on the prices for buses that accommodate the group with a few spare seats (18-, 25-, 35-, and 50-seater buses). If you require a large coach for a small group, there will be an additional charge. The maximum group size that can be accommodated by a large coach is 50 in Jordan and 48 in Egypt.
Our pricing is per bus load. For groups exceeding 50 passengers, two buses and two guides will be required, and the price will be determined based on the number of passengers in each bus. For example, a group of 64 passengers will be divided into two buses with 32 passengers each, and the billing will be based on the 32-passenger rate.
Generally, the larger buses (50+) offer a more comfortable experience compared to the smaller ones. There are a limited number of small "Deluxe" or VIP buses available at an additional cost.
In Israel, most buses are equipped with Wifi for your convenience.
4.Gratuities and Tips
Please be aware that tips are not included in our quotations unless specified. It is important to note that tipping is customary in the region and serves as a significant source of income for individuals working in the tourism industry. Furthermore, our guides and drivers are known for their exceptional service and have a remarkable memory, especially for those who provide generous tips!
For groups, we recommend the following tipping schedule:
- Guide: $10 - $13 per person per day
- Driver: $7 per person per day
- Hotels: $3 per person per day
- Restaurants: $2 per person per restaurant
For FITs (Free Independent Travelers) or individual travelers, we suggest the following tipping schedule:
- Guide: $30 - $35 per person per day
- Driver: $20 - $25 per person per day
Please note that porterage at hotels is already included and paid for directly by us to the hotels. However, it is not uncommon for porters to request an additional tip. The decision to provide one is entirely up to you.
5. Itineraries
The quotation provided is typically based on an afternoon/evening arrival and morning departure, unless otherwise specified. Please note that no sightseeing activities are included on the first and last day, unless explicitly mentioned.
It is important to understand that any itinerary discussed with a quote is intended as a guideline and not a binding contract. There are numerous factors to consider, such as religious holidays (Muslim, Christian, Jewish), national holidays, Eastern and Western Churches, political events, traffic, and crowds, which make it challenging to plan for every contingency. Additionally, some sites do not announce special events or timings in advance. Therefore, the guide may need to adjust the sequence of visits based on local conditions, including crowd levels, traffic conditions, and special events. Our goal is always to ensure that the group visits all the sites mentioned in the itinerary. If, for any reason, certain sites are not visited, we will gladly refund any entrance fees saved.
Timed Itineraries & Sequence: We do not recommend providing clients with timed itineraries, as it can be difficult to adhere to them due to local conditions. The duration of visits can vary significantly, especially with the increasing popularity of Holy Land tourism. There may be instances where groups arrive at a site only to find long queues, particularly at the Holy Sepulcher and Church of Nativity, which can disrupt the planned timing. Other factors that can cause delays include restaurant queues, checkpoints, and slower clients. Therefore, our guides often adjust the sequence of the program to optimize the time spent at each site for the clients' benefit. For example, if they receive information about a crowded site, they may rearrange the order of visits to arrive at the site later when it is less busy.
In the event that clients are provided with timed itineraries but local conditions prevent the group from adhering to them, there is a possibility of receiving complaints. Therefore, we strongly advise against implementing timed programs. Our guides possess extensive experience and their ultimate goal is to ensure that all the sites mentioned in the program are visited in the most convenient manner for the group.
On certain occasions, unforeseen circumstances such as delays or large crowds may prevent the group from visiting all the sites listed on the itinerary. We are more than willing to refund any unused entrance fees, however, we cannot provide any additional refunds or assume any further responsibility.
Please note that certain services, including the Tunnel, Yad Vashem, Masses, High Mass, Solemn Entry, etc, tend to be fully booked and are subject to availability. Currently, the demand for these services exceeds the supply. It is highly recommended to book the Tunnel visit at least 6 months in advance. The time allocated for the visit is determined by the management of the Tunnel and cannot be adjusted. We are obligated to accept the assigned times and have no flexibility in setting them. It is not uncommon for visits to take place very early in the morning or late at night.
Mass, High Mass, and Solemn Entry reservations are typically made available for booking 2-4 weeks in advance. However, please note that these reservations are not guaranteed and are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Christian Information Centre is responsible for setting these reservations.
It is important to mention that Solemn Entry must be scheduled before any visit to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. However, please be aware that it is not possible to schedule Solemn Entry on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or certain Christian Feast days.
Please be advised that opening times of sites may change without prior notice. Additionally, there may be specific feasts or occasions during which these sites may close unexpectedly. Unfortunately, we may not always be notified of these changes
and cannot assume responsibility for them.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that cities often experience events such as marches, parades, marathons, and other activities that may disrupt traffic. We make every effort to accommodate these situations and minimize any inconvenience caused.
6. Pricing & Rates:
Fluctuating exchange rates, increasing fuel and food prices, and high demand in the region are causing price fluctuations. We are unable to absorb the rising costs from suppliers, leading to a general trend of price increases for services to Israel.
Please refrain from comparing the new prices with the old ones, as there are continuous price adjustments along with seasonal variations, year-to-year changes, and other factors.
All price quotes are based on the availability of hotels within the specified price range. The final price may change until the hotel accommodation is confirmed. If the hotels confirm at a higher rate than our initial quote, we will adjust the pricing accordingly.
Our offers are valid for 21 days from the date of the offer. Once you approve the booking, we will proceed with hotel reservations. In case the hotels confirm at a rate higher than our contract, we will need to provide a new quote. Our pricing is contingent upon hotel availability at the contracted rate.
Variations from group itineraries: Please be aware that any discounts for unused services due to passengers deviating from the group schedule (such as early departures or late arrivals) are minimal
This is because group services are pre-booked, and accommodating deviations requires additional effort that must be factored into the pricing.
In rare instances, like significant currency fluctuations, fuel price hikes, or the introduction of new taxes, we may experience sudden rate adjustments with little warning. We reserve the right to transfer these sudden cost increases to our customers.
7. Payment:
In order to secure your reservation, a deposit of 50% is required one month prior to your arrival. The remaining balance must be paid in full at least 14 days before your group's arrival. Please note that payment can only be made through wire transfer or bank draft.
During peak periods or busy seasons, hotels may require non-refundable deposits to ensure the availability of rooms. Some hotels may even request deposits as early as 1-4 months in advance. We will relay any such requests to you promptly. It is important to note that hotels have the right to cancel bookings if payment is not received. In the event of a cancellation, and if the booking is still confirmed, we will do our best to secure accommodations at an alternative hotel, although availability cannot be guaranteed.
8.Fees for Full Group Cancellation:
For cancellations made 31+ days prior to the tour, there will be no charge except for any prior non-refundable deposits required by hotels.
For cancellations made 15-30 days prior to the tour, 50% of the tour fee will be charged.
For cancellations made 07-14 days prior to the tour, 75% of the tour fee will be charged.
For cancellations made 00-07 days prior to the tour, 100% of the tour fee (full cancellation fees) will be charged.
For cancellations of up to 20% of the group size, the following cancellation schedule will be applied:
For cancellations made 31+ days prior to the tour, there will be no charge.
For cancellations made 15-30 days prior to the tour, 50% of the tour fee will be charged.
For cancellations made 07-14 days prior to the tour, 75% of the tour fee will be charged.
For cancellations made 00-07 days prior to the tour, 100% of the tour fee (full cancellation fees) will be charged.
The cancellation policy for individual bookings (FIT) remains consistent with the information provided above.
For cancellations made 31 or more days prior to the tour, there will be no charge.
Cancellations made between 15 and 30 days before the tour will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the tour fee.
If the cancellation is made between 7 and 14 days before the tour, a cancellation fee of 75% of the tour fee will be applied.
For cancellations made within 7 days of the tour, the full tour fee will be charged as a cancellation fee (100% of the tour fee).
We highly recommend that clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for cancellations.
Please be aware that during certain peak season periods, hotels may require a non-refundable deposit to secure hotel space. If such a deposit is requested, we will promptly inform you and provide
the option to release the hotel space instead of incurring the obligation. Please note that these deposits are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.
Note we have never imposed any cancellation fees for cancellations resulting from a major conflict outbreak in the area. The tourism sector typically shows understanding towards cancellations due to conflict and waives all cancellation charges.
9.Border Regulations & Visas
Tourists visiting Israel, Jordan, and Egypt must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. While border officials may not always enforce this rule if there are a few months left until the passport expires, travelers should be aware of the risks if they choose to take a chance.
Departure taxes in Israel are calculated in NIS at the start of each year and are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
In 2024, the exit taxes for different border crossings are as follows:
- Allenby Bridge: $54 per person (NIS 197 per person)
- Taba, Arava & Sheikh Hussein: $31 per person (NIS 113 per person)
The exit tax at land borders in Jordan is currently JOD10 per person, which is approximately $15 per person. However, please note that this amount is subject to change.
It is important to know that tourists are currently exempt from paying the exit tax if they leave Jordan on the same day they arrive or the day after their arrival. However, if you stay in Jordan for two nights or more, the exit tax will be applicable.
For airport departures in both Israel and Jordan, the departure taxes are paid through the airline ticket.
In regards to entering Israel, some clients may prefer not to have their passports stamped. Since early 2013, the policy in Israel is to issue travelers with a personalized printed card instead of stamping their passports. This card contains a scanned copy of your passport photo, your name, and the date of entry. It is important to keep this card with your passport throughout your stay in Israel as it serves as proof of entry and may be required at Israeli checkpoints. Additionally, you will need to present this card when leaving Israel.
If you do wish to have a stamp in your passport, the authorities will still provide it upon request.
Please be aware that the regulations may change, and we advise you to inform the authorities that you prefer not to have your passport stamped. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide assistance within the immigration terminal or influence Israeli Immigration practices. Based on our experience, it is not common for Israeli Authorities to refrain from stamping passports. However, we have not encountered any incidents where passports were stamped against the wishes of tourists in the past decade. It is important to note that we cannot assume any responsibility if your document does get stamped.
Please note that passports are not stamped at Allenby Bridge/King Hussein Bridge in Jordan. However, passports are stamped at Jordan River Crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge) and Rabin Crossing (Arava). If requested, they may stamp a separate piece of paper instead of your passport. Once again, we cannot be held accountable if your document is stamped in any way.
Visas to Israel: certain nationalities require visas in advance to enter Israel. We are able to assist with group visa applications, which require a minimum of 10 people. However, we are unable to apply for individual visas, except for nationals of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
The processing time for Israeli visa applications is at least 12 working days (6 weeks for Muslims) through the Ministry of Interior. We recommend submitting the passport details at least 20 working days in advance (or one month during Jewish Holidays). Please note that visa issuance is at the discretion of the Ministry of Interior, and they may reject all or part of the application without explanation (although this is rare). We are not liable for any visa rejections by the Ministry of Interior.
Please wait for confirmation from us before assuming the visa is approved. The decision to grant a visa lies with the Ministry of Interior in Israel, and they may refuse or delay the process. If you do not receive updates from us, please reach out to inquire about the status of your visa application.
Please be aware that the visa fee for Israel is a processing fee paid to the Ministry of Interior and is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Entry to Israel is subject to the discretion of the Israeli government, and they reserve the right to refuse entry, although this is rare. We are not liable for any entry refusals to the Holy Land.
Visas for Jordan can be obtained at entry points to the country for $60. Groups of at least 5 people arriving through a local travel agent and staying a minimum of two consecutive nights after arrival may qualify for a free group visa. It is required that groups arrive and depart together, and a Passport manifest must be provided in advance for group visa processing.
Please note that groups arriving in Jordan but not staying for two consecutive nights immediately upon arrival will be required to pay the visa fee.
Certain nationalities, typically from less affluent countries, are required to obtain prior approval from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior in order to enter Jordan. Please contact us for further details.
Note that Allenby Bridge or King Hussein Bridge is not an authorized entry point to Jordan. Tourists are unable to obtain Jordan visas at Allenby Bridge. Please reach out to us for more information. It is important to confirm with us that restricted nationalities have obtained permission before their arrival. For additional information on Allenby Bridge, please contact us.
Groups arriving at a port of entry in Jordan, such as the airport, and then crossing the Allenby Bridge or King Hussein Bridge to the Holy Land, have the option to return via Allenby Bridge to Jordan. They can utilize the visa they received in Jordan initially, as long as it is still valid. For instance, tourists who receive a 1-month visa at the airport can re-enter Jordan at Allenby within that 1-month period without having to pay an additional visa fee. It is important to note that this rule only applies when leaving Jordan and re-entering at Allenby.
Visas for Egypt can be obtained upon entry into the country, with a cost of $15 per person (excluding certain exempt nationalities). Some nationalities, particularly those from less
affluent countries, are subject to restrictions and must obtain prior approval from the Egyptian Ministry of Interior to enter Egypt, with an additional processing fee. For more details, please reach out to us for further information.
Security delays occasionally occur at the port of entry due to Israeli Authorities. Please note that we cannot be held accountable for these delays or any resulting consequences.
10. Shopping:
Some stores in Israel provide VAT refunds for tourists, but not all stores participate in this program. Stores in Bethlehem or Jericho do not offer VAT refunds. It is the responsibility of the client to verify.
If a store offers this service and to make necessary arrangements. We are not liable for any issues related to VAT refunds. Make sure to have your passport and entry card with you. Refunds can be processed at border points. Keep in mind that your group's schedule may restrict the time available for VAT refund processing. There are speculations that Israel may discontinue this facility in the future.
11.Syria and Lebanon
restrictions on tourists who have previously visited Israel. Entry to these countries will be denied if there are Israeli stamps or Jordanian border stamps from crossing points to Israel in the passport. It is advised to plan a tour that includes Syria/Lebanon and Israel by visiting Syria first before traveling to Israel. Additionally, it is important to make sure that clients do not have Israeli stamps in their passports.
12. Specific details regarding the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine):
Israeli regulations prohibit Israeli Jewish guides from entering Palestinian Authority (PA) territories like Bethlehem or Jericho. However, there are guides with special authorization who can accompany visitors in these areas. We are able to organize for a local guide to accompany clients in PA territories.
13. Jordan-specific information:
The Bedouin community in Wadi Rum manages the operation of the jeeps, which are typically old Toyota pick-up trucks with open backs. The allocation of jeeps is done on a rotational basis, so we have no control over which jeeps our group will receive.
During the visit to Petra, be prepared for a significant amount of walking, as it usually takes around 2-3 hours to explore the area.
The guides in Petra usually cover popular sites like the Treasury, Amphitheatre, paved street, and Qasr Al Bint. However, they typically do not take groups to more distant places such as the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice.
In Petra, there are horse-drawn carriages available that can take you down to the Treasury. However, please note that there is an additional charge for this service. Only 6 carriages are available, and they cannot be booked in advance, so their availability upon arrival in Petra is subject to availability. During busy times, there may be a wait of up to 2 hours for a turn with the carriages.
Please be aware that the
horse fee in Petra is mandatory for all groups, regardless of whether you choose to ride the horse or not. The horse ride covers a distance of approximately 1 kilometer to the beginning of the Siq and is only one-way. It is important to note that there have been incidents of tourists falling off horses, so we do not recommend taking the horse ride in Petra. Riding the horse is at your own risk. Additionally, the horsemen in Petra usually expect or demand a tip of $3-$5 per person.
14. Information specific to Egypt:
Climbing to the top of Mt Sinai is a demanding trek that requires approximately 3 hours to ascend and 2 hours to descend. We strongly advise against attempting this unless you are physically fit and accustomed to long walks.
Alternatively, there is an option to utilize camels for part of the journey up the mountain. These camels are provided by the local Bedouin community and cannot be reserved in advance. They operate on a rotational basis and cost an additional $20 per person, along with a tip for the camel handler. However, it is important to note that riding a camel carries some inherent risks, as there have been instances where clients have fallen off and sustained injuries. Therefore, we do not recommend opting for the camel option. Should any client choose to ride a camel, they do so at their own risk.
Typically, Egyptian guides do not accompany the group during the ascent of Mt Sinai. Instead, another representative from our company will be present to assist you.
