If you are visiting Israel for a diplomatic delegation, a commerce delegation, or an educational delegation, careful logistics and planning are essential to have a smooth, productive, and culturally respectful visit. Visiting another country is an adventure, and coming to Israel presents its complexities, given the sense of history synonymous with the land, distinct cultural experiences, cutting-edge innovation, and serious sociopolitical considerations.
If you're overwhelmed with where to start, let us plan everything for you. Whether you are interested in promoting collaboration with an Israeli academic institution or visiting startup companies in Israel, we will take care of everything for you.
Clarifying Objectives and Planning the Itinerary
All successful visits and delegations start with clarity of purpose and planning. Clearly state the purpose of the delegation visit. Are you meeting for diplomatic purposes, business networking, cultural exchange, or educational tours? Whatever you are meeting for, clearly stating the purpose of the group will help you plan your itinerary. The key for you as the organizer is to prioritize locations and sites relative to the specificity of the group's focus. Below is a detailed visiting plan:
Clearly define the delegation group's purpose (e.g., trade, diplomacy, interfaith dialogue)..
Select key sites for your group (e.g., Jerusalem for its historical and religious significance, Tel Aviv to observe innovation and industry, etc.).
Arrange meetings with government officials, Knesset members, tech startups, etc. (if possible).
Designate time for cultural experiences (e.g., the Western Wall, the Yad Vashem Memorial, etc.).
Check in with groups such as Mazada Tours or Tourist Israel for customized itineraries or professional guides licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism.
Logistics and the Law
Israel's entry and security requirements involve numerous details. Ensure that all participants have a valid passport (with at least six months' validity from the date of departure) and that they have met any applicable visa requirements. Citizens from the U.S., Canada, and the EU typically will get a tourist visa for three months on arrival for free, but it's best to check on behalf of your group. Below is a detailed logistical checklist. If you plan your delegation trip with WeRIsrael, we will handle all these logistics, including booking your flights and ensuring you have transportation when needed.
Book flights to Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's only major airport, preferably as a group to receive any available discounts.
Book accommodation before your arrival. Consider proximity to major sites (for example, hotels in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv).
Arrange transportation. Private drivers offer flexibility, a group bus service for larger delegations, and public transport for groups with limited budgets.
Cultural and Diplomatic Preparation
It is essential to understand that Israel's pluralistic society has Jewish, Arab, and other communities, so cultural awareness must be taken seriously. Adhere to the following:
Your participants should be made aware of local customs, dress codes (long pants and covered shoulders for religious sites), or how to engage in respectful discourse (it is essential to remain apolitical and neutral in conversations on political or religious topics).
Hold pre-trip workshops to prepare all the delegates with information about Israel's history, current events, and cultural practices, as organizations like Shleimut do.
Establish multilingual guides (i.e., English, Hebrew, and Arabic) to facilitate inclusion.
Organize Your Delegation Visit to Israel with WeRIsrael
Putting together a delegation visit to Israel can be time-consuming and complex. WeRIsrael can assist you through this complex process by organizing everything from start to finish, including handling transportation and logistics. Our team will coordinate an itinerary tailored to each delegation's visit. We also possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the complex geopolitical and cultural frameworks throughout Israel, ensuring that you and your delegates have a safe, relevant, and impactful experience.