Answer: We recommend MissionSafe because we are confident their options will provide hassle-free coverage should you need it.
Answer: No. Insurance coverage is at your discretion and is your sole responsibility. However, we highly recommend you purchase both medical and trip cancellation/interruption coverage for peace of mind should something unforeseen occur.
Answer: No. Medicare and Medicaid coverage is NOT sufficient.
Answer: No. Medical coverage verification is your sole responsibility, please contact your insurance provider directly.
Answer: If you choose to not purchase optional trip cancellation coverage and your trip is cancelled, interrupted or delayed due to personal illness, natural disaster, medical advisory, etc., or an airline-imposed flight change, delay, or cancellation or any other travel contingency, you are solely responsible for any additional costs / cancellation fees that may be incurred since such contingencies are out of Discovery’s control. We recommend MissionSafe for this coverage.
Answer: You must notify us in writing at Cancellations. A cancellation fee will apply as outlined in our cancellation policy.
If preferred, travelers may select the ground only option and arrange their own air travel. When choosing this option, the inbound flight must arrive in time to take the prearranged group ground transfer from the airport to the hotel. Otherwise, the traveler will need to arrange their own ground transfer from the airport to the hotel. The same is true of the group ground transfer from the hotel to the airport on the return flight. Discovery Cruises and Tours recommends Welcome Pickups for all individual ground transfers. Travelers may schedule necessary ground transfers at their own expense at WelcomePickups.
Answer: Please review our policy regarding armed conflict.
Answer: If you’re traveling with the group, seat upgrades must be requested by email to contact@dcttravel.com (upgrade availability cannot be guaranteed). If you booked your own air reservations, please contact the airline directly.
Answer: No. You’ll only need the original at the airport. After arrival, we suggest you keep a copy and the original passport in your luggage (if you put it somewhere in the room, i.e. safe, drawer, etc. you may forget it when you leave). We also recommend taking a cell phone picture of the information page to have with you should you need it.
Answer: Only one (1) checked bag weighing 50 lbs. will be permitted per person. You will also be allowed a carry on one (1) personal item, but packing light is always easier. Carry on dimensions must be no larger than 55cm x 40 cm x 20 cm and no more than 17 lbs. It must fit in the overhead bin or under your seat. Only checked bags will need to have a Discovery Cruises and Tours luggage tag with your name/phone number/address printed on it, which we will provide.
Answer: See the “Clothing/Packing” section here: Travel tips & Amazon Link
Answer: You have two options: 1) Leave all medications in their original container so the prescription details are clearly visible or 2) remove your medications from the original container and carry a signed note from your doctor documenting your need for each medication.
Answer: Appliances should be convertible to 220V (most are). You’ll need both a converter and an adapter. The converter plugs into the adapter and the adapter plugs into the wall. See Travel Tips & Amazon link.
Answer: Most vendors accept Visa and MasterCard, but we recommend bringing some cash. The amount you bring is at your discretion.
Answer: You can call or text free by downloading WhatsApp on your phone.
Answer: Yes. You’ll have a limited amount of time to shop while touring but it’s important your time be focused on the sites you’re visiting. We urge people to shop at stores recommended by their tour guide in Jewish areas. More information can be found here.
Answer: Wear comfortable shoes and choose function over fashion. Pack water shoes, a swimsuit and a cover-up for the Jordan River and Dead Sea. Shoulders and legs must be covered in certain areas for both men and women. Sweatpants are recommended, and shorts should cover your knees.
Answer: November through April is cool/cold so pack gloves and a coat. Summers are very hot so pack light-weight clothing.
Answer: Up to three adults or children.
Answer: If you are unable to get on and off the bus and walk without the assistance of another individual, you must bring someone with you to provide assistance or you may stay on the bus as needed.
Answer: Yes. By law, all places for public use in Israel must be made accessible. However, some are more difficult to access out of necessity. More information can be found here
Answer: Go to For Travelers | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) to complete your application and find information on other programs like TSA Precheck (expedites the security process in the US) and Global Entry (expedites entry into other countries).
Answer: No. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry into Israel.
Answer: No, the effective date for ETIAS authorization requirement has been changed from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025. At that time, all travelers from countries that can enter the EU zone without a Visa (including the US) must have ETIAS authorization to enter countries within the Schengen area. More information can be found on our Travel Mandates page. You may complete your application here: ETIAS online application
Answer: Although we’ve been informed by the Israeli Tour Operators Association that the Israeli government has dropped the entrance requirement for travelers to carry medical insurance that covers hospitalization related to COVID-19, it’s our understanding that the airlines are still requiring verification of this type of coverage to board their flights.
(This information is taken directly from the Israel-Entry Website)
The rules for travel to Israel have changed. Starting from August 2024, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL(Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit.
All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. If you are eligible, obtaining an ETA-IL is a simpler and faster process. Learn more
Note: Israeli citizens or holders of an Israeli identity number do not need to apply for an ETA-IL.
Answer: Per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, all children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for US entry. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, a letter of permission from both parents is required. If the child is accompanied by one parent, a letter of permission from the other parent is required. If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent. Although not required, we recommend having the letter notarized.
