What are the Passport / Visa Requirements?

To travel to Israel you will need a VALID Passport.

• Know that it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you meet all visa and passport requirements. Failure to do so will result in your not being allowed to board the flight or enter Israel.
• US State Department information on US Passports

General Passport information Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page 15 passport agencies that are open to the public

Special Passport Requirements for the Program

• You will NEED 7 Months+ left on your passport - if you do the typical 2 or 3 week program.
• Like several other countries, Israel will NOT permit travelers to enter the country unless their passports will remain valid for at least six months at the time you EXIT from Israel.
• Follow this link to check on Passport / Visa requirements for Israel.
• For most US Citizens a tourist visa is not required if the stay is less than 90 days. If you are planning to stay longer than 90 days - please contact a VFI Regional Office to discuss your situation.
• If you hold a non-US passport, visa requirements for Israel can be found here. The visa form and instructions can be found here.

How to Get There:

Volunteers have three basic options for arranging their transportation to Israel to participate in our Volunteer programs :

• We can provide you with a list of Travel Agents who specialize in travel to Israel.
• Take advantage of a special EL-AL offer to VFI / Sar-El volunteers
• Make travel arrangements on your own or through an agency of your choice

 

Making Flight Arrangements:

• If you wish, we can provide names of Travel Agents who specialize in travel to Israel and have a good reputation.
  • We recommend Ayelet Tours
    • Tel: 800-237-1517 x-329 - ask for Lioudmila (Lu) - mention code: VFI-1982
    • Email:
    • Be sure to mention that you will be going on the VFI / Sar-El program
• EL-AL, Israel's national airline, in appreciation of VFI-USA / Sar-El volunteers, has a special offer.
  • Call 1-800-223-6700 and mention code SAR101. Booking must be made with an EL-AL ticket office. To see the text of the El-Al letter - click here.
• Volunteers are also welcome to make their own arrangements, or use their own travel agent if preferred.

If you don't know where to start to look for inexpensive tickets to Israel on your own - you can start here - just click

If you make your own arrangements PLEASE NOTE:
Volunteers MUST be present at Ben Gurion airport between 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM on the program start day (Sunday and Monday) to meet representatives of Sar-El and then be transported to the work program location. Flight arrangements must be coordinated with this meeting time.

Please be aware that the Sar-El reps are gathering several arriving volunteers from many different flights with varying arrival times, and it may mean a waiting period for you until everyone is available to depart the airport.  You can use this time for refreshments, change money, and purchase phone cards, stamps, or other items at kiosks in the Arrivals Hall.

FAQ: Where Do We Meet On Arrival? (Effective - Nov 10, 2004)

At Ben Gurion Airport, after baggage claim and clearing customs, you will enter the Arrivals Hall. The Arrivals Hall is on the ground floor. When you enter the Arrival Hall:

• you will see a fountain
• and a sign for Exit #2 in front of you.
• Go the RIGHT

There are seats to the right where people can wait. It is right next to an ATM machine, a Change Place and a Phone Rental counter (with a blue sign). That is where you should wait to meet the Sar-El representative.

FAQ: What if Something Happens or My Flight is Late?

• At the earliest possible opportunity, please call Pam Lazarus, Sar-El's Program Coordinator, on her cell (in Israel: 0528-219-945, outside Israel: 972-528-219-945)
• If you are calling between the hours of 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ISRAEL TIME, you can also try the Sar-El office at one of the following phone numbers: (in Israel) 03-681-7442, 03-681-3429/30 (outside Israel: 972-3-681-7442, 972-3-681-3429/30) .
• If you are calling between the hours of 7:00 PM and 8:00 AM ISRAEL TIME, (call in Israel:) 03-569-2848 (Bet Oded office) and ask to speak with the officer on duty.
• If you are at the airport, the Tourist Information Desk can assist you. Please do NOT leave the airport without first contacting Sar-El.

 

FAQ: What Are The Program Dates?

Programs begin on Sundays and Mondays (base option).  Those participating in a 2 week program should try to arrange to begin on a Sunday, to have maximum work time. See the program schedule for current information.

FAQ: When Does The Program End?

The program end date is typically Thursday (for the base option). The date of return to the United States is decided by each volunteer. It must be no earlier than the end date of the program.

 

FAQ: Can I Change My Return Date?

• You will need to clarify this information at the time that you make your airline reservation.
• Some types of tickets will allow for a return date change, and some will not.
• Change fees may be charged by the airlines - check at the time of purchase.
• If you wish to make a return date change in Israel, your Sar-El group leader (madricha) may be able to help you, otherwise you will need to do it on your own.

 

FAQ: What If I Arrive In Israel Before The Program Start Date?

Participants may elect to arrive in Israel one or more days ahead of the program start date. You will be completely responsible for lodging, meals, transportation, and any other arrangements and expenses before reporting for the group on the program start day.

After your early arrival in Israel you MUST call Pamela Lazarus, Sar-El's Program Coordinator, at 058-219-945, in order to verify the date, time and place to meet the group and start the program.

View Program Schedule