Israel : Safety by City
Israel - safety as a countryJerusalem is a city in Western Asia, on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities globally and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Warnings & Dangers in Jerusalem
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Jerusalem is generally a safe place to travel if you look after your belongings, respect the local culture, and dress modestly in religious places.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is well developed and safe. Keep an eye on your wallets on buses to avoid pickpocketing. Use only licensed taxi services. Be careful as there have been cases of terrorist attacks on public transport.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Like any major city in Jerusalem, pickpockets do happen. Especially on public transport during rush hour. Keep track of your belongings, and do not leave bags and wallets unattended on the tables in the cafe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Jerusalem is located at increased seismic risk, although serious earthquakes do not occur here often. Keep an eye on the weather conditions before your trip here.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Jerusalem. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Due to the Palestinian-Israeli military conflict, the city may be at risk of terrorist attacks. Be attentive, vigilant, and study the political situation before you visit this city.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
The most common scams in Jerusalem are related to street beggars. Be suspicious of anyone who asks or offers you help.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Jerusalem. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions, monitor your surroundings, and wear modest clothes.
How Safe Is Jerusalem for Tourists?
Jerusalem is a fairly safe city to travel to.
The crime index here is at a low level.
The main problems are related to corruption, petty theft, and aggression based on racial hatred.
Jerusalem is safe for tourists, although pickpockets can work in crowds in the Old City.
It is important to remember, however, that you should dress modestly when visiting holy places or religious quarters.
For men, these are long trousers, a closed shirt with sleeves and a headdress.
For women, this is a skirt below the knee, a shirt with sleeves to the elbow, without an open neckline or belly.
This applies to churches, mosques, synagogues, the Temple Mount (Noble Sanctuary), and the Western Wall.
Even though Jerusalem attracts representatives of different religions, there are some problems with discrimination based on religion.
The main issue concerns Muslims and Jews, who dispute the common territory of residence.
Avoid confrontation between locals.
Although this is extremely rare, some locals may display xenophobic sentiments and ask foreigners to leave the area near their homes.
Security checks can be carried out frequently, especially at the entrance to hotels, cinemas/theaters, and shopping malls.
Always carry your passport or other identifiers with you.
It is better to keep valuable objects and things with you and always keep an eye on your belongings.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Jerusalem?
Visitors to Israel must obtain a visa from one of the Israeli diplomatic missions unless they come from visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a valid passport for 6 months after the date of departure from Israel.
Which Currency Is Used in Jerusalem?
The Israeli national currency is the new Israeli Shekel (NIS or ILS), more commonly known as the shekel. The shekel is divided into 100 agurot (agura in singular).
How's the Weather like in Jerusalem?
In Jerusalem, the summers are long, warm, arid, and clear, and the winters are cold and mostly clear. The best times to visit Jerusalem are April through May and October through November.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Jerusalem?
Ben Gurion Airport, commonly known by its Hebrew acronym as Natbag, is the main international airport of Israel and the busiest one in the country. The airport is located on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, about 45 km northwest of Jerusalem and 20 km southeast of Tel Aviv.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is a city in Western Asia, on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities globally and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Is the Water in Jerusalem Safe to Drink?
Tap water in Jerusalem is safe enough to drink.
Is Uber Safe in Jerusalem?
There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.
