General Information

Language

Israel’s official languages are Hebrew and Arabic.
Most Israelis speak English, and most of the signposts are also in English.
The official language of the Workshop is English.

Weather and Clothing

April is Spring in Israel. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant: around 60-70oF (15-25oC) in most of the country (still hot, though, around the Red Sea and the Dead Sea). Jerusalem will be 40-50oF (5-10oC) in the evening. There might be some rain – nothing torrential.

Clothing

Dress will be informal throughout the Workshop.

Currency

The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), commonly known as the Shekel. The Shekel consists of 100 Agorot.
As of August 2018
1 US$ = approximately NIS 3.8
1 EUR = approximately NIS 4.3

Exchange rates fluctuate daily.

Electricity

Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz, and can be accessed by a three-pin connecting plug.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement

According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a tourist may request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay. For more details please visit the official website of the Ministry of Finance, Israeli Department of Customs and VAT.

Visa Information

Some participants may require a visa to travel to Israel, depending on nationality and country of origin. To find out if you need to obtain a visa, please click here. For the most updated information regarding visa requirements, we strongly suggest you consult the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country or a travel agency for details. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required.

Invitation Letter

Participants requiring a formal letter of invitation to enable them to make their arrangements to participate should write to the Workshop Secretariat at gdna@ortra.com, no later than three months prior to the Workshop, giving their full name, full address, contact details, date and place of birth, passport number and date of issue and expiry, date of arrival and flight details. 

Please note that this letter does not constitute a commitment regarding scheduling or financial support from the organizers.

For any question relating to visas, please contact the Workshop Secretariat: gdna@ortra.com
More Information about Israel on the Internet on the following web sites: 
Ministry of Tourism
Visit Tel Aviv
iTravel Jerusalem
Ministry of Foreign Affairs