Passports and Visas

206 Tours recommends that your PASSPORT is valid up to 6 months after your return flight.

If you have not yet obtained your passport, or just noticed that it will be valid 0 months after your return, URGENTLY contact your local passport office and apply for an expedited passport or passport renewal. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Holy land & Portugal.

Effective August 1st, 2024, passengers traveling to Israel and holding foreign passports, will be required to apply for ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

• ETA application is available at the Ministry of Interior website: Israel entry https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page
• ETA cost is 25 ILS approx 7 USD
• An answer to application received within 72 hours
• It’s valid for 2 years and a stay of up to 90 days in Israel.
• This must be secured by the traveler directly with the Israeli Government without the involvement of 206 Tours

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for entry into Israel.

For those who hold a passport from a foreign country, please be advised that it is the passenger’s responsibility to reconfirm if any visas are required. Below please find embassy information on the country you will be visiting.

*Please Note: Israel does not stamp your passport, instead, they give you a card containing all your personal information. This rule applies to tourists who enter either overland or by air. It is important that you keep this card in your wallet (it is about the size of a credit card), at all times during your stay.

Flight Changes/ Delays/ Cancellations: If your flight is experiencing a long delay, or a cancellation, do not panic, go to the airline customer service counter, or contact the airline, ask to be rebooked to another flight/airline, ask for meals or a hotel room.

Be Persistent. Speak with the kindest tone, but keep trying, do not just take “no” for an answer. Airlines will rebook you on the next flight to your final destination. Be Nice! Never yell or be rude to staff, as they are going through a lot and it is not their fault. You can take it out on CEO’s by writing a letter to particular airline’ customer service.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

• Domestic Travel: Arrive at least two (2) hours prior to flight
• International Travel: Arrive at least three (3) hours prior to flight

Screening & Security When Traveling to Israel

The security process for travel to Israel and at Israeli Airports is very thorough. As you may have heard, Israel is known for their strict security at airports to ensure safety. Below please find a brief “walk through” of what your check-in experience at Tel Aviv Airport is like, so you are informed and prepared. You may notice throughout your time at the airport that there are MANY uniformed and un-uniformed security personnel. You will go through a security checkpoint as soon as you arrive and before you reach the ticket counter. There is a line to wait your turn to be interviewed and screened. When you get to the front of the line, you will be interviewed by a security person. Questions will range from: why/where you traveled in Israel, where did you visit, how long was your stay, where are you going now, etc. Your interview should be very professional and well-trained. Do not hesitate to let them know you were a part of a Catholic Pilgrimage group tour. If asked, you can also show this booklet! You may be asked additional questions about your occupation, family, etc. Do not worry or be insulted, this is a part of the interviewer’s job and the process. Interviews are usually brief, but sometimes can last longer and be more in depth. Your baggage will also be sent through an X-ray/chemical analysis machine. Randomly, travelers are selected for a more thorough screening of their luggage. If you are selected you will be directed to the inspection area where you will be asked to open your luggage. Do not be surprised if your entire bag is unpacked and electrical devices examined. Again, this is a part of the process. Next you will headed to the ticket counter to get your boarding pass. This step can take quite a while as the airline representative must enter a lot of information prior to printing the boarding passes. Be patient and take the time to reflect on some of the highlights of your trip. After getting your boarding pass, you will go through passport control. Your passport numbers will be entered into a computer that the Israel government uses for security and to track tourism in Israel. Again, you may be asked several questions about your-self, family, travel companion, and the reason for your trip; this is routine procedure. Your passport will be stamped and you will be on your way. Finally, you will go through the actual security gate and personal screening machines. You should follow the directions given by the security personnel (i.e. whether or not to remove your shoes, laptop, etc). Remember to remove everything from your pockets, along with your belt and watch. Anyone who beeps at the metal detector will also receive a scan with the hand held detection wand. Further inspections are rare and initiated only if concerns arise. Once through this final security you can proceed to your gate. You can enjoy shopping or snacking before your flight departs! The whole process usually takes approximately 45-60 minutes from the time you ar-rive till you make it to your gate. However, certain times of the year, back-ups can occur and the entire check-in and security process can last longer. The process is very organized and calm. No one will bark orders, yell at any of the passengers, or act unprofessional in any way.

For more information:
https://www.206tours.com/holyland-safety

Holy Land Holy Days Calendar:
https://www.206tours.com/cms/holyland-calendar/

Airline Connections

Where is my flight itinerary?
206 Tours provides you with your flight itinerary via email as well as printed in your final documents package. This itinerary shows the airline, flight number, departure and arrival times, and seat/meal information. It is recommended to keep the printed copy with you or download the itinerary to your smartphone for easy reference.

How are my flights arranged?
206 Tours books airline reservations in accordance with TSA rules, regulations & routings. We do our utmost to provide the most convenient flight schedule available. Pilgrims will be traveling independently on all flights.

Why does my plane reservation say one airline, but the plane reads another?
Many airlines participate in special agreements to share aircrafts. For example, your ticket may show United Airlines as your carrier even though you are actually seated on a Lufthansa plane. These are called “codeshare” flights, and if applicable it will be shown on your itinerary in the following way: “Flight operated by (airline).”

Who decides the connection time at airports?
The airlines determine the minimum connection time required to transfer from one gate to another for a connecting flight. 206 Tours does our best to provide ample connection time based on available flights and in accordance with our scheduled group transfers.

Flight Delays & Arrival Transfers

What if my flight is delayed or canceled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you must work DIRECTLY with the airline agents at the airport to arrange for alternate flights. Once you check-in for your flights, 206 Tours can no longer make any adjustments to your flight itinerary. After check-in, changes can only be made by the airlines.

In this scenario, please be persistent with the airline agent you are working with to rebook. Keep in mind that the situation is not the agent’s fault and try your best to remain calm and courteous to receive speedy assistance. Keep in mind that the airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for overnight stays when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. If you find that you are unable to receive adequate assistance from airline personnel, please contact the 206 Tours emergency line and we will do all we can to assist you remotely.

TIP: Once your airline has rebooked you, text/call your guide to advise them of your new arrival time so that transfer arrangements can be adjusted. Your guide’s phone number can be found in the digital confirmation email sent to you by your account manager.

What if I miss the group transfer upon arrival?
If you miss the group transfer to the hotel due to a flight delay, missed connection, or another reason, you may:

• Take a taxi to the hotel at your own expense.
• Contact your guide and ask for 206 Tours to arrange a private transfer at an additional cost. 

*Be sure to obtain a receipt of your transportation. Upon returning home, you may wish to seek reimbursement for the cost  if the reason for missing the transfer was due to airline problems.

What if I want to make a last-minute change to my ticket?
If you would like to make changes to your airline ticket once it has already been issued, you MUST work DIRECTLY with the airlines. You will incur additional costs (a minimum of $400 per person) for such changes.

Waiting Area:

Once you have met our Dynamic Catholic representative, they will bring you over to this area where you can relax – grab some coffee, water etc. As the rest of the members of your pilgrimage arrive, they will all be brought over to the same area until everyone is counted for. Once everyone is there, your guide will bring you to your bus – and your pilgrimage begins!

Arrival Procedure

What do I do when my flight lands?
After deplaning, you will clear immigration and then proceed to baggage claim. Pay attention to the monitors above the conveyor belts in baggage claim. The conveyor that your bags will come out on will have monitors above it displaying your flight #. Once you collect your luggage, you will exit the baggage claim area through customs and into the arrivals hall/lounge. There, you will meet your guide/driver who will have a 206 Tours sign.

Look for the “206 Tours” Sign!
In the arrivals hall, you will be greeted by a 206 Tours representative holding a “206 Tours” sign. They will escort you to your hotel where you will check-in and have time to refresh before meeting the rest of the group later in the day.

TIP: If you do not see your guide/driver, look in that surrounding area (as they may have stepped back to assist another pilgrim). If you still cannot find them, contact your guide by utilizing the phone number provided in your final confirmation email.

How to Overcome Jet Lag

Traveling through time zones affects people differently. Some people get incredibly exhausted from the long flight and time change.  Here are some suggestions that may help you beat jet lag:

• Pack for your trip at least two days ahead of time.
• Make sure to go to bed early the night prior to travel.
• Hydrate! Drink more water than usual to avoid dehydration on the flight. Being seated for long periods of time can be very hard on the body and can cause poor circulation and bloating. Hydration is key to preventing this. 
• Try to sleep on the plane!
• Think in “Local Time” – reset your watch to the local time of your destination as soon as you board the flight. It may help to do this one day before travel, or even to slowly transition to local time a couple of days before travel if your schedule allows it.
• Stay busy – When you arrive at your destination, try to stay busy and go to bed at an appropriate time that night. Pacing is key!
• Eat fresh, healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and protein to keep you alert. Heavy, greasy, or high-carb meals will make you more tired.
• Exercise – take a twenty-minute walk in the morning, stretch before getting on the plane, and get up and walk every now and then during the flight. Moving gets your blood flowing and allows your body to adjust to time changes easier. Make sure to keep moving when you get to your destination, as this will help you stay awake until nighttime. 
• On the day of return, get out of bed earlier than normal, hydrate, and try to get sleep on the flight home. Reset your watch and start thinking in the local time of your home.

Currency

The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is the currency of Holy land, though the US dollar is widely accepted.

The Euro (EUR) is the currency of Portugal, though the US dollar is widely accepted.

For most current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com. This website provides “pure” exchange rates. Pure rates do not include bank fees.

FreeCurrencyRates.com

Money

Bring small bills

Bring $50 cash in $1 Dollar Bills

Bring $50 cash in $5 Dollar Bills

& Bring €20 cash in €1 or €2 Coins
Bring €50 cash in €5 Bills

For bathroom stops, to buy a candle, or to leave donations at churches. If you bring high denominations its hard to get change.

Where can I exchange money?

• Your Bank – Visit your bank before traveling for the best exchange rate
• Airports – there will be a convenience fee
• Major banks at the destination – there will be a small exchange fee
• ATM Machine – while in Holy land & Portugal, an ATM machine is the most practical and cost-effective option. Utilizing your ATM card or debit card, you can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM, but there will be high fees.

How do ATM machines work in Israel?
ATM machines can be found at most bank branches, post offices, train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc. and are accessible 24 hours a day. Most banks charge a fee when you withdraw money, especially if it is from the network of another bank. You should ask your bank for information about where you can use your card and what fees are charged for withdrawing money. Most US banks apply a $2.00­-$5.00 international ATM fee in addition to the ATM’s fee. Your bank will utilize an exchange rate that is a couple percent above the “true” exchange rate. Be sure to find out your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. If you have any questions about your ATM card, check with your bank before your departure. Ensure you know how to contact them if you encounter problems using your card. Use your card before you leave home and again shortly after arrival, even if you do not need the money, solely to verify that everything works.

You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ATM. Credit card companies try to protect themselves from theft by limiting the funds someone can withdraw outside their home country, so call your credit card company before you leave home. Keep in mind that you’ll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time.

Can I use my credit card in Holy land & Portugal?
Yes! We highly recommend using your credit card as it offers convenience, reasonable exchange rates, and security (you can cancel them if they are lost!). Visa and Mastercard are the best options, as they are accepted in most stores and restaurants. American Express and Discover are not widely accepted in Israel. Your guide can also advise you where the ATM machines with the lowest fees are located. Keep in mind that certain purchases (such as in Church gift shops, tipping on your own at restaurants, etc.) require cash.

IMPORTANT: Before you leave, inform your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling in Holy land & Portugal so that they do not flag, block, or suspend your account due to international transactions.

How much money should I bring?
This is totally subjective based on how much you’d like to spend on souvenirs and on the meals not included. Refer to the itinerary for your particular pilgrimage and budget how much money you would like to spend on these two things. Keep in mind how many meals you will be responsible for, and how much room you have in your luggage for souvenirs. Then utilize the exchange rate calculator above. We generally recommend you bring at least 100 EUR per person (keep 50 EUR with you and 50 EUR in your checked bag).

TIP: Get your Israeli Shekel & Euros in small bills, as it is harder to get change at churches and convenience stores if you pay in large bills.

How does tipping work?
Tips are an important part of earnings for your guides and bus drivers. While tips for provided meals, local guides, porters, etc. are included, tips to your 206 Tours guide and driver are not. Tips to your guide and driver are up to your discretion. Please use the tip envelopes provided with your travel documents.

When do I give the guide/driver their tip envelopes?
We suggest you tip the tour guide and bus driver the day prior to your return. We provide labeled tip envelopes within your final documents package.

How much should I give?
Tip according to your discretion and satisfaction level. Tipping in local currency is preferred. We recommend an amount per person/per day below.

Do I tip the spiritual director?
This is not required, but some pilgrims choose to give a small gift or donation.

Tips

Although you should tip according to your satisfaction level, the following amounts are recommended. The tip envelopes are included in your final documents package.

Tipping in Holy land & Portugal:
Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another euro (or 2) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If a service charge is not included, a 10-15% tip is appropriate. You do not have to worry about this for included meals on your pilgrimage, but it is good to know for when you eat on your own.

In hotels, tips to the porters and chambermaids are included. If you are using a taxi on your own, drivers should be given a tip of 10-15% of the metered fare.

If your group has completely free days and the guide only sees you for a couple of hours or during dinner time, it is really up to you what you want to tip them. Normally most clients calculate a total amount of tips for the guide and driver for total days serviced. Keep in mind that when the tour guide works less hours one day, it normally compensates for the days with longer hours.

U.S. Customs

U.S. citizens who have been to Israel for more than two days may return to the United States with up to $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. For those who wish to bring more home with them, a flat rate of 3% duty is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. It’s a good idea to retain the receipts from your purchases should they be requested by a customs inspector upon your return to the United States. For more details please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund

There is a 16.5 & 23% value added tax on most goods and services in Holy land & Portugal. At retail stores, this tax is always already included in the price. Upon making a purchase of the total amount of goods purchased concurrently must be at least 400 shekels & 61.5 EUR or more at a gift store that has an agreement with the VAT authorities, you should acquire a refund document at the store and have it stamped. You will be eligible, upon presenting the form and the item at the airport, for a 16.5 & 23% refund at the airport prior to departure. You must be over 18 years old and you must present a passport to receive the refund. Tourist services (such as hotel accommodations and meals taken in hotels) paid with foreign currency are exempt from VAT tax.

How to Get Your VAT Refund:

After you spend the required minimum amount of the total amount of goods purchased concurrently must be at least 400 shekels & 61.5 EUR at a participating retailer, ask for your détaxe papers. If you’re considering a major purchase, ask the store policy before you get too involved or be willing to waive your right to the refund. Fill out the forms before you arrive at the airport for departure to the U.S. All refunds are processed at the final point of departure from the E.U., so if you’re going to another E.U. country, you don’t apply for the refund in Holy land & Portugal. Be sure to have the forms stamped at the airport customs desks. The customs official may ask to see your purchases, so it’s best to pack them in your carry­-on bag. Mail the stamped forms at the airport (the store provides an envelope) and the refund process has begun. Find additional information on the VAT refund in Holy land & Portugal here & here.

TIP: Mark the paperwork to request that your refund be applied to your credit card, so you aren’t stuck with a check in Israeli Shekel & Euros. Even if you made the purchase in cash, you can still get the refund on a credit card. This ensures the best rate of exchange. You can get cash in some airports, but if you don’t take the cash in Israeli Shekel & Euros, you’ll lose money on the transaction.

What to Pack

The attire during the course of your journey should be conservative and comfortable. When packing for your upcoming pilgrimage, keep in mind that your knees and shoulders should be covered upon entering holy sites. Your clothing should not be revealing. This is out of respect for the local norms and customs as well as for the other pilgrims. We recommend that female pilgrims carry a shall or sarong in their backpack so that they can cover their shoulders when entering a church or a holy site. You can also wrap it around your waste to cover your legs for the more strict religious sites. For men, shorts that can be transformed by zippers into trousers may be convenient.

Suggested Clothing:

• For Winter, early Spring, and late Fall: be sure to back a warm jacket, a hat, scarf and gloves. Just in case.
• For Summer, late Spring, and early Fall: Bring a sunhat and plenty of loose-fitting clothing.
• Bottoms: comfortable pants or skirts no shorter than knee-length
• Tops: long or short sleeve tees, blouses, button-downs, polos, or sweaters that are seasonally appropriate. Shoulders should be covered for both men and women.
• Layers: undershirts, light sweaters, or cardigans are great for layering in the cooler mornings and evenings, even in the Summer.
• Jacket: a weatherproof rain jacket or all-weather jacket is great to have.
• Socks, undergarments, pajamas, belt, hat, scarf (large light fabric scarf if needed to cover shoulders), sunglasses, etc.
• Accessories: wallet, purse, etc.
• Mid-summer advice: carry a small bottle of water in your hand luggage, and make sure to drink more water than usual, as you will be outside and walking a lot. Avoid eating too much ice-cream and reduce the amount of ice in drinks.
• A small battery-operated fan may be useful in warm weather.

TIP: Count the number of days you are traveling. You can always wear pants or shirts twice.

Don’t forget your most comfortable shoes. This is the most important clothing item to pack. Your feet will thank you!

Wheelchair Assistance (Within Airports)
During registration pilgrims are offered several options for wheelchair assistance, including gate-to-gate assistance or all the way through to the seat. If you’ve made a wheelchair request, 206 Tours will secure this service for you and it will be included in your airline documents. An airport representative will meet you at the check-in desk to assist you.

Terrain in Holy land & Portugal

Europe has a lot of split levels and uneven ground. Please watch your step! Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian only and have cobblestones. High­heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets; rubber­soled walking shoes are recommended. Many streets in Europe are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, the buses are not always permitted to drop groups off directly in front of their destination. Please be prepared to walk.

What should I wear on the plane?
Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of your flight to ensure comfort and to make it easier to sleep on the plane. You may want to pack a pair of slippers in your carry-on or wear slip-off shoes. If not, make sure your shoes are lace-up or flexible, as foot swelling is common on long flights.

Shopping

Will there be time to shop?
Yes, limited time has been set aside during your pilgrimage for shopping! Stores are open daily Monday to Saturday. (Some souvenir shops open on Sunday but just souvenir shops). Ask your tour escort where you are able to purchase regional specialty products which the countries/cities in your itinerary are known for. Small, light items that you can easily carry home make splendid and festive gifts. Don’t forget to buy something nice for yourself too. There will be shops for you to purchase walking and hiking gear. Whenever traveling abroad, be aware of your personal belongings when shopping in crowded areas. If you purchase a video or DVD, please check very carefully that it is compatible with your home viewing system. Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is already included on price tags.

TIP: When shopping, use your credit card. That will secure your product, and if anything goes wrong you can claim it accordingly.

Gift shops at a shrine/church/basilica: cash only
Some holy sites have small gift shops run by clergy. At these shops, all proceeds are donated to the upkeep of the site. Often credit cards are not accepted. For these reasons, be sure to have cash on hand.

What if I purchase something that is big/heavy/fragile?
Arrangements can be made at the shop or hotel to have items shipped to your home.

What should I avoid when shopping abroad?
High-traffic areas, especially known tourist attractions, can be common places for pickpockets. Always be aware of your personal belongings when shopping in crowded areas. Try not to take out your money/credit cards in public areas, except at the time of making a purchase.

Hotels Accommodations

What type of hotels are we staying in?
206 Tours uses first-class four-star hotels throughout all of our pilgrimages. These hotels have all of the amenities you have at home. Hotel rooms abroad may be smaller than typical American hotel rooms. Many hotels use key cards to operate the room’s lighting, electricity, and/or elevator. Fixtures in the bathrooms and bedrooms are not standardized, so you may have to search for a light switch or outlet. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, mini-bar items, and access to paid TV channels at your own expense. While most hotels do offer a hair dryer in the bathroom as well as basic toiletries, we strongly recommend that you bring an adequate supply with you and any items you consider necessary. Rooms will have large towels and hand towels. It is not customary for hotels to provide washcloths. Please note that some hotels have elevated showers/tubs. To get inside, you will have to step up or down about two (2) feet. Be very careful as the floor and tub can be slippery.

King-size beds are rare abroad, therefore, couples should anticipate queen-size beds in most hotels. Single travelers sharing a room will have two (2) twin beds in their hotel room.

Please note that while we do request non-smoking rooms for our clients, hotels are less stringent about enforcing these rules outside of the USA.

TIP: Feel free to look at the websites of the hotels listed on our website and in your digital confirmation email. There you can view pictures, videos, and details about the properties.

Can we bring laptops / iPads?
Feel free to bring them with you as all of the hotels have complimentary WiFi available. However, we advise that you refrain from doing work on your pilgrimage as much as possible, as your days will be very busy and you will need your sleep at night. We hope you take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect and focus on growing in your faith.

Useful travel links:

Airline Tracker: www.flightarrivals.com
Currency Converter: www.xe.com
Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov
Embassies: www.usembassy.gov
International Health Information: www.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Language Translation: translate.google.com
Physical Disabilities Information: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/traveling-with-disabilties.html
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: step.state.gov/step
Time Around the World: www.time.gov
Transportation Security Administration: www.tsa.gov
Trusted Traveler www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs
US Customs: cbp.gov
US State Department Travel Warnings: www.travel.state.gov