Please visit www.tsa.gov for the most up to date travel restrictions

Passports and Visas

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

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 not be valid 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 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.

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Italy:       
To Contact the Police: Dial “113”
To Contact the Ambulance/Medical: Dial “118”
To Contact for an Emergency Fire: Dial “115”

European General Emergency Number: Deal “112”

*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.

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Israel (Holy Land):
Emergency Police: 100
Ambulance/Medical: 101
Fire Service: 102

Airport Check-In

Walk over to the designated airline check in counter. You must personally present your passport and your own luggage.

The agent will locate your reservation, give you the boarding pass and luggage slip is being sent via same flights.

(Unlike domestic flights you will not be able to print your boarding passes for international flights at home)

Ensure that your luggage is checked through all the way through to your final destination.

This will eliminate the need to claim your luggage between flights and re-check in before your connecting flight.

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

Flight tickets & itineraries
206 Tours provides your flight itinerary via email. This itinerary shows airline, flight number, departure and arrival times, and seat/meal information. It is recommended to save it on your smartphone for quick 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. All 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 one United Airlines as your carrier even though you are actually seated on a Lufthansa plane. These are called “Code Share” flights and your itinerary will show this with the message: “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 or protection. 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. The airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for personal expense of overnights when delays/cancellations occur due to weather. If you find that you’re unable to receive adequate assistance from airline personnel, please contact the 206 Tours emergency line and we will do all we can to assist remotely.

TIP: Once the airlines have rebooked you, text/call your guide to advise them of your new arrival time so transfer arrangements can be adjusted. (Your guide’s phone number can be found in the digital confirmation emailed to you by your account manager.)

What if I miss the group transfer upon arrival?
If you miss your group transfer due to 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 file a claim 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 been issued, you MUST work DIRECTLY with the airlines. You will incur additional costs – a minimum of $400 per person, for such changes.

 

Arrival Procedure

What do I do when my flight lands?
After deplaning, you will make your way to Passport Control, and then Baggage Claim. The conveyor that your bags will come out on will be displayed on the monitors highlighting your Flight #. Once you collect your luggage, proceed to exit into the Arrival’s Hall. There, you will meet your Guide/Driver who will have a 206 Tours Sign.

Look for the “206 Tours” Sign!
Below, is a picture of the Tel Aviv Arrivals Hall. You will notice the door people enter it from (the exit from Baggage Claim), the Guide holding the 206 Tours Sign, and where you can expect to see them. The barriers surrounding the Arrival’s Hall create a “bottle-neck” to the exit where your Guide/Driver will meet you ( as imposed to walking out into a crowded Hall)

*Note: If by chance you do not see your Guide/Driver, look in that surrounding area ( as they may have stepped back to assist a pilgrim.) Otherwise, you may contact your Guide but utilizing the phone number provided to you in your Final Confirmations Email and PDF.

Lost Luggage

If your luggage is missing, proceed to the Baggage Office in the Airport Terminal to complete a “Missing Luggage Form”. Please make sure to save all paperwork and tracking information given to you by the Airlines. Upon locating your baggage, the airlines will bring your luggage to your Hotel. It is important that you provide them with the correct address and dates that you will be at your hotels (noted in your Digital Confirmation.) You may also provide the phone number of your Guide, also noted in the Digital Confirmation. If your baggage is delayed for over 24 hours, and you purchased insurance, you may submit a claim upon your return to the US (only applicable to passengers that purchased Travel insurance through 206 Tours).
*206 Tours strongly suggests that Pilgrims carry one change of clothes and medications in carry-on luggage.

Apple AirTags

As you plan your travel, consider integrating Apple AirTags into your packing checklist. These compact, coin-sized devices act as personal tracking systems, offering a reliable solution to keep tabs on your luggage. Leveraging Apple’s vast Find My network, AirTags allow you to trace your belongings right from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They’re straightforward to use: simply attach an AirTag to your bag, and voila, your luggage is now traceable on a global scale. The device’s precision finding feature also provides visual and haptic feedback to guide you right to your misplaced or lost item, a feature especially useful in busy airports or hotels.

Before you embark on your journey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the functionality and limitations of the AirTags. While they offer an innovative way to track your belongings, they rely on being in range of devices in the Find My network to relay their location. This means their effectiveness could be limited in areas with low Apple device density or poor internet connectivity. Also, remember that AirTags are designed for tracking objects, not people or pets. A built-in anti-stalking feature notifies individuals if an unknown AirTag is moving with them, so using AirTags for unintended purposes could lead to unintended alerts. With responsible use, Apple AirTags can add a layer of security and peace of mind to your travel experience.

*Subject to change

How to Overcome Jet Lag

Traveling through time zones affects people differently – some get quite tired. Here are some suggestions that may help you beat jet lag.

• Pack at least two days ahead of time
• Make sure to go to bed earlier than usual the night prior to travel
• Hydrate! Drink more water than normal to avoid dehydration on the flight
• Try to sleep a bit on the plane!
• Think in “Local Time” – reset your watch to the local time of your destination
• 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 coffee to keep you alert. Heavy, greasy, or high-carb meals will make you tired.
• Exercise – take twenty (20) minute walk in the morning, stretch before getting on the plane, and get up and walk during the flight. Moving gets your blood flowing and wakes up your body.
• On the day of return, get out of bed earlier than normal, hydrate, and try to get sleep on the flight home.

Baggage Regulations

How much luggage can I bring?
Your Pilgrimage Includes:

• One (1) piece of Checked Luggage
• One (1) Carry-On Luggage
• One (1) Personal Item

Checked luggage

Is the bag containing the bulk of your belongings – upon check-in at the airport, this is the bag you give the agent that gets stored underneath the plane.

Size Allowance: 

• Length + Width + Height cannot exceed 50lbs & 62 inches/158cm
• Economy Class: One (1) Checked Bag at 50 lbs/23kg
• Business Class: Two (2) Checked Bags at 75 lbs/32kg

TIP: If you cannot pick it up, it is too heavy!

Carry-on Luggage

Is the bag you bring on the plane with you – this must fit in the overhead bin. Airlines are strict about the size of a carry-on bag – if it is too large or overhead, you will be subject to fees. Always ensure that you take personal possessions such as your passport, wallet, and medications with you at all times. Do not pack these or other items that you cannot be without, in your carry-on luggage.  It is possible, (sold-out flights and small aircraft) that the airline may ask you to check in your carry-on.

Size Allowance: 

• One (1) Piece – Length + Width + Height cannot exceed 42 inches/106 cm & 17 lbs (8kg)

Personal Item

• One (1) personal item is permitted in addition to your carry-on bag – this can be a laptop, iPad, book, small pocketbook, etc.

TIP: Our 206 Tours Bag meets the measurements. It will also make it easy for the Guide/Driver to spot you in the Arrival Hall.

TIP: Don’t lose your luggage. Airlines chaos has dominated the news this year. Take control of tracking your luggage via luggage trackers. Consider buying a smart travel device, prices start at $17.  https://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g40640083/best-luggage-trackers/

 

Carry-on Bags: 3 – 1 – 1 Liquids Rule
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be:

• 3.4 oz bottle or less (100ml)
• All bottles must fit into one (1) quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.
• Gallon-size bags or fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed
• 1 Bag per passenger screened on its own

For additional information or clarification please visit: www.faa.gov

Checked Bags:
Containers of any size are allowed in Checked Bags. Any container larger than 3.4 oz (100ml) must be in checked baggage, regardless of the amount of product inside.

Exceptions to the Rule:
The following exceptions are permitted to exceed 3 oz.

• Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants/toddlers
• Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications including eye drops and saline
• Water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a doctor’s note
• Products for medical/cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras containing gels/liquids
• Gels/frozen liquids are required to keep medical items cool

Declare the above items for inspection at the security checkpoint – the TSA officers may need to open items for additional screenings.

Any liquids purchased inside the airport after security are allowed on the airplane. If you have a layover and are re-screened, the liquid rule will apply.

 

Personal Items	Carry-on	Checked
All Make-up – You are allowed to carry any liquid/gel/cream makeup item provided that the container is up to 3 oz., as per the 3-1-1 rule. *mascara, chapstick, lip gloss, etc. are all considered liquids.	Yes	Yes
Safety Razors – includes disposable razors	Yes	Yes
Saline Solution – You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., as per the 3-1-1 rule. Volumes greater must be declared to the Security Officer.	Yes	Yes
Tweezers, Scissors, Nail Clippers – plastic or metal with blunt tips or metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches in length.	Yes	Yes
Shampoos & Conditioners – must be in 3 oz. or smaller container inside your 1 qt Ziploc bag	Yes	Yes
Toothpaste – 3 oz. or smaller container inside your 1 qt Ziploc bag	Yes	Yes
Umbrellas– allowed in Carry-On baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.	Yes	Yes
Walking Canes – allowed in Carry-On baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.	Yes	Yes

Electronics	Carry-on	Checked
Camera Equipment – the Checked Baggage Screening Equipment will damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. We recommend that you pack undeveloped film in your Carry-On baggage.	Yes	Yes
Laptops, Smartphones & I-Pads	Yes	Yes

Food & Drinks	Carry-on	Checked
Beverages – from Home or purchased before reaching the Security Checkpoint in containers LARGER than 3 oz.	No	Yes
Beverages – from Home or purchased before reaching the Security Checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size bag	Yes	Yes
Beverages – purchased after Security Screening	Yes	Yes
Medication, Baby Formula/Food, Breast Milk, & Juice – allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3 oz and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint	Yes	Yes
Canned or Jarred Goods – such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, and jellies (3 oz. or smaller container)	Yes	Yes
Cheese – in pressurized containers (3 oz. or smaller container)	Yes	Yes
Duty-Free Alcohol and other items (some restrictions apply)	Yes	Yes