Israel

Israel Overview

Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

To travel from Israel to the main cities of China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc.), you will typically need to take a flight, as there are no direct trains or buses connecting the two countries. Here’s a guide to help you plan your journey:

1. Flight Routes from Israel to China

The main international airport in Israel is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), located near Tel Aviv. From here, you can catch a flight to major cities in China. Most flights from Israel to China involve one or more stopovers, as there are limited direct flight options.

Direct Flights:

  • Tel Aviv (TLV) to Beijing (PEK): There are direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) operated by El Al, Israel’s national airline.
  • Tel Aviv (TLV) to Shanghai (PVG): China Eastern Airlines operates direct flights between Tel Aviv and Shanghai.

Connecting Flights:

If you cannot find direct flights to your destination in China, there are many connecting flight options available through airlines with layovers in major international hubs. Some popular layover cities include:

  • Istanbul (IST): Turkish Airlines offers flights to China with layovers in Istanbul.
  • Dubai (DXB): Emirates operates flights from Israel to China with layovers in Dubai.
  • Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways is another airline offering flights to China with a stopover in Doha.
  • Frankfurt (FRA): Lufthansa has flights with a layover in Frankfurt.
  • London (LHR): British Airways offers connecting flights via London.

2. Flight Duration

The flight time from Tel Aviv (TLV) to China varies depending on the city and whether the flight is direct or has layovers.

  • Tel Aviv to Beijing: Approx. 9-11 hours (direct flight).
  • Tel Aviv to Shanghai: Approx. 9-11 hours (direct flight).
  • Tel Aviv to Guangzhou: Approx. 9-12 hours (with layovers).
  • Tel Aviv to Hong Kong: Approx. 9-13 hours (with layovers).

For flights with layovers, the total travel time will be longer, depending on the duration of the stopovers.

3. Airlines Offering Flights from Israel to China

Several airlines offer flights from Israel to China, including both direct and connecting flights:

  • El Al (direct flights to Beijing).
  • China Eastern Airlines (direct flights to Shanghai).
  • Turkish Airlines (connecting flights via Istanbul).
  • Emirates (connecting flights via Dubai).
  • Qatar Airways (connecting flights via Doha).
  • Lufthansa (connecting flights via Frankfurt).
  • British Airways (connecting flights via London).

4. Visa Requirements

  • Mainland China Visa: Most travelers from Israel will need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China. This typically involves submitting an application form along with your passport, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and sometimes an invitation letter from a Chinese company or family member.
  • Hong Kong: Israeli citizens can travel to Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to enter mainland China from Hong Kong, you will need a separate Chinese visa.

5. Booking Flights

You can book flights using flight search engines like:

  • Google Flights
  • Expedia
  • Skyscanner
  • Kayak

These platforms allow you to compare flight prices, schedules, and layover durations.

6. Airports in China

You will most likely arrive at one of China’s main international airports:

  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): For Beijing.
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): For Shanghai.
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): For Guangzhou.
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): For Hong Kong.

7. Other Considerations

  • Connecting Flights: If you have connecting flights, be sure to check the layover time to ensure you have sufficient time for immigration and security checks.
  • Health and Safety: Keep an eye on the COVID-19 regulations and any specific entry requirements such as tests, vaccination, or quarantine that may still be in place.
  • Currency: You will need Chinese Yuan (CNY) for use in China, but credit cards are widely accepted in major cities.

8. Visa Process

  • Apply for a Chinese visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in Israel. Be prepared to provide:
    • A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
    • A completed visa application form.
    • A passport-sized photo.
    • Proof of travel (airline tickets, hotel reservations).
    • Sometimes, an invitation letter if required.