Holy Land Pilgrimage

Informational Meeting Resources

1. Welcome & Opening
   Review travel dates, meeting purpose, and tonight’s goals.
2. The Spirit of Pilgrimage
   Pilgrimage vs. vacation; patience, kindness, and charity.
3. Required Travel Documents
   Israel ETA and passport validity requirements.
4. Phones, Credit Cards, and Money
   International plans, foreign transaction fees, tips.
5. Packing & Clothing Expectations
   Weather, modesty at holy sites, walking, liquids, adapters.
6. Airport & Pittsburgh Logistics
   Where to meet, when to arrive, what to expect.
7. Questions & Final Reminders
8. Closing Prayer

A pilgrimage is not simply a tour. It is a spiritual journey—an intentional step into prayer, sacrifice, and grace.

• A vacation says: “I need a break.”
• A pilgrimage says: “I need grace.”
• A vacation asks: “What will I enjoy?”
• A pilgrimage asks: “Lord, what are You doing in me?”

• We travel with prayer. Remain open to grace.
• We practice patience. Crowds, lines, and delays are part of the offering.
• We lead with charity. The schedule matters, but charity matters more.
• We remain flexible. Plans may shift. We stay peaceful and adapt.
• We look out for each other. No one gets left behind.
• We don’t complain—we offer. “Jesus, I offer this to You.”
• We remember the goal. A pilgrimage is meant to transform us.

ETA Website: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/

• Complete the application with your travel dates and personal information
• Upload your passport (recommended: valid at least 6 months beyond return date)
• Pay by credit card (ETA cost: 25 ILS, approx. $7 USD)
• Await response (typically within 72 hours)

Reminder: Please do not wait until the last minute—complete your ETA as soon as possible.

• Passport: Keep it with you (never in checked luggage).
• Copies: Photocopy in luggage + photo saved on phone.
• Medications: Carry-on only (original bottles preferred). Bring extra days.
• Carry-on backup: One change of clothes in carry-on (in case luggage is delayed).

Cell Phones (International Travel)

Many cell phone carriers offer international “day pass” plans that allow you to use your phone in Israel much like you do at home. These plans usually charge only on the days you actually use your phone abroad.

• AT&T: International Day Pass (typically $12/day) — details
• Verizon: TravelPass (typically $12/day) — details
• Spectrum Mobile: Global Day Pass (typically $10/day) — details

Credit Cards

• Notify your credit card provider you will be in Israel (Feb 25 – Mar 6).
• Check foreign transaction fees (Apple Card is commonly reported as having none—verify your card terms).

Tips

• Tips are expected and are above the cost of the trip.
• Plan for approximately $150 per person total for guide + bus driver.

206 Tours Note

• 206 Tours will send “Final Instructions” closer to departure (often ~3 weeks prior), including hotel + guide contact details.

Weather

• Expect highs in the high 50s to low 60s, with possible rain.

Clothing

• Pants for everyone
• Shoulders covered for holy sites
• Western Wall head covering: Women: scarf • Men: kippa/yarmulke
• Comfortable shoes (walking 3–5 miles per day)
• Bring one warm set for colder weather: waterproof coat, sweatshirt, jeans, winter cap & gloves

Suitcase

• Pack light; avoid checked bags when possible.

Liquids (TSA)

• Liquids must fit in a quart-size zip bag
• Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less

Power Adapters

• Bring appropriate power adapters.
• Please do not bring blow dryers.

Water

• Bottled water will be provided regularly.
• We recommend avoiding tap water to prevent stomach issues.

• Arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before departure.
• Everyone is responsible for their own travel to Pittsburgh International Airport.
• For those departing from Pittsburgh, we will meet at the flight gate.
• International boarding passes may require document verification at the airport counter.
• If flights are delayed/canceled, work with the airline and communicate updated arrival details as soon as possible.

These meeting resources will remain available online for anyone who could not attend, including the packet downloads and key reminders.

Below are official links provided by 206 Tours. These contain additional trip details and access to your registration/account. Please use these links directly when needed.