Israel
Location: West Asia
Currencies
Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending ILS?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment. It is also mandatory that you send the beneficiary’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN).
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Israel.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment times. However, with the right foreign exchange broker, this can be done as fast as the very next day.
Q. Who can I send ILS to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending ILS expensive?
A. No. However, this can be volatile and you can expect incoming and outgoing bank charges – expert advice is recommended.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with ILS?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book an ILS exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Crews travelling on Western passports can enter Israel visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
Some Muslim countries restrict access to travellers who have Israeli stamps in their passports. Filmmakers, photographers and journalists, who intend to make any future trips to these countries, should ask Israeli border guards not to stamp their passports with the Israeli entry/exit stamps, instead opting for a separate entry card being stamped.
Crew with passport stamps, indicating extensive travel to Muslim countries, may also face extensive questioning by Israeli immigration and border officials.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
In Israel, film location permits for most locations usually take no longer than two weeks. There are some difficulties with filming near army bases, but even those locations can be permitted given enough lead time.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Israel is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Israel has a Mediterranean climate.
Winters (November to March) are mild and rainy, with occasional snowfall in mountainous regions. Spring (April to May) has mild temperatures with plenty of sunshine. Summers (June to August) are long, hot and very dry. Autumn (September to October) has milder temperatures with very little rain.
Judaism is the main religion in Israel. It is home to many Jewish religious movements, with the largest being Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. The country also has a minority of Muslims and Christians.
The Jewish High Holidays are celebrated in September/October. Easter and Christmas see many visitors to Jerusalem’s Holy Land sites. Muslims observe Ramadan.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Israel.
Costs & VAT
In terms of local costs, Israel can be one of the more expensive service centres in the Middle East. However, unlike much of the Middle East, Israel is an established production service centre.
The standard VAT rate in Israel, at the time of writing, is set at 17%.
Treaty Documents
At the time of writing, the UK has a Film & TV Co-Production Treaty with Israel. Details can be found on the BFI website.
There is also the UK-Israel Trade & Partnership Agreement.