Costs. If you’re looking for an affordable gap year, Israel can be a great option. With plenty of volunteer programs offering free housing and meals in exchange for work, programs subsidized by religious organizations, and many programs with low fees, you will find afford options for a year in Israel. In general, expect expenses to be on par with the US or Western Europe. If you are Jewish and have never traveled to Israel, you might look into Birthright programs, which may provide you with free travel to Israel. You can also fundraise through FundMyTravel.

Accommodations. You should expect accommodations in cities to be priced similar to a mid-sized US city, but you may find that cheap but rustic accommodations are available in communal-style living for many organized Israel gap year programs.

Visas. At the time of writing, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel for three months or less, but will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of travel. For longer stays, non-US citizens, or updated requirements, contact your local Israel embassy. An Israeli passport stamp may limit your entry to other Middle Eastern countries, so keep informed if you are planning to travel on to another Middle Eastern country from Israel.

Safety. US citizens should check the State Department for travel advisories or warnings for Israel before planning travel, and should keep abreast of updated political information. Some areas such as the West Bank and Gaza frequently have travel warnings. Travelers should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance and should be sure to clearly understand their coverage.