General

How do I apply?
You can find more information about the trip and the application process HERE.
Who can apply for a Passages trip?
Our eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Actively enrolled as a student
- Identify as a practicing Christian
- 18-30 years old
- A valid passport is required
You are not required to be a US citizen, but if you are not you may be subject to additional COVID testing.

What does a trip cost?
A Passages trip costs over $5,000 to provide a comprehensive educational experience to each participant—not including programmatic costs for the Certificate in Christian Leadership and Israel Studies. We believe that every Christian student should experience Israel. So, we’ve partnered with donors from around the world to help make our trips as accessible as possible.
After scholarships, students are responsible for a registration fee of $2980*. We also provide and encourage the use of our Fundraising Packet that allows students to garner financial support from their friends and family in covering the remaining cost of the program. Upon completion of Passages Capstone during post-trip programming, students who successfully finish and pass the Capstone requirement will be eligible to receive a $150 incentive.
*Some partner schools subject to differing price; contact your school administration for updated pricing.

What does the trip include? What does my registration fee cover?
The program includes round trip international airfare, lodging, transportation on a private coach bus, breakfast, dinner & 4 lunches, tour guide, site entrances and health insurance. Health insurance does not include pre-existing conditions. Referral is available for the purchase of additional travel insurance if desired.
Where do we go on the Israel trip?
The program includes a mix of Biblical, geopolitical, historical, and religious sites in the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee areas. For more detail, you can refer to our sample itinerary here.
I don't have a passport! When do I have to submit it?
You will need to submit your passport at the time of registering for the trip. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months to enter Israel.
Is there anything I need to commit to in order to participate in the trip?
Yes. Before the trip, we ask that all participants complete a brief online pre-trip course designed to prepare them for the trip (sent 3-4 weeks prior to the trip). After the trip, participants are to complete a second online course designed to expand on and develop their on-the-ground learning. The students will also choose three items from a list of post-trip activities. Post-trip activities are meant to build upon what the participant experienced in Israel and to help the participant tell their Israel story to their communities. Overall, these courses and activities can take between 10-20 hours to complete.
Can I make a donation to Passages?
Yes! You can make a donation here: https://www.classy.org/campaign/donate-to-passages/c283315
I've been to Israel before. Am I still eligible?
Yes! Only alumni of the Passages program are ineligible to participate again.
I just graduated! Am I still eligible?
Congratulations! Yes, you are welcome to apply for a trip with us up to one year after you graduated. If you graduated this summer, your last opportunity to travel with us will be next summer.

I'm an international student and not from the United States. Can I participate in a Passages trip?
International students are eligible to participate in a Passages trip. Please note, additional COVID-19 testing and protocols could be required. Please check your country’s tourism department for clear details as you are responsible for this.
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
If you’re not traveling on a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to travel to Israel. Connecting flights and flights with short stopovers sometimes require visas. It’s your responsibility to check if you’ll need a visa before traveling. You can check for these requirements on the Israel Ministry of Tourism website: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_tourism/govil-landing-page
If I'm not selected for a trip this season, can I apply again for the next round of trips?
Yes, you’re welcome to reapply as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
I submitted my application! What now?
Once you’ve submitted your application, our team will begin the review process. Depending on when you submitted your application, this could take several weeks to a few months. Sit back, relax, and be patient. Our team will notify you with a trip acceptance or denial. If you are not accepted for a trip for the season you applied for, you’re welcome to reapply so long as you still meet eligibility requirements.
How much physical activity can I expect?
Most activities will include walking so participants will be walking approximately 2-3 miles per day. We would recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers each day. Most walks will be lightly to moderately strenuous and there will be breaks throughout the day as you travel to and from sites.
Does Passages make accommodations for individuals with medical, developmental, and physical disabilities?
Passages may be able to make limited accommodations. At this time, the program involves long days of walking and standing on uneven ground. If you have more questions, you are welcome to reach out to us at trips@passagesisrael.org.
Is a Passages trip fair and balanced as it relates to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict?
Passages is transparent about its beliefs. In particular, Passages believes Israel is a force for good in the region and in the world. That being said, we do not claim that Israel is perfect. In particular, we seek to offer a diverse array of speakers who approach modern geopolitical issues in Israel and the Middle East from a variety of perspectives. On the trip, students will meet with Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, Palestinian Arabs (both Christian and Muslim), and a member of the Israeli Maronite/Aramaic Christian community. We believe Passages participants are smart, good, and have the ability to identify truth and we therefore consider this an educational journey to both connect participants with the roots of their Christian faith as well as introduce them to modern Israel.
What does the trip include?
The program includes roundtrip international airfare, lodging, transportation on a private coach bus, breakfast, dinner & 4 lunches, tour guide/site entrances and health insurance. Health insurance does not include pre-existing conditions. Referral is available for the purchase of additional travel insurance if desired.
Is there anything I need to commit to in order to participate in the trip?
Yes. We ask that all participants complete the pre-trip reading materials and videos (sent 3-4 weeks prior to the trip) and choose 3 items from a list of post-trip activities. Post-trip activities are meant to build upon what the participant experienced in Israel and to help the participant tell their Israel story to their communities.
Is it safe?
The safety and security of the students who participate in our program is paramount. We provide each bus with an armed medic/guard and our tour operator is in touch with the authorities on a continual basis should a situation arise within the country and the itinerary need to be changed accordingly.

Financial

Why is there a transaction fee in the application?
The transaction fee is charged by our payment processing company which is mandatory. At this time, we do not offer ACH payments.
Can I pay with cash or check?
Check and/or cash payments are not accepted. All payments must be made via debit/credit card. At this time, we do not offer ACH payments.
Can I pay for the trip with a payment plan?
At this time our merchant processor sadly does not allow payment plans.
Can I fundraise for my trip?
Yes, we have a Fundraising Packet available that describes how to fundraise individually; however, we do not have a payment plan in place to collect incremental payments. The Passages registration cost is expected to be submitted in its entirety.
If the trip is canceled, will I get a refund?
If Passages cancels the trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your registration fee (all refunds do not include the processing fee paid at registration). If you would like to cancel your trip, please contact trips@passageisrael.org and refer to the Cancellation Policy for more information.
Is financial aid available?
Unfortunately, we do not have financial aid available
What about insurance?
Limited health insurance is provided while in Israel. Our partners at our travel agency Traveland offer Cancel for Any Reason Insurance through Travel Insured that can cover your flights and registration fee. Cancel for Any Reason Insurance is available for purchase when you book your flight through Traveland. If you desire any additional health and travel insurance coverages, this is your responsibility.
Note: The cost of the domestic airfare is your responsibility and is not covered by Passages.
Should I exchange money before my trip?
It is possible for you to change money if you would prefer with your bank or at the airport in Tel Aviv, but we recommend using an ATM to directly withdraw shekels from your account once you arrive in Israel. This will save the headache of the exchange, and carrying around a large amount of cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Israel and you will likely only need a small amount of cash for smaller street vendors. Finally, we recommend notifying your debit/credit card company of your travel plans to avoid their placing a security hold on your account.

Safety & Security

Is it safe?
Yes, it is safe. Israel is a first-world country that offers tourists a secure and welcoming environment. On top of that, the safety of our participants is paramount to us. Each of our buses are staffed with an armed medic/guard and we are continually in touch with the authorities within the country to monitor any needed changes in our itinerary.
What staff members will be traveling with me?
Every Passages bus will have 1-2 Chaplains, 2 Passages Fellows, an Israeli tour guide, and a medic. Your Fellows will reach out to you before the trip with more information and connect you with the rest of the group. A Passages staff member and Senior Fellow will oversee several buses and be available to address questions or concerns throughout the trip.

Travel & Flight Information

Can I extend my flight and stay in Israel past the Passages program?
In order to qualify for a trip extension, please view our deviation policy for eligibility requirements. You can view the deviation policy HERE.
Will I be flying on my own? What do I do when I land in Israel?
All participants travel to Israel on a group flight so you’ll be with other Passages participants on your international flight. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Passages staff will meet you in Arrival Hall and take you to your bus.
How do I book my domestic flight?
All participants are responsible for paying the domestic flight out of pocket. As a part of registration, you filled out a form to book your domestic flights with Traveland. You can check your international flight information within the pre-trip course. If you indicated you do not need a domestic flight but have since realized you do, you can reach out to Traveland at passages@traveland.net. We require participants to book through Traveland for the services they offer in case of contingencies (i.e., delays, cancellations, etc). The only exception to booking domestic flights with Traveland is if you live close enough to the gateway airport to take a train, drive, etc. Regardless of your travel arrangements, please notify Traveland via email at passages@traveland.net of your plans for getting to the gateway airport.
What happens if my flight is canceled or delayed?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you will need to contact your Fellows and Traveland (text 203-814-3535). In the meantime you can work with the airline to secure a new flight if needed.
What happens if my luggage gets lost?
Passages has trained our trip leaders and worked with our partners to develop a process to get your luggage back quickly. You will need to file a report with the airline and then work with Traveland’s insurance department to file a claim. Traveland will work to find the luggage and our Israeli partners will coordinate its delivery to you.
I don't have a passport! When do I need to submit it?
You will need to submit your passport at the time of registering for the trip. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months to enter Israel.
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
If you’re not traveling on a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to travel to Israel. Connecting flights and flights with short stopovers sometimes require visas. It’s your responsibility to check if you’ll need a visa before traveling. You can check for these requirements on the Israel Ministry of Tourism website: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_tourism/govil-landing-page

COVID

What if I test positive during or at the end of my trip?
If you do not feel well during the trip, you may choose to take a home antigen test. If your result comes out positive you will have to follow Israeli protocol, go into immediate quarantine and conduct an official antigen test. Passages Staff will coordinate this process for you. Your quarantine period starts on the day you conduct the official antigen test.
When and how do I finish my quarantine period?
As of summer 2022, the quarantine period is set for 5-7 days. Release at the end of day 5 is permitted provided you conduct a home antigen test on day 4 in the evening and on day 5 in the evening, both resulting negative for COVID-19. If one of the tests comes out positive, you will have to complete your quarantine period until the end of day 7, without another antigen test.
Passaages will arrange for your accommodation and meals throughout quarantine and will help coordinate your return home with you and Traveland.
Passages Staff and partners will assist with essential needs and requirements, such as testing. Any unessential needs and requirements will be the participant’s responsibility. We recommend bringing extra prescription medications if you take any, as well as any over the counter medications you like to have with you.
Do I need a COVID-19 test before I return to the United States?
As of summer 2022, the United States does not require a negative test before returning to the US.
Do I need to have had a COVID-19 vaccine to participate?
As of summer 2022, travelers are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, non-US citizens are required to be fully vaccinated to re-enter the US upon return.
How is Passages making its health and safety decisions?
We work closely with Israel’s Ministry of Health and follow the guidance of the CDC’s protocols.
Do I need to take a COVID-19 test before I go on my trip to Israel?
To reduce the exposure of Covid-19 on the trip, Passages requires all participants to take an at-home antigen test within 1 (one) day of departure.