Visitors to Israel will find Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv clean and easy to navigate. Passengers who fly ELAL (the Israel flight carrier) will be dropped as close enough to the entrance so that you can walk to the passport check in booths. Others will have to endure a short bus ride that can be a fast and very cramped ride.
Depending on how many flights have landed, you may be in for a long wait at the passport control check in booths. At least there are clearly marked restrooms if you need to refresh a bit after your long flight. The passport check-in booths are all "manned" by female police officers who will ask you where you are staying for your duration during your visit in Israel.
Tourists usually receive a three month visa at the airport. This visa can be extended at any Ministry of Interior office if you want to stay longer. You may ask the police officer not to stamp your passport, if you are planning to visit any other countries that may object to an Israeli stamp in your passport. They will give you a little stamped document instead.
As you pass through the passport control, you are lead straight into a big hall with all the baggage carousels. All the carousels are clearly marked with the name of your flight and you just have to wait patiently for your luggage to arrive. The wait is usually not too long and baggage trolleys are available.
Passengers have to walk very far after they have claimed their luggage. This in my opinion is the only negative thing I have to say about the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Be ready to walk at least a kilometer before you reach the exit. It is a very good idea to make use of those baggage trolleys.
All of the passengers are directed to the same reception hall, so if somebody is picking you up, it will be hard to miss you. There are a few shops and restaurants near the reception hall, if you have some extra time to wait.
Outside the airport you can make use of public transport, buses and the train, or take a taxi to reach your destination. The airport have a very international feel about it, but as soon as you step outside you will be greeted with fresh warm air ( unless it is winter) and rows of palm trees.
All the well known car rental agencies are also found right at the airport. You will be able to hire a vehicle quickly and efficiently. Vehicles may be returned to back at the airport or be given back at any of the agencies dotted throughout Israel.
Landing in Israel can be quick and efficient, but you are going to have to prepare for the opposite when you leave the country. Passengers are advised to arrive three hours before check in and usually two of these three hours are used during the security checks.
Even before your have checked in, at a huge hall with more than 100 check-in counters, you will be questioned about your stay in Israel and about your luggage. Travelers, especially young people, often have their luggage checked. It can be invasive, but is done diplomatically and quickly.
Then your luggage is x-rayed and you are finally allowed to check-in. After receiving your boarding passes, going through passport control again and having your hand luggage checked, go to the Rotunda.
The Rotunda is a huge round shaped shopping mall and you can find a lot of good deals here. Israeli's love shopping and often look forward to spend a lot of their travel money before they have even left the country. People buy anything from perfumes, clothes, alcohol, sport shoes and electrical goods.
If you are not into shopping, you can spent your last few shekels at various coffee shops and restaurants, just be careful not to miss your flight! The flights are usually on time and depending on which airline you flew with you can step straight into the airplane through a little tunnel or have to endure a short, but very fast bus ride again.
The Israeli's are warm people and used to visitors from all over the world. They are not shy to speak English and often go out of their way to help people. You are sure to have a great visit to Israel. The security precautions at Ben Gurion Airport may seem extreme to a visitor, but keep in mind that it is for your safety too.