Things to Consider & FAQs
Booking & Payments
Choose the pilgrimage and date you would like to attend and complete the online booking process. A US $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place and is applied towards the total cost of your pilgrimage.
In some circumstances, a deposit may also be transferred to another pilgrimage.
Please contact the Registrar before making changes to your booking.
Your pilgrimage fee includes accommodation and three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and continuing through breakfast on the morning after the pilgrimage concludes. It also includes transportation during scheduled excursions, admission fees to sites and museums, and other costs directly related to the pilgrimage programme.
Your fee does not include travel to and from St George’s College, gratuities, drinks ordered with meals, optional tours or activities, telephone charges, laundry, additional nights before or after your pilgrimage, or personal expenses such as souvenirs and bottled drinks. Guests should also bring their own shampoo, shower gel and other toiletries.
You can pay on the website with your credit card.
If you would prefer another payment method, contact the College Registrar for assistance before making your payment.
If someone else is paying on your behalf, make sure the participant's name is clearly identified with the payment and notify the College so the payment can be applied to the correct booking.
Once your $500 deposit is received, the College will email you to confirm your place and provide a link to complete your Participant Information Form. You will also need to complete the Participant Agreement and Photo Form and Flight Information Form before your pilgrimage.
The full balance of your pilgrimage fee is due one month before the first day of your pilgrimage. The College Finance Manager will send an invoice for the remaining amount. The College accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash payments.
St George’s welcomes pilgrims from around the world. US dollars are used as a common reference currency, allowing international pilgrims to calculate the equivalent cost in their local currency. Questions about payments or currency can be directed to the College Finance Manager.
The $500 booking deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations made within one month of the pilgrimage may be subject to an additional charge.
If the trip is cancelled by Saint George's College for some reason, the $500 deposit will be refunded.
General Questions
Yes. Companions are welcome, but everyone staying at the College is generally expected to book, pay the full pilgrimage fee and participate fully in the pilgrimage. If there are special circumstances involving a non-participating companion, contact the College before booking.
The minimum age to participate in a St George’s pilgrimage is 16. The journeys can involve considerable walking, challenging terrain and full days, so they are not recommended for younger children.
Pilgrimages have full schedules, although the College tries to include an afternoon or morning of free time when the programme allows.
Yes. Churches, parishes and other groups are welcome to participate together. However, each person in the group must still complete an individual booking.
The current College policy offers one free place for every ten paying participants. Group organisers should contact the Registrar before booking to confirm how the complimentary place will be handled.
The College currently recommends that groups make arrangements approximately one year before their intended pilgrimage. The College can accommodate groups of up to 36 people within a programme.
The College Registrar can answer questions about your pilgrimage, accommodation, arrival or other preparations at registrar@sgcjerusalem.org
Yes. If your preferred pilgrimage is full, you may contact us to join the waiting list and the College will contact you if a place becomes available.
Documents & Travel
You must have a valid passport. Most countries require a passport which is valid (doesn’t expire) for at least six additional months from the date of entry into the respective country. If your passport is about to expire, please renew it prior to your trip.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and many European countries, currently need an approved ETA-IL before travelling to Israel.
Entry requirements depend upon your nationality and can change. It is each pilgrim’s responsibility to determine the requirements for their passport by consulting the appropriate Israeli authorities or consulate well before travelling. St George’s College cannot obtain an individual visa on your behalf.
If your personal itinerary involves leaving Israel and returning during your stay, you may need appropriate multiple-entry permission. When a St George’s pilgrimage itself includes travel to another country, such as Jordan, the College will arrange the necessary group travel visa described in the programme.
Yes. All pilgrims are required to have appropriate travel insurance covering flight cancellations, international medical care and pilgrimage costs in the event that you need to cancel.
Pilgrims travelling intercontinentally may wish to arrive one or two days early to recover from travel and jet lag. Limited accommodation may be available at St George’s before or after your pilgrimage, but you should contact the Registrar before booking your flights if you would like additional nights.
Additional accommodation may be available on a limited basis. The current Trip Preparation information lists additional stays at $95 per person, per night, including bed and breakfast. Availability must be confirmed with the Registrar before making travel arrangements.
You should arrive at St George’s in time for the opening Eucharist in St George’s Cathedral at 18:00 (6:00pm) on the first date listed for your pilgrimage. The service is followed by the evening meal, and accommodation that night is included in your pilgrimage fee.
The pilgrimage concludes with a farewell gathering, reception and final dinner on the final date listed. Breakfast and accommodation that evening are included, so you should normally plan to depart after breakfast the following morning.
Yes. Once your travel arrangements are confirmed, complete the College’s Flight Information Form with your arrival date and time. If you will be staying somewhere other than St George’s before the pilgrimage begins, let the College know that as well.
A staff member is on duty at the College 24 hours a day. Regardless of when you arrive, someone will be available to welcome you and show you to your room.
Shared taxi (sherut): Shared service taxis travel from the airport to Jerusalem and can drop you at the College.
Private taxi: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Agree on the fare before travelling and confirm that luggage is included.
Train: Trains travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem. From the Jerusalem station, you will need to continue to the College by taxi or local public transport.
Tell your driver you are travelling to St George’s College, 33 Salah El Deen Street, Jerusalem, opposite the Jerusalem District Court.
Health & Safety
The College is located within the walled Cathedral Close. Security personnel manage the grounds 24 hours a day, control the entrances and monitor access to the locked College building.
Pilgrims should be prepared to walk approximately two to three miles at a time at a normal pace. The Trip Preparation guidance specifies that participants should be capable of walking approximately three miles, or 6,000–7,000 steps, without assistance.
Days can include steep stairways, hills, rough terrain, uneven pavements and slippery stone surfaces. Some programmes also involve extended bus journeys or off-road travel.
Pilgrims should also be comfortable sitting for bus journeys of one to two hours at a time. If you require additional back support, please bring it with you.
Yes. In addition to walking approximately three miles at a normal pace, pilgrims should be able to ascend and descend at least three flights of stairs without assistance. Many historic and archaeological sites have steep, irregular stairs and may not have handrails or lifts.
A walking stick or cane without a wide base may be used. The College's current fitness policy does not permit walkers that require two hands or have wheels because of the terrain encountered during excursions.
Comfortable, supportive walking shoes are essential. They should be suitable for uneven ground, rough terrain and potentially slippery stone surfaces. A walking pole may also be helpful if you occasionally need additional support.
There is no upper age limit. However, pilgrims aged 70 or older are required to provide a doctor’s certificate confirming that they are fit to meet the physical requirements of the pilgrimage. A realistic assessment of your walking ability is important regardless of age.
Pilgrims over the age of 70 are required to provide a doctor's certificate confirming their fitness to participate at least two months before the pilgrimage begins.
A certificate is also required for participants of any age who have undergone major surgery or joint replacement within the previous year, or who have certain significant health conditions currently under treatment. These circumstances should also be disclosed on the participant information form.
Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you require, along with basic medicines you commonly use, such as pain relief, allergy medication or stomach remedies.
The climate can be hot and dry, and pilgrims spend significant time walking and outdoors. A refillable water bottle is considered essential. Water is also available for purchase at the College and during excursions.
Staying at St George's
You should arrive at St George’s in time for the opening Eucharist in St George’s Cathedral at 18:00 (6:00pm) on the first date listed for your pilgrimage. The service is followed by the evening meal, and accommodation that night is included in your pilgrimage fee.
The pilgrimage concludes with a farewell gathering, reception and final dinner on the final date listed. Breakfast and accommodation that evening are included, so you should normally plan to depart after breakfast the following morning.
College bedrooms include comfortable beds, wardrobes, bedside tables and lamps, a desk and chair, sink, mirror and telephone. Each room has an en suite toilet and shower.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are cleaned daily, and towels and bed linen are changed regularly. When pilgrimages include overnight stays away from Jerusalem, the College uses guest houses offering similar amenities.
The College has a limited number of single rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis. The current single-room supplement at the College is listed as $30 USD per night. Contact the Registrar to check availability. Additional single-room costs may also apply during overnight stays elsewhere.
Yes. College housekeeping can wash and dry clothing for a small fee. You may also hand-wash clothing and use the clothes lines on the College roof. An iron and ironing board are available at no charge.
Yes. Wi-Fi is available at the College for pilgrims.
If you plan to use your mobile phone, check with your provider before travelling to make sure international service will be available. Long-distance telephone service is also available through the College for an additional charge.
Jerusalem uses 220 AC, 50-cycle electricity, and College rooms use sockets designed for two- or three-round-pin plugs. Depending on your home country and devices, you may need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage transformer.
Adapters and transformers are not provided by the College, so purchase what you need before travelling.
Yes. St George’s College Library contains more than 21,000 volumes and is available for pilgrims to use during their stay.
Mail to and from Jerusalem can take two to three weeks, so pilgrims are asked not to arrange for parcels or packages to be delivered to the College during their stay.
Packing & Money
Jerusalem winters, generally November through March, can be wet and chilly. The current preparation guide describes daytime temperatures of approximately 10–15°C and nighttime temperatures of 5–10°C.
Summers, particularly May through September, are generally hot and dry, with daytime temperatures around 30–35°C.
The Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Masada and Galilee are often considerably warmer than Jerusalem, while Jerusalem evenings can be cool throughout the year.
Comfortable, loose-fitting layers work well for long bus journeys and walking. Bring warmer layers, a jacket and rain gear during the winter months.
You may also need swimming attire on some pilgrimages, along with informal clothing for social occasions. A hat or other head covering is useful for protection from both the summer sun and winter cold.
Modest clothing is required at many holy sites. Shoulders should be covered, and shorts are generally inappropriate. Some sites require legs to be covered to the ankle.
Requirements can be more specific when visiting mosques; the College’s current guidance advises women to bring clothing that covers the arms, legs and neckline as well as an appropriate head covering.
The College recommends packing:
- Prescription and basic medicines
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Pocket-sized Bible with Old and New Testaments
- Journal or notebook
- Torch/flashlight if you do not use your phone
- Money belt
- Shampoo and shower gel
- Electrical plug adapter
- Swimming costume and towel when appropriate
- A small overnight bag for excursions away from Jerusalem
Pack lightly because you are responsible for carrying your own luggage; the College does not provide porters.
No. Some pilgrimages spend several nights away from Jerusalem, including stays in Galilee. A small holdall or overnight bag is recommended. Your main suitcase and other belongings can remain securely in your College room.
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). The College does not exchange currency. ATMs and money changers are available near the College, and US dollars are also widely used according to the current preparation information.
It is useful to have some shekels available when you arrive, particularly for transportation.
Allow money for items such as laundry, bottled drinks, photocopying, souvenirs and other personal purchases. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included in the pilgrimage fee.
Gratuities are not included in the base pilgrimage fee. The College currently adds a supplementary gratuity charge that it distributes to College staff, drivers and others supporting the pilgrimage.
In the Words of Our Pilgrims
“This was so much more than visiting the places I had read about. Scripture, worship and community came together in a way I will carry with me.”
“You do not visit the Holy Land. You let it enter you.”
Ruth Asante
Accra, Ghana
“The scripture did not change. But I did. Every page reads differently now.”
Michael O’Brien
Dublin, Ireland
“I came to walk ancient stones. I left with a faith made new.”