Israel
Contents
- Warnings and insurance
- Entry requirements
- Safety and security
- Regional risks
- Health
- Getting help
Subscriptions
Warnings and insurance
[]
![[]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a1fea0db95db968c8f3bddc/FCDO_TA_022_-_Israel_Travel_Advice_Ed29_WEB.jpg){kind=link}
Download a more detailed map (PDF, 405 KB)
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Gaza
FCDOadvises against all travel to Gaza
Areas near Gaza
FCDOadvises against all travel within 500m of the border with Gaza
The West Bank
FCDOadvises against all travel to:
- Tulkarm Governorate, Jenin Governorate, and Tubas Governorate except Route 90
Northern Israel and Occupied Golan Heights
FCDO advises against all travel to:
-
Areas north of Route 89 between Nahariyya and Dalton; north of a straight eastward line from Dalton to Route 91; and north of Route 91 across the Golan Heights, excluding routes 89 and 91 themselves
-
Within 500m of the Area of Separation in the occupied Golan Heights (the Alpha line). Do not attempt to enter the occupied Golan Heights through Syria
-
Shebaa Farms and Ghajja
Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
West Bank
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- The rest of the West Bank, except for: East Jerusalem, Bethlehem Governate, Ramallah Municipality, Jericho municipality and all areas which lie south of it (this includes the Allenby crossing). Highway 1 that links Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the areas that lie to the south and west of the Highway (this includes Highway 3), and Route 443 and Highway 45 which link Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Find out more aboutwhyFCDOadvises against travel.
Regional tensions
The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on17Juneinrelation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle Eastremainsunpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran ina number oflocations across the regionagainst US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime hadstatedits intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared forpossible flightcancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
-
readIf youre affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis
-
sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
-
follow advice from the local authorities
-
monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
-
stay away from areas around security or military facilities
-
keep your departure plans under review,andensure your travel documents are up to date
-
if advisedto takeshelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provideadditionalprotection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects
Shelter in place
Follow the instructions of the local authorities.If you areadvised to takeshelter,Israels Home Front Command provides guidance on how to find a protected space. The bestoptionis a residential protected space (Mamad, Mamak or Maman) or a communal shelter. If that is not possible, choose a stairwell without windows and exterior walls and stay at its centre.
Sign up to receive information and alerts.VisitIsraels Home Front Command.
If you are in Israel and Palestine
Due to ongoing regional tensions, we recommend against all travel to some parts of Israel and Palestine.
The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.
If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased there is a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.
Political tension can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.
Keep up to date through local media and follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:
-
visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only).
-
call 104 if you are in Israel
Before travelling within Israel or Palestine, check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.
Travel within or out of Israel or Palestine is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.
Leaving Gaza
Border crossings out of Gaza have been closed to civilians and general traffic since the Israeli military took control of the Rafah crossing on 6 May 2024. Consular support is not available from within Gaza. If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible. There are currently no exit routes available for foreign nationals to depart Gaza independently. We are working with the Israeli, Palestinian and other authorities in the region to help British nationals leave via safe routes.
If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza if:
-
you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK, and
-
you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months
Help from other organisations
Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
- women travellers
- disabled travellers
- LGBT+ travellers
- solo and independent travel
- volunteering and adventure travel
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Get travel advice updates
Sign up toget email notificationswhen this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO: