Israel
Summary
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This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The FCDO advises against all travel to:
- Gaza
- the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
- within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and east of Route 98 along the Syrian border
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel
- the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Israel’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
Make sure you are aware of Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports during Israeli holidays and during the summer tourist season. See Entry requirements.
The security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be fast moving, tense and unpredictable. You should be vigilant at all times and keep up to date with local media and travel reports.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners including the Old City in Jerusalem, on public transport, and in busy public spaces. March-April 2022 saw 5 terrorist attacks in Israel, in which 24 Israelis were killed. See Terrorism
There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza, which may occur well beyond the Gaza border area; Israel has often responded with air strikes into Gaza. MakeIf travelling in central or southern Israel, make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if ana Israeli warning siren sounds,sounds, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice. No warning sirens will sound inside Gaza. See Gaza
You should also exercise extreme caution when considering visiting Palestinian refugee camps which have previously been the site of violent clashes (we advise against all but essential travel to the camps in Jenin).
In Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles. These incidents have involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces,forces and civilians (including Israeli settlers).settlers. There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any of these types of incident. You should check the local news before travelling to see if there have been recent clashes,clashes beand vigilant, avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations, avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence and follow the instructions of the local authorities. violence. If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, you should stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.
Incidents have previously occurred in Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, Hadera, Jerusalem and the Old City (particularly at and around Damascus Gate, Herod’s gate, Lion’s Gate and the Chain Gate), Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, at Israeli checkpoints, near settlement outposts, and around Palestinian refugee camps.camps and along Route 60 (especially junctions near Nablus), Route 443 and other West Bank arterial roads used by both Palestinians and Israelis. You should exercise particularextreme caution on these routes, particularly at night.
There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any incident. You should be vigilant, exercise caution, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow instructions of local authorities. You should exercise extreme caution when considering visiting Nablus, Hebron or Palestinian refugee camps which have previously been the site of violent clashes (we advise against all but essential travel to the camps in Jenin) settlements and settlement outposts which have been the site of recent violent incidents (e.g near Beit El, Homesh, Shilo, Evyatar, etc) and avoid such locations after dark. You should check the local news before travelling to these areas to see if there have been recent clashes and avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence.
These incidents have also occurred along Route 60 (especially junctions near Nablus), Route 443 and other West Bank arterial roads used by both Palestinians and Israelis. You should exercise extreme caution on these routes, particularly at night, and turn around if you see any signs of a disturbance.
There is a risk of increased tension around Jewish high holidays (Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succoth), after Friday prayers, and on other religious holidays and anniversaries. This is heightened when different religious or national holidays overlap. Jerusalem Day (date varies), Land Day (30 March) and Nakba Day (15 May) may be tense. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. You should exercise extreme caution: follow local media and this travel advice and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. See Safety and security
There are significant tensions between Israel, and the Assad regime and Iranian military forces in Syria. The situation remains fragile, with attempted and actual military exchanges either side of the border. If travelling in the area remain vigilant, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice.
There are also continued tensions between Israel and Lebanon. The situation on the ground could change quickly. See Border with Lebanon
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Occupied Golan Heights where the FCDO has existing advice against all travel (see above).
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2024-08-25 06:27
Attack on Israel by Lebanese Hizballah (Warnings and Insurance).
2024-07-28 19:26
Update on areas that the FCDO advises against all travel to. (Warnings and Insurance)
2024-07-26 15:19
Information that from 1 January 2025, all visitors to Israel from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they arrive (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-24 16:12
Information that from 1 August 2024, all visitors to Israel from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they arrive (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-03 16:57
New information on access at the Rafah border crossing (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
2024-04-26 12:35
Removal of some language on military activity in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-04-19 15:02
Information on explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-04-14 08:16
13 April 2024 – drones and missiles fired from Iran into Israel (‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)
2024-04-11 11:07
Information added on risks of attempting to enter Gaza by sea, including by humanitarian flotilla (‘Regional risks’ page) and the possibility of an attack on Israeli territory from Iran (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-04-08 11:37
Information on Ramadan and access to Al-Aqsa Mosque (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-23 17:11
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2024-01-12 00:15
Update to Safety and Security page
2023-12-15 20:22
Addition of information to reflect the extension of practical support to cross the border with Egypt at Rafah to UK visa holders who meet specific criteria (‘Summary’ page).
2023-11-02 14:34
Addition of information to reflect the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on 1 November, and further information on rocket attacks in Eilat and the Red Sea area (‘Summary’ page).
2023-11-02 08:51
Addition of information to reflect the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on 1 November (‘Summary’ page).
2023-10-27 19:41
Addition of information: As of 27 October, Israeli Defence Forces have significantly expanded operations.
2023-10-23 20:36
To clarify: FCDO now advises against all travel to the West Bank excluding Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
2023-10-23 11:37
FCDO now also advises against all travel to recently evacuated communities in northern Israel (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-10-20 21:50
You are advised against all travel to the whole of the West Bank, excluding Jerusalem and Route 1.
2023-10-19 05:31
The booking portal for HMG assisted departures is closed. International commercial flights are still departing from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and Ramon airport in Eilat. (‘Summary’ Page)
2023-10-18 20:05
FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the border with Lebanon (‘Summary’ page)
2023-10-17 19:01
The booking portal for assisted flights out of Israel will close at 1000 (UK time)/midday (Israel time) on 18 October; any British national wishing to depart on an HMG assisted flight should make a booking before this time (‘Summary’ page)Changed language advising against all travel within 4km of the border with Lebanon (‘Summary’ page)
2023-10-16 19:10
Update on current terrorism risks (‘Terrorism’ page)
2023-10-15 20:35
FCDO now also advises against all travel to within 4km of the border with Lebanon (‘Summary’ page)
2023-10-13 23:54
Clarification to sections on Conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and on Assisted Departure. (“summary”)
2023-10-13 07:20
The Israeli military announced on the morning of 13 October that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. We advise following this advice issued by the Israeli authorities. We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks.(“summary”)
2023-10-12 16:49
The UK government is facilitating commercial flights from Israel back to the UK, and temporary withdrawal of some family members of British Embassy and Consulate staff. The FCDO continues to advise against travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts, including the Rafah crossing into Egypt (‘Summary’ page).
2023-10-10 17:27
If you are in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, you are advised to register your presence with the FCDO. The FCDO continues to advise against travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts, including the Rafah crossing into Egypt. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-10-09 15:46
If you are in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you are advised to register your presence with the FCDO. The FCDO continues to advise against travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to advise against all but essential travel to all other parts. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-10-08 14:55
Further update following rocket fire from Gaza and attacks in southern Israel (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-10-07 19:52
Further update following rocket fire from Gaza and attacks in southern Israel (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-10-07 11:04
Updated information following rocket fire from Gaza and attacks in southern Israel (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-07-12 14:51
Updated information on entry/exit to Ben Gurion airport (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 10:56
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-06-19 14:38
Removal of information on the requirement to have a health insurance policy with coverage for the treatment of COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-05-20 10:42
Change to advice on the threat of rocket fire to commercial aviation, following the ceasefire agreed on 14 May.
2023-05-19 09:04
Clarity on dual nationals facing pre-approvals, information should a traveller be denied entry, information for minors travelling to Israel, and to remove redundant requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-05-10 17:28
Updated information on the collateral threat to commercial aviation from rocket fire and the risk of disruption to scheduled services (‘Summary’ page).
2023-04-08 13:09
Updated information about terror attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (Summary, Safety and Security, Terrorism pages).
2023-03-27 10:41
Updated information about political demonstrations and strikes across Israel (‘Summary page’).
2023-03-09 21:57
New information on a shooting incident in Tel Aviv (‘Summary’ page)
2023-03-03 10:18
Updated information on advice against all but essential travel to the village of Huwara, south of Nablus (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-03-01 12:10
Update about advising against all travel within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’) (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-02-02 09:24
Updated information on dates where there is an increased risk of demonstrations and other forms of unrest (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-01 15:15
Updated information on recent terrorist incidents (‘Terrorism’ page).
2022-12-06 13:49
Addition of information on taking extra care while on public transport in Jerusalem (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-11-29 14:48
Updated information on foreign nationals entering and residing in the West Bank (‘Entry Requirements’ page) and information on a terrorist attack that occurred on 23 November (‘Summary’ page and ‘Terrorism’ page)
2022-10-21 12:29
Updated information on bus usage on and entry to the West Bank and risks to be aware of at LGBT+ events (‘Safety and security’, ‘Local laws & customs’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-10-12 14:38
Updated information on COVID-19 entry requirements, local laws and customs and details on where to find further information Israel’s COVID-19 regulations (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’, ‘Local laws and customs’ and Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-08-08 12:50
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus
2022-08-07 20:44
Addition of information on increased threat of terrorist attacks due to heightened tensions in Gaza (‘Terrorism’ page)
2022-07-29 11:01
Addition of advice about incursions (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-07-18 11:25
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-05-26 18:08
Updates to the Coronavirus and Entry requirements pages (See ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-05-12 11:20
Adding factual information on an incident on 5 May (‘Terrorism’ page)
2022-04-14 10:48
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus (‘Summary’ page).
2022-04-12 16:36
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-08 13:43
Update to information following an attack in Tel Aviv on 7 April (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages). Update to information on eligibility for a Green Pass (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-04-07 09:19
Editorial amendments to text related to clashes in 2021 (‘Summary’ page)
2022-03-31 14:10
Update to information on clashes in March 2022 (‘Summary’ page)
2022-03-30 13:48
Undated Information on recent incidents (‘See ‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages)
2022-03-29 12:22
Information added on recent incidents (‘Terrorism’ and ‘Summary’ pages)
2022-03-11 11:01
Updated information on entry requirements for travellers who are fully vaccinated (‘Entry requirements’ page)