Israel
Warnings and insuranceSummary
This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).
Your
The travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where (FCDO) advises against travel
Gaza
FCDOall advisesbut againstessential all travel to Gaza.
AreasIsrael nearand Gaza
FCDOthe advisesOccupied Palestinian Territories, and against all travel to the areafollowing close to the border with Gaza that includes:
- south-west of Ashkelon
Gaza - south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
- west of Be’er Sheva
- north of route 211
The West Bank
FCDO advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Northern Israel
FCDO advises against all travel to:
- within 5km of the border with Lebanon
Lebanon.–Thethe Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited - the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
- within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
theareaclosetotheborderwithGazathatincludes:southwestofAshkelonsouthofroute35andwestofroute40asfarasTlalim,notincludingBe’erShevawestofBe’erShevanorthofroute211
- recently evacuated communities in northern Israel:
- Beit Hillel
Hillel - Dan
Dan - Eilon
Eilon - Even Menachem
Menachem - Goren
Goren - Granot Ha’Galil
Ha’Galil - HaGoshrim
HaGoshrim - Liman
Liman - Matsuva
Matsuva - Ramot Naftali
Naftali - Sasa
Sasa - She’ar Yeshuv
Yeshuv - Snir
Snir - Tzivon
- Beit Hillel
The
Find On There There If you are in an area affected by the fighting, The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs Before travelling within Israel Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad. If Travel within or out of Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You The Rafah border crossing continues If If Contact +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)Your resttravel ofinsurance Israelcould andbe theinvalidated OPTsif you travel against FCDO
advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against alltravel.
Register butyour essentialpresence
If travelyou toare thea restBritish ofNational in Israel and the OPTs.Occupied outPalestinian moreTerritories, aboutincluding whyGaza, you are advised to register your presence with the FCDO. advisesWe againstcan travel.then share important updates, including information to support you to leave the country. Fill in the form for every member of your family or group who is a British national.Conflict in Israel and the OPTs
Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesThere 7 October 2023 there was a large-scalelarge scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into IsraelIsrael.
There andhave thealso been Israeli Defenceair Forcesstrikes areinto conductingGaza. significantThe Israeli military activityannounced inon Gaza.13 isOctober alsothat increasedthe militaryentire activitypopulation byof theGaza Israelinorth Defenceof ForcesWadi aroundGaza Gaza,should withinrelocate theto Westsouthern BankGaza andwithin onthe Israel’snext northern24 border.hours.As are continued exchanges of rocket27 andOctober, smallIsraeli armsDefence fireForces overhave Israel’ssignificantly northernexpanded borderoperations.
You withshould Lebanonbe andaware of a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the OPTs,OPTs, including the West Bank.Bank, and Eilat and the Red Sea area. We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. This could disrupt air and road links out of the country. If your reason to remain in Israel and the OPTs is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.fighting, follow follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:
Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. CheckYou theshould travelcheck adviceour Travel Advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.Israel/OPTs oryou theshould OPTs, check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.operating before you travel.Due to the security situation, some family members of staff at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and British Consulate in Jerusalem have been temporarily withdrawn. The Embassy and Consulate continue with essential work including services to British nationals.
Register
Assisted your presencedepartureThe youbooking areportal afor BritishHMG nationalassisted inflights Israelfrom andBen theGurion OPTs,Airport includinghas Gaza,now youclosed. areCommercial advisedInternational toflights registercontinue yourto presenceoperate withfrom FCDO.Ben WeGurion Airport canin thenTel shareAviv importantand updates,Ramon includingAirport information to support you to leave the country. Fill in theEilat formbut forare everylimited memberand ofmay yourbe familycancelled orat groupshort who is a British national.notice.risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.shelter, and monitor this Travel Advice, which is regularly updated. Register your presence to receive important updates, including information on support to leave the country.Travelling to Egypt from Gaza
Gaza partially opened on 1 November. This is primarily to facilitate the evacuation of seriously wounded Palestinians and some foreign nationals. We understand that the crossing will continue to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact embassiesEmbassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.Any youremaining are a British nationalNationals in Gaza who wantswant to leave Gaza,Gaza you should make contact with us as soon as possible.In youaddition, are a UK visa holderholders who meetsmeet all of the following criteria,criteria you can also contact us to request support to leave Gaza:
months.If you meet all of the criteria, and want to leave Gaza, you can contact the FCDO by calling:
+972 (0)3 725 1222
+972 (0)2 541 4100
MovementIt tois for the RafahEgyptian crossing and beyondIsraeli isauthorities atto yourdetermine ownwho risk,is andpermitted dependentto oncross, theand permissionwhen.
Movement ofto the EgyptianRafah crossing and Israelibeyond authorities.is at your own risk. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the the Egypt travel advice.. If you are a British National, you should Register your presence to receive important updates, including information on support to leave the country.
Help and support in Israel and the OPTs
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Help from FCDO in Israel and the OPTs
Consular support is severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
If you need consular assistance call:
- +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)
- +972 (0)3 725 1222
- +972 (0)2 541 4100
Help from other organisations organisations
Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.
Concern for friends and family
If you are in the UK and concerned about a friend or family member who is in Israel or the OPTs call FCDO on 0176 766 7600. 7600.
BeforeAbout youFCDO travel advice
NoThe travelForeign, canCommonwealth be& guaranteedDevelopment safe.Office 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.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
Update history
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)