Israel travel advice

FCDO notice

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June  in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its 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 for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: 

• read If you’re 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, and ensure your travel documents are up to date 

• if advised to take shelter, 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 provide additional protection. 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 are advised to take shelter, Israel’s Home Front Command provides guidance on how to find a protected space. The best option is 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. Visit Israel’s Home Front Command.

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

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

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza

Areas near Gaza

FCDO advises against all travel within 500m of the border with Gaza

The West Bank

FCDO advises 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

• Sheba’a 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 about why FCDO advises against travel.

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.

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

To enter Israel or Palestine, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.