04/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/14/2024 01:23
This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where advises against travel
Gaza
advises against all travel to Gaza.
Areas near Gaza
advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:
The West Bank
advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Northern Israel
advises against all travel to:
The rest of Israel and the
advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and the .
Find out more about why advises against travel.
Conflict in Israel and the
On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.
There is also increased military activity by the Israeli Defence Forces around Gaza, within the West Bank and on Israel's northern border.
There are continued exchanges of rocket and small arms fire over Israel's northern border with Lebanon and a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the , including the West Bank.
On 13 April 2024 Iran launched an attack against Israel, using UAVs, ballistic and cruise missiles fired from Iran into Israel.
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 is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
If you are in an area affected by the fighting, follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:
The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.
Before travelling within Israel or the , check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.
Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Read advice if you're affected by a crisis abroad.
Travel within or out of Israel or the 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.
Travelling to Egypt from Gaza
The Rafah border crossing continues 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 embassies 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.
If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible.
If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza:
Contact by calling:
Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk, and dependent on the permission of the Egyptian and Israeli authorities. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the Egypt travel advice.
Help and support in Israel and the
Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Help from in Israel and the
Consular support is severely limited where advises against travel.
If you need consular assistance call:
Help from other 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 call on 020 7008 5000.
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:
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 travel advice
provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about travel advice.
Follow and contact travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.