This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advise against traveling
Gaza
FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.
Areas near Gaza
FCDO advises against all travel to the area near the border with Gaza which includes:
- southwest of Ashkelon
- south of Route 35 and west of Route 40 to Tlalim, not including Be'er Sheva
- west of Beersheba
- 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 any travel to:
- less than 5 km from the border with Lebanon – the Israeli army announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited
- the farms of Sheba'a and Ghajjar
- less than 500 m from the border with Syria (the “Alpha line”)
- recently evacuated communities in northern Israel:
- Beit Hillel
- Dan
- Eilon
- Even Menachem
- Goren
- Granot Ha'Galil
- HaGoshrim
- Liman
- Matsuva
- Ramot Naftali
- sasa
- She'ar Yeshuv
- Snir
- Tzivon
The rest of Israel and the OPT
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and OPT.
Learn more about Why FCDO advise against traveling.
Conflict in Israel and OPT
On October 7, 2023, a large-scale Hamas terrorist attack took place in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israel Defense Forces carry out significant military activity in Gaza.
There is also increased military activity by the Israel Defense Forces around Gaza, the West Bank and 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 OPTincluding in the West Bank.
We recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation that poses significant risks. The situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning. This could disrupt air and road connections outside the country. If your reason for staying in Israel and the OPT is not essential, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
If you are in an area affected by fighting, follow the instructions of the Israeli Home Front Command. To find them:
The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency throughout the country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPT could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighboring country you plan to travel to or through.
Before traveling to Israel or the OPTcheck the local measures in force, that roads are open and, where applicable, that regular train and bus services are operating.
Monitor this travel advisory and other media as the situation is evolving rapidly. Track and Contact FCDO Travel in Twitter, Facebook And Instagram. You can also receive email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Read FCDO advice if you are affected by a crisis abroad.
Register your presence
If you are a British national in Israel and OPTincluding Gaza, you are advised to register your presence with FCDO. We may then share important updates, including information to help you leave the country. Complete the form for each member of your family or group who is a British national.
Traveling within or outside of Israel or the OPT is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow advice from local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to shelter in place.
Traveling to Egypt from Gaza
The Rafah border crossing remains open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is up to Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is allowed to cross and when. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry will contact embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross the border. If we receive notification from Israeli and Egyptian authorities that people are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.
If you are a British national in Gaza and wish to leave Gaza, you should contact us as soon as possible.
If you hold a UK visa and meet all of the following criteria, you can contact us to ask for help leaving Gaza:
- you have a spouse/partner or child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK; And
- you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for more than 6 months
Contact FCDO calling:
- +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)
- +972 (0)3 725 1222
- +972 (0)2 541 4100
Travel to the Rafah crossing point and beyond is at your own risk and subject to permission from Egyptian and Israeli authorities. You should only travel if you believe it is safe to do so. Check the Egypt Travel Tips.
Help and support in Israel and the OPT
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help you and what you should do.
Help from FCDO in Israel and OPT
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 organizations
Keep up to date with local travel tips through local and international media like Access Coordination Unit.
Concern for friends and family
If you are in the UK and are worried about a friend or family member in Israel or OPT call FCDO on 0176 766 7600.
Before traveling
No journey can be guaranteed to be completely safe. Read all the tips in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and take out appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses.
About FCDO travel tips
FCDO provides advice on travel risks to help UK nationals make informed decisions. Discover more about FCDO travel tips.
Track and Contact FCDO Travel in Twitter, Facebook And Instagram. You can also register for receive email notifications when this notice is updated.
