Israel
UK Foreign Office travel advice · 22 July 2026
Current safety guidance for Israel from UK Foreign Office travel advice. We cover 2 cities in Israel, with reported scams for each.
Source: Israel travel advice — UK Foreign Office travel advice
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Terrorist kidnap is a risk in Gaza and along the border with Egypt. On 7 October 2023, 251 people were kidnapped by Hamas into Gaza.
British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government is to not make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.
Following the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah (LH), a cessation of hostilities was announced on 16 April 2026. However, fighting continues and the dynamic nature of the conflict means the situation may change quickly.
There remains a risk that hostilities could reignite, and with little warning. Check Home Front Command for the latest guidance. Restrictions may be put in place at short notice.
Following the conflict between Israel and Iran a ceasefire was agreed on 8 April 2026.
There remains a risk that hostilities could reignite, and with little warning. Check Home Front Command for the latest guidance. Restrictions may be put in place at short notice.
Following the conflict between Israel and the Houthis (in Yemen), there continues to be a risk of missile 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. On 22 and 24 September 2025, two drones fired by the Houthis fell in Eilat, injuring at least 20 people.
Check Home Front Command for the latest guidance. Restrictions may be put in place at short notice.
On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. The frequency of attacks has significantly decreased but there is still a risk of rocket attacks throughout Israel.
There is an increased risk of political tension which can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and Palestine.
There was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas into southern Israel on 7 October 2023 where over 1,200 people were killed. Hamas continue to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.
Terrorist attacks in Israel and Palestine are very likely to continue with an increased threat of attacks, including by individuals acting alone.
Any attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreign nationals such as:
Areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Examples of recent significant attacks include:
In 2025:
in September, six people were killed and eight wounded in a shooting attack in northern Jerusalem
in March, one person was killed and one person injured in a shooting attack in northern Israel
in March, one person was killed and 3 injured in a stabbing attack in Haifa
in February, one person was killed and 12 people were injured in a ramming and stabbing attack at Karkur Junction near Pardes Hana-Karkur, south of Haifa
in February, 3 bombs exploded on 3 separate busses in the Tel Aviv area. Two other buses were found with bombs which failed to explode. There were no casualties. See our Regional Risks section for further information on using public transport in Tel Aviv
In 2024:
In 2023:
There was an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas following the October 7 2023 Hamas terrorist attack which saw 251 people kidnapped into Gaza. On 10 October, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire.
There remains a risk that hostilities could reignite, and with little warning. You should check Home Front Command for the latest guidance. Restrictions may be put in place at short notice. If travelling near military operation areas, follow all Israeli official instructions.
Military activity continues on the Gaza border. Keep up to date with the news while travelling.
Keep up to date with local travel advice on local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.
Rocket fire can affect most areas of Israel and the interception of missiles over Palestine may result in falling fragments or debris. Israeli air strikes also continue into Gaza. Be cautious and make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if an Israeli warning siren 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, or in the West Bank outside of Israeli settlements. See Regional risks.
In Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including:
Incidents have occurred:
Incidents have involved protestors (Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces and civilians (including Israeli settlers). Tourists or bystanders could be caught up in incidents.
Large political demonstrations can:
You should:
If Israeli security operations or armed clashes are happening near you, stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.
There is increased risk of political tension, which can cause demonstrations and clashes, during events such as:
Risks increase when religious or national holidays overlap.
Some of these protests have led to violent clashes.
Be extremely cautious if visiting refugee camps. Hebron and Palestinian refugee camps have previously been the site of violent clashes.
There have been recent violent incidents in settlements and settlement outposts, including near Beit El, Homesh, Shilo and Evyatar.
Keep your personal belongings in a safe place. Theft of passports, credit cards, and valuables from public beaches is common.
Always carry ID, for example, a copy of the personal details and entry stamp pages of your passport).
In Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, clothing should cover your shoulders, upper arms, and legs above the knee.
Locals in ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods such as Bnei Brak, Modi’in Illit, Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh and Safed can react strongly to anyone, particularly women, dressed less conservatively. Check locations of ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods and towns in travel guides.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. If you are in Palestine during this time, do not:
Children aged 7 and under do not fast during Ramadan.
Access and prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan have seen restrictions and heightened security measures by Israeli authorities. This includes age and gender-based entry restrictions, and routine physical searches. There will be a heightened security environment and tense atmosphere during Ramadan in the Old City.
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
There are risks in buying property in Israeli settlements on land considered to be occupied under international law in East Jerusalem, the rest of the West Bank and the Golan. A future peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, or between Israel and Syria, could have consequences for property you buy in these settlements.
FCDO does not offer legal advice on or become involved in private property disputes.
If you’re caught with drugs, you can expect a prison sentence.
Be sensitive about taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas. Do not take photographs of military or police officers or installations.
Israeli law does not criminalise same-sex sexual relations between consenting adults. In Palestine, same-sex sexual activity is legal in the West Bank but illegal in Gaza, where it carries a 10-year prison sentence.
Attitudes towards LGBT+ issues in some parts of Palestinian and Israeli society can be hostile.
In more conservative Israeli areas in the West Bank, including in ultra-Orthodox communities, if you show affection in public, regardless of your gender or sexuality, you may receive negative attention.
In Palestinian society, same-sex relationships are largely taboo. Some Palestinian groups may violently oppose cultural events and demonstrations, which they see as inconsistent with their values. This includes those seen as linked to the LGBT+ community, even if the event is not intended to promote LGBT+ rights. In these cases, the Palestinian security forces and police may not always act effectively to protect participants. Be aware of these risks. Liaise with local authorities before planning or organising any event.
Tel Aviv has a large, active LGBT+ community and a big annual Pride parade. Jerusalem also has an annual Pride parade, but there has been a heavy security presence at the event since a fatal stabbing in 2015. Be aware of your personal security if attending.
See more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
If you’re caught breaking local laws on import and export of wild animals, expect to receive a substantial fine and up to 2 years in prison. For more information on the regulations and laws in Israel see the Israeli Nature and Park Authority website.
If you are planning to drive in Israel and Palestine, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
You must carry a green card to prove you have the minimum insurance cover.
There are frequent road accidents due to:
Police operate radar speed traps on some roads and issue heavy fines for speeding.
Avoid driving into ultra-Orthodox Jewish areas of Jerusalem on Shabbat. Shabbat is from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. If you attempt to drive into these areas, local residents may throw stones at your car.
If you want to drive across into the West Bank, check your insurance will cover you there. Some hire companies do not insure vehicles taken there. It may be easier to hire a fully insured car from a company in East Jerusalem.
It is not safe to hitchhike in Israel and Palestine.
If you’re travelling to the desert, you should:
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Roads can flood during extreme weather conditions. Flash flooding is a risk, particularly in the arid southern region of the Negev. Check risk areas locally.
Earthquakes are a risk in Israel and Palestine. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.
This section has safety advice for regions of Israel and Palestine. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Since 7 October Israeli authorities have limited access to Jerusalem, and Israel in general, for residents of the West Bank, enforcing age and gender-specific restrictions for entry, particularly during Ramadan. While women aged 51 or over and men aged 56 or over with special permits have been granted entry for prayers, many potential worshippers have been turned away. Additionally, there have been routine instances of physical searches and detentions.
Street protests and demonstrations can happen across Jerusalem, including East Jerusalem and the Old City. Check local news ahead of travel and follow instructions of local authorities. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
There are frequent demonstrations in many of the areas visited by tourists in the Old City and after Friday prayers. Areas include in and around:
Some protests have led to violent clashes. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and leave the area if there is evidence of tension or unrest, for example if the shops in the souks of the Old City suddenly begin to close their shutters. The entrances to the Old City may have additional checks, or may close.
There have been a number of violent incidents on public transport and near public transport lines. Take extra care when using public transport in Jerusalem.
Take extra care when using public transport in Tel Aviv, in particular at transport hubs, and when using buses in the greater Tel Aviv area. Consider using other forms of transport.
There have been large political demonstrations in Tel Aviv. Entry and exit to Ben Gurion airport has occasionally been impacted during demonstrations.
There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza, which may reach well beyond the Gaza border area. Israel has often responded with air strikes into Gaza. You should:
FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza (including the waters off Gaza).
You should not approach the perimeter fence surrounding the Gaza Strip.
FCDO cannot offer routine consular assistance in Gaza. If you travel to Gaza against our advice, review your security arrangements regularly.
The border crossings with Israel (Erez) and Egypt (Rafah) may close with no notice. Check the status of the Rafah crossing into Egypt before you travel. Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk. Currently, the Rafah border regularly closes with no warning and for long periods. The Erez border has been closed since October 2023.
There will be no warning siren inside Gaza and there are no official air raid shelters. Take advice from locals about the safest place to shelter.
FCDO cannot help individuals applying for entry or exit permits for Gaza. See entry requirements.
FCDO recognises that major international organisations need to carry out humanitarian and reconstruction work and engage in independent reporting and verification of the situation in Gaza. Medical and other essential specialist staff should co-ordinate their entry to and exit from Gaza with those organisations.
Do not enter Gaza by sea, including via a flotilla delivering humanitarian aid. The Israeli Navy routinely patrols the area and will prevent any vessels attempting to breach the restrictions – see entry requirements. You will be detained and deported, and your electronic equipment is likely to be confiscated. FCDO does not believe that humanitarian supplies should be delivered in this way. If you send humanitarian assistance or other goods to Gaza, use established channels.
There was an ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah (LH). On 27 November 2024, LH and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, with a 60-day implementation period. Hostilities resumed in 2026 with a ceasefire agreed on 16 April.
There remains a risk that hostilities could reignite, and with little warning. You should check Home Front Command for the latest guidance. Restrictions may be put in place at short notice. If travelling near military operation areas, follow all Israeli official instructions.
Military activity continues on the Israel-Lebanon border. Keep up to date with the news while travelling. See also section on Conflict with Lebanese Hizballah.
FCDO advises against all travel within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’).
The situation is fragile, with military exchanges either side of the border. If you’re travelling in the area, be aware of your personal security, check local media and follow advice from local authorities.
FCDO advises against all travel 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.
FCDO advises against all travel to the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar.
Following the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah, a ceasefire was agreed on 27 November. There remains a risk that hostilities could reignite, and with little warning. Check Home Front Command for the latest guidance. In the occupied Golan Heights, restrictions may be put in place at short notice. Rocket attacks and sporadic gunfire occur without warning. There is also a risk of falling debris from Israeli and Syrian air defence systems.
Landmines have been planted across the occupied Golan Heights, including near to populated areas and roads. These areas are usually marked and often fenced off. Follow established roads and paths. FCDO long-standing advice has been to not hike off-trail. If you’re in the region, follow advice from local law enforcement.
The security situation on the border with Egypt is volatile. Take extra care when using the Route 10 road, which runs along the Israeli border with Egypt. Route 10 is sometimes closed by the Israeli authorities. Consider using other routes.
There are frequent clashes between Israeli Security Forces and Palestinians in these areas and violent incidents can occur without warning.
There has been a heightened state of tension and violent clashes resulting in deaths in the West Bank since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.
Expect road closures and numerous checkpoints across the West Bank.
There are no warning sirens or official air raid shelters inside the West Bank, outside of Israeli settlements.
You cannot travel into or out of the West Bank without passing through at least one Israeli military checkpoint. You need a passport and immigration slip to go through these checkpoints. Checkpoints may be closed during Jewish high holidays, Israeli public holidays and periods of increased instability restricting movement in and out of the West Bank. This does not normally affect foreign nationals, but would affect British-Palestinian dual nationals. Road closures can occur with little notice. Keep up to date with local travel advice through local media, and international information outlets like the UN’s Access Coordination Unit.
The cities of Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho see large numbers of tourists including on organised tours, although tourist numbers have reduced since 7 October 2023. While there have been no recent reports of any serious incidents involving foreigners, you should take care when travelling anywhere in the West Bank.
There is a risk of violent incidents and demonstrations in the West Bank (see Political situation for details). If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.
Israelis living in the illegal settlements in the West Bank occasionally organise demonstrations which can turn violent. There are reports that settlers have threatened people travelling near to settlements and settlement outposts. Take care if you are near settlements, including those in the hills around Nablus, in the South Hebron hills and settlement outposts.
There is a closed military zone in the H2 area of Hebron (around Ash-Shuhada Street and the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs), where there is a risk of a hostile reaction from members of extremist groups.
Be particularly cautious if considering a visit to:
Avoid these locations after dark.
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. Use extreme caution on these routes, particularly at night, and leave if you see any signs of a disturbance.
We advise you not to use taxis in the West Bank, because of their involvement in a significant number of accidents.
Avoid using buses in the West Bank and consider the difficulties and risks of travelling between Jerusalem and Ramallah via checkpoints, along Route 60 (especially the junctions near Nablus), Route 443 and other West Bank arterial roads used by both Palestinians and Israelis.
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