Israel Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to Israel due to terrorism and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

As of August 26, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Israel.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Israel are restricted from the following locations due to safety risks:

• Areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87;
• Within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip; and
• Within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing.

Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.

Armed conflict

Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

Unrest

The security environment in Israel is complex and can change quickly. Violence can occur without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel or limit flights into and out of Israel.

Reconsider Travel to Israel due to terrorism and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

• Do Not Travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to armed conflict.
• Do Not Travel within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip due to armed conflict.
• Do Not Travel within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing, due to armed conflict.

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.

This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.

Conflict between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel

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.

Conflict between Iran and Israel

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.

Conflict between the Houthis (in Yemen) and Israel

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.

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.

Jerusalem

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:

• Damascus Gate
• Herod’s Gate
• Lion’s Gate
• the Chain Gate

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.

Gaza

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.

Israel-Syria border

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.

Occupied Golan Heights

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.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

ISRAEL - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Israel due to the volatile security situation in the region.

PALESTINE - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Palestine due to the ongoing military activities, the dire humanitarian conditions, the volatile and unpredictable security situation, and extensive damage to infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, and the volatile security situation in the West Bank.

This advisory excludes the following roads, where you should avoid non-essential travel:

• Highway 1
• Route 90, from the intersection with Highway 1 to King Hussein Bridge (Allenby), near Jericho

JERUSALEM - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Jerusalem due to the volatile security situation in the region.

Border with Syria - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the parts of the Golan Heights that border Syria, east of Highway 98, due to military activity.

Border with Lebanon - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the area within 5 kilometres of the border with Lebanon due to ongoing military operations.

Border with the Gaza Strip - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the area within 10km of the border with the Gaza Strip due to the risk of rocket and mortar fire, gunfire and military activity.

Tensions in the Middle East

The security situation remains volatile due to ongoing military activity in the region.

Drones, missiles and other projectiles struck targets in Israel and Palestine. Military activity in the region may cause travel disruptions, including flight cancellations. If you are in Israel or Palestine, prepare contingency plans that don't rely on the Government of Canada's assistance for evacuations or assisted departures.

Filming, taking photos and online sharing of images of military installations, activity or damage could lead to severe penalties pursuant to the enforcement of local laws and regulations across the region.

If you are in Israel, Palestine or Jerusalem, you should:

• be prepared to shelter in place and identify the location of the nearest shelters, which are indicated on Google Maps if you are in Israel
• ensure that you have sufficient supplies of cash, medication, food, fuel and water in case you need to shelter in place
• download mobile alert applications informing of incoming rocket or missile fire, such as Home Front Command or Red Alert
• ensure your travel documents and those of your family members are up-to-date
• keep the local emergency services' contact information at hand
• monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including any orders to shelter in place
• sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important additional information, specific to your location.

以色列现有部分地区为红色(极高风险)，其他地区为橙色(高风险)。具体如下：

一、红色地区：纳哈里亚-采法特以北，加利利湖以北、以东，阿什克隆以南、内提沃特以西。外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻以色列使馆取得联系。

二、橙色地区：除上述红色地区以外其他地区。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻以色列使馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全风险形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。