Is It Safe To Vacation In Israel

Israel is a popular holiday destination for Europeans and Americans year after year because it offers a great vacation. With beaches, deserts, old cities and resorts, there is never a shortage of things to do or places to visit. But with the popularity of the country comes a question that many travelers have considered before: Is it safe to vacation in Israel?

I’ve seen conflicting information online: is Israel safe? Is it dangerous? This article will help you determine if it’s safe to vacation in Israel. I’ll give you the breakdown of the recent violence, be on alert for security and safety, and provide my personal tips to prepare for your trip. The question of whether it is safe to vacation in Israel is one you can only answer yourself. If you are the type of person who likes to take risks and live a life that calls for true adventure, this is your place! But if you are someone who avoids negative news, fights and conflict in general, then maybe it’s not the right time to visit Israel.

The last place on earth you would think of taking a vacation is Israel. It’s the Holy Land, it has a rich history, it has historically been one of the most dangerous places on earth to visit. With the current situation in neighboring countries, many people are wondering if it’s a good idea to travel to Israel. After all, they may be on holiday, but their businesses or jobs are back at home — and they need to stay connected.

The FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Gaza
• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and east of Route 98 along the Syrian border

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel
• the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus

COVID-19 entry restrictions for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Israel’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

Is It Safe To Vacation In Israel

Travelling from and returning to the UK

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

If you’re planning travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.

Make sure you are aware of Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports during Israeli holidays and during the summer tourist season. See Entry requirements.

The security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be fast moving, tense and unpredictable. You should be vigilant at all times and keep up to date with local media and travel reports.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners including the Old City in Jerusalem, on public transport, and in busy public spaces. March-April 2022 saw 5 terrorist attacks in Israel, in which 24 Israelis were killed. See Terrorism

There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza, which may occur well beyond the Gaza border area; Israel has often responded with air strikes into Gaza. If travelling in central or southern Israel, make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if a warning siren sounds, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice. See Gaza

In Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles. These incidents have involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers. You should check the local news before travelling to see if there have been recent clashes and avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence. If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, you should stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.

Incidents have occurred in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Old City (particularly at and around Damascus Gate, Herod’s gate, Lion’s Gate and the Chain Gate), Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, at Israeli checkpoints, near settlement outposts, around Palestinian refugee camps and along Route 60 (especially junctions near Nablus), Route 443 and other West Bank arterial roads used by both Palestinians and Israelis. You should exercise extreme caution on these routes, particularly at night.

There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any incident. You should be vigilant, exercise caution, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow instructions of local authorities. You should exercise extreme caution when considering visiting Nablus, Hebron or Palestinian refugee camps which have previously been the site of violent clashes (we advise against all but essential travel to the camps in Jenin) settlements and settlement outposts which have been the site of recent violent incidents (e.g near Beit El, Homesh, Shilo, Evyatar, etc) and avoid such locations after dark. You should check the local news before travelling to these areas to see if there have been recent clashes and avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence.

There is a risk of increased tension around Jewish high holidays (Passover, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Succoth), after Friday prayers, and on other religious holidays and anniversaries. This is heightened when different religious or national holidays overlap. Jerusalem Day (date varies), Land Day (30 March) and Nakba Day (15 May) may be tense. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. You should exercise extreme caution: follow local media and this travel advice and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. See Safety and security

There are significant tensions between Israel, and the Assad regime and Iranian military forces in Syria. The situation remains fragile, with attempted and actual military exchanges either side of the border. If travelling in the area remain vigilant, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice.

There are also continued tensions between Israel and Lebanon. The situation on the ground could change quickly. See Border with Lebanon

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Occupied Golan Heights where the FCDO has existing advice against all travel (see above).

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.