Summary

Latest update: Summary - be vigilant when using route 443 and route 60 and avoid stopping between the Maccabim check point and Jerusalem on route 443 if possible

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

Gaza

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

east of Route 98 along the Syrian border

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to:

• 10km either side of Route 60 between Gush Etzion and Al Fawwar (including all of Hebron); FCO staff and dependants have been advised not to travel to this area

The security situation in Israel and the OPTs is fast moving, tense and unpredictable. You should keep up to date with local media and travel reports.

There have been a number of serious incidents along Route 443 (between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), and Route 60 north of Jerusalem, including reports of stones and Molotov cocktails being thrown at cars. Be vigilant when using these routes and avoid stopping between the Maccabim check point and Jerusalem on Route 443 if possible.

There are ongoing violent incidents in Israel and the West Bank, including Tel Aviv, East Jerusalem and the Old City. There have been numerous stabbing, shooting, arson and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles, as well as violent clashes between protestors and Israeli security forces. There’s a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any incident. You should be vigilant at all times.

Following a number of violent incidents on public transport and near public transport lines in Jerusalem, you should avoid using buses and light rail within Jerusalem.

Tensions remain high and you should consider the possibility of further incidents before undertaking travel to the West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Old City. Expect road closures and numerous checkpoints across the West Bank. The entrances to the Old City may be subject to checks or closures.

There have been violent demonstrations in Arab municipalities across Israel and there’s potential for more demonstrations. Take extra care if a demonstration is taking place nearby and avoid large gatherings.

Take extra care and be vigilant when using public transport in Tel Aviv, in particular at transport hubs, and when using buses in the greater Tel Aviv area. You may wish to consider using other forms of transport.

Be vigilant when using Route 443 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There have been reports of stones and Molotov cocktails being thrown at cars on this road.

Rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel in recent days. Further rocket fire is possible and you should familiarise yourself with the safety actions that you should take in the event of a warning siren.

The security situation on the border with Egypt remains volatile. Take extra care and be vigilant when using Route 10 which runs along the Israeli border with Egypt and is subject to closures by the Israeli authorities. You may wish to consider using other routes.

In northern Israel there’s still a risk of accidental or deliberate rocket or mortar fire from Syria. Take care when travelling in areas in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights.

You should be especially vigilant after Friday prayers and on religious holidays. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. A heavy Israeli security presence is likely. Be extra vigilant and take great care, particularly at the Qalandiya checkpoint between East Jerusalem and Ramallah, in areas close to refugee camps, in and around Israeli settlements and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus and Ramallah. See Safety and security

Visa and other entry requirements are complex. Make sure you’re 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 peak summer tourist season. See Entry Requirements

There is a high threat from terrorism. See Terrorism

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.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.