This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.
\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Israel and Palestine set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Israeli Embassy in London or the Palestinian Mission to the UK.
\n\nCheck Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports, especially during Israeli holidays and during the summer tourist season.
\n\nTo enter Israel or Palestine, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nYou can visit Israel without a visa as a tourist. On entry, visitors get permission to stay for up to 3 months. However, if you are a dual national, read the dual nationals guidance for more information.
\n\nIf you work in Israel without the proper permissions, you can be detained and deported. This process could take several months.
\n\nAs of 1 January 2025, to visit Israel you will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you arrive. The ETA is valid for 2 years and covers a visit of 90 days. It will cost 25 new Israeli shekels. You can check your eligibility and apply for an ETA with the Israel Population and Immigration authority.
\n\nVisitors entering via Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport get an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. At other entry points to the country, you may get an entry card or you may get a stamp.
\n\nKeep your entry card with your passport until you leave. This is evidence that you entered Israel legally. You may need it, particularly if you’re crossing into Palestine. If you’re refused entry to Israel, your passport may be stamped with an entry stamp and 2 red lines drawn across it to show the refusal.
\n\nEntry stamps that state ‘Palestinian Authority only’ or ‘Judea and Samaria only’ have been issued to some travellers at:
\n\nSince travellers entering by the Allenby Bridge crossing must pass through Israeli checkpoints and Israeli-controlled territory to reach Jerusalem or Gaza, this effectively limits travellers who receive this stamp.
\n\nIt is not clear how travellers who get this stamp at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport can leave the airport without violating the restriction.
\n\nThis stamp has been issued to travellers who have no Palestinian or other Arab ancestry, and do not seem to have a claim to a Palestinian Authority ID.
\n\nThe Israeli authorities decide if you can enter Israel. You may experience lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches at security when you enter and leave Israel. Some visitors may face longer searches and questioning, including those:
\n\nForeign nationals can legally be refused entry if they:
\n\nTravellers, particularly those who fall into these categories, may be held at border control for more checks, sometimes for several hours, including in detention facilities. Israeli security has sometimes requested access to travellers’ personal email or social media accounts as a condition of entry. Your baggage or digital devices may also be searched and could be withheld.
\n\nEvidence of previous travel to another country in the region, such as entry or exit stamps in your passport, does not normally stop you entering Israel. However, you may face extra questioning at the border.
\n\nIf you have concerns about visas or entry into Israel, including whether previous travel can affect you travelling there, contact the Israeli Embassy in the UK before you travel.
\n\nIf you’re refused entry to Israel, you will be booked on the next available flight back to where you flew in from, on the same airline.
\n\nDepending on the flight schedule, you may be taken to the Immigration Detention Centre (a few minutes’ drive from the airport) to wait until your flight departs. You will have access to a telephone, information in English and medical assistance if needed. Your luggage will stay at the airport, so tell officials if you need to retrieve anything urgent from your luggage, for example medication.
\n\nYou can contact the British Embassy in Israel from the detention centre. They can help where possible but cannot intervene in immigration decisions.
\n\nThe Israeli authorities control entry to Palestine, including by sea to Gaza. You must show a passport and Israeli immigration slip to cross between Israel and Palestine.
\n\nRead about the requirements for foreign nationals entering the West Bank on the Israeli government website.
\n\nIsraeli border officials at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport have asked some travellers to sign a form stating they are not allowed to enter territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority unless they get advance authorisation from the Israeli ‘Territory Actions Co-ordinator’. You can be deported from Israel and barred from entry for up to 10 years for violating this restriction.
\n\nIf immigration officials believe you plan to enter Gaza without permission, or that you’re entering Israel to work in Palestine, they may refuse you entry.
\n\nFCDO cannot support your application for entry or exit permits for Gaza. If you decide to visit Gaza against FCDO advice, you must contact the relevant authorities well in advance. FCDO cannot provide administrative support to UK charities wishing to enter Gaza by the Rafah crossing.
\n\nThe Rafah border regularly closes with no warning and for long periods. The Erez border is currently closed. At these times it may be impossible to enter or leave Gaza.
\n\nIsraeli checkpoints may close on Israeli public holidays and during periods of increased instability. There have been increased movement and access restrictions across the West Bank with unpredictable opening and closing times. There is information on known checkpoint closures on the UN website. This can change at short notice.
\n\nForeign nationals may encounter suspicion or hostility at checkpoints and in areas not frequented by foreign nationals.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf you’re a British national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you must have a Palestinian passport or travel document to leave Gaza or the West Bank.
\n\nIf you’re a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems. British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinians have been refused entry into Israel.
\n\nBritish-Palestinian dual nationals living in the West Bank and Gaza may only exit Palestine through the Allenby border crossing into Jordan or the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. They must return by the same route.
\n\nIf you’re a British-Palestinian dual national entering Gaza against FCDO travel advice, check entry and exit procedures with the relevant authorities. There is a limit on the number of dual nationals permitted to enter and exit Gaza through Erez – this includes if you are entering for medical or humanitarian reasons. The Israeli government has the authority to make decisions on entry and exit permits through Erez.
\n\nCheck with your nearest Israeli embassy if you need pre-approval to travel to Israel. Dual nationals holding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese citizenship have previously been affected. If you are not a citizen of any of these countries, but have close family ties, you should check with your nearest Israeli embassy before travel.
\n\nChildren with at least one Israeli parent (father or mother) are considered Israeli nationals. These children must enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.
\n\nDual nationals holding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese citizenship have previously been heavily questioned, denied entry and deported. If a deportation flight is not available immediately, this can mean being detained until one is available, which can take a number of days. If you are a citizen of any of these countries, or have associations such as close family ties, the Israeli authorities advise you to check with your nearest Israeli embassy before travel to get pre-approval for entry.
\n\nChildren aged 17 and under travelling to Israel alone or with only one parent should carry a letter from their parents or guardians confirming parental consent, accommodation plans and contact details.
\n\nChildren exiting Israel alone should carry a locally-issued notarised letter as advised by external law firms.
\n\nFor children with at least one Israeli parent, read the advice for dual nationals above.
\n\nEgypt-Israel border crossing (opening times are subject to change):
\n\nIf you plan to cross the border from Israel into Egypt at Taba, we recommend you bring at least 170 US dollars (cash) per person, with some extra US dollars in cash to cover any further expenses. Since early March 2026, border crossing charges at Taba have been subject to increases at short notice.
\n\nIf travelling by car through the Taba Border Crossing you may also be required to pay 100 US dollars and additional amounts for parking.
\n\nPlease note that ATMs at the Taba Border Crossing are unreliable and frequently run out of cash. Travellers should obtain USD before travelling or in Eilat before arriving at the Crossing as all payments are required in cash.
\n\nBorder officials may ask travellers to remove hats, coats or other items of clothing, including religious clothing, as they pass through the Taba Border Crossing terminal.
\n\nLand crossings to Jordan may be restricted or close at short notice, including due to trade union strikes. More information is available on the Israel Airport Authority website.
\n\nJordan-Israel border crossings (opening times are subject to change):
\n\nAllenby/King Hussein Bridge
\nThe Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing
\nThe Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing
\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Israel guide and TravelHealthPro’s Palestinian guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Israel and Palestine. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nThe Israeli Tax Authority provides information on taking money into or out of Israel.
\n\n","safety_html":"This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.
\nFollowing 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nFollowing the conflict between Israel and Iran a ceasefire was agreed on 8 April 2026.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nFollowing 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.
\n\nCheck Home Front Command for the latest guidance. Restrictions may be put in place at short notice.
\n\nOn 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.
\n\nThere is an increased risk of political tension which can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and Palestine.
\nThere 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.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Israel and Palestine are very likely to continue with an increased threat of attacks, including by individuals acting alone.
\n\nAny attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreign nationals such as:
\n\nAreas 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.
\n\nExamples of recent significant attacks include:
\n\nIn 2025:
\n\nin September, six people were killed and eight wounded in a shooting attack in northern Jerusalem
\nin March, one person was killed and one person injured in a shooting attack in northern Israel
\nin March, one person was killed and 3 injured in a stabbing attack in Haifa
\nin 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
\nin 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
\nIn 2024:
\n\nIn 2023:
\n\nTerrorist kidnap is a risk in Gaza and along the border with Egypt. On 7 October 2023, 251 people were kidnapped by Hamas into Gaza.
\n\nBritish 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nMilitary activity continues on the Gaza border. Keep up to date with the news while travelling.
\n\nKeep up to date with local travel advice on local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.
\n\nRocket 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.
\n\nIn Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including:
\n\nIncidents have occurred:
\n\nIncidents have involved protestors (Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces and civilians (including Israeli settlers). Tourists or bystanders could be caught up in incidents.
\n\nLarge political demonstrations can:
\n\nYou should:
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nThere is increased risk of political tension, which can cause demonstrations and clashes, during events such as:
\n\nRisks increase when religious or national holidays overlap.
\n\nSome of these protests have led to violent clashes.
\n\nBe extremely cautious if visiting refugee camps. Hebron and Palestinian refugee camps have previously been the site of violent clashes.
\n\nThere have been recent violent incidents in settlements and settlement outposts, including near Beit El, Homesh, Shilo and Evyatar.
\n\nKeep your personal belongings in a safe place. Theft of passports, credit cards, and valuables from public beaches is common.
\n\nAlways carry ID, for example, a copy of the personal details and entry stamp pages of your passport).
\n\nIn Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, clothing should cover your shoulders, upper arms, and legs above the knee.
\n\nLocals 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.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. If you are in Palestine during this time, do not:
\n\nChildren aged 7 and under do not fast during Ramadan.
\n\nAccess 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.
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nFCDO does not offer legal advice on or become involved in private property disputes.
\n\nIf you’re caught with drugs, you can expect a prison sentence.
\n\nBe sensitive about taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas. Do not take photographs of military or police officers or installations.
\n\nIsraeli 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.
\n\nAttitudes towards LGBT+ issues in some parts of Palestinian and Israeli society can be hostile.
\n\nIn 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.
\n\nIn 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.
\n\nTel 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.
\n\nSee more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Israel and Palestine, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou’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.
\n\nYou must carry a green card to prove you have the minimum insurance cover.
\n\nThere are frequent road accidents due to:
\n\nPolice operate radar speed traps on some roads and issue heavy fines for speeding.
\n\nAvoid 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nIt is not safe to hitchhike in Israel and Palestine.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to the desert, you should:
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nRoads can flood during extreme weather conditions. Flash flooding is a risk, particularly in the arid southern region of the Negev. Check risk areas locally.
\n\nEarthquakes 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.
\n