Middle East and North Africa
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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Still current at: 02 December 2008
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Updated: 06 November 2008
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(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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Travel Summary
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We advise against all travel to Gaza (including the waters off Gaza) and to the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajar, along the border with Lebanon (the “Blue Line”). We also advise against all but essential travel to areas within 5kms of the Gaza perimeter (including Sderot) and to all areas of the West Bank (except for Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and the Jordan Valley). See the Terrorism/Security section of this advice for more details.
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It would be reckless to travel to Gaza at this time. We believe that terrorist groups continue to maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreigners, as the kidnap of a British journalist in March 2007 demonstrated. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to, or remain in, Gaza you do so at your own risk. You should also review your security arrangements and seek professional security advice on whether they are adequate. The level of consular assistance we can provide is very limited.
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If you wish to leave Gaza, you should contact the Consulate-General in Jerusalem for advice before attempting to do so. Entering Gaza can involve lengthy delays and searches. Leaving Gaza is even more difficult. Since the beginning of 2008 there have been several incidents of British nationals undergoing a strip-search and delays of several hours (or in one case three days) are common.
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There is a high threat from terrorism in Israel. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. In the first three weeks of July there were three terrorist attacks in Jerusalem, resulting in four deaths and fifty-three wounded.
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You are strongly advise to maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem, and to follow local advice. You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Demonstrations have the potential to turn violent. For immediate, specific information about planned demonstrations or any other events which may affect the local security situation, you should register with the Consulate-General in Jerusalem.
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The main types of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2007 were for replacing lost and stolen passports; dealing with arrests or detentions, for a variety of offences; and assisting those who encountered security problems in the OPTs or difficulties at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.
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We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Many policies do not cover you if your claim is the result of terrorism. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism/Security
There is a high threat from Palestinian terrorism in Israel. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Since the start of the second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) in September 2000, more than 5,000 people have been killed, this includes nine British nationals: three by terrorist attacks inside Green Line Israel; three by terrorist attacks in the OPTs; and three by the Israel Defence Forces. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
There is a high threat from Palestinian terrorism in Israel. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Since the start of the second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) in September 2000, more than 5,000 people have been killed, this includes nine British nationals: three by terrorist attacks inside Green Line Israel; three by terrorist attacks in the OPTs; and three by the Israel Defence Forces. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Suicide bombings and other attacks have targeted crowded public areas and public transport, resulting in over 1000 deaths and many more serious injuries. These incidents have also been in areas frequented by tourists. Renewed Israeli military action in Gaza in May 2007 has resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. Palestinian militant groups have since threatened attacks inside Green Line Israel.
We strongly advise you to maintain a high level of vigilance for your personal and vehicle safety and you should avoid public transport and any political gatherings and/or demonstrations.
You should ensure in advance that you are familiar with contact details for the emergency services as well as any contingency plans prepared by them for the general public. These are available on: http://www.oref.org.il/319-en/PAKAR.aspx.
If you are planning to travel to the OPTs we recommend you register with the British Consulate General in Jerusalem on arrival. When there is an immediate, unforeseen risk to the public or staff, mainly concerning the date and time of a demonstration, the Consulate-General is authorised to distribute a notice providing this information to all registered British nationals. This travel advice will also be updated to contain any new information, but possibly not for all demonstrations given the time constraints. These details will not be provided on the Consulate-General website either.
Please remember to inform the Consulate-General when you have left the area, to prevent you receiving unnecessary messages.
If you are planning to travel to the OPTs we recommend you register with the British Consulate General in Jerusalem on arrival. When there is an immediate, unforeseen risk to the public or staff, mainly concerning the date and time of a demonstration, the Consulate-General is authorised to distribute a notice providing this information to all registered British nationals. This travel advice will also be updated to contain any new information, but possibly not for all demonstrations given the time constraints. These details will not be provided on the Consulate-General website either.
Please remember to inform the Consulate-General when you have left the area, to prevent you receiving unnecessary messages.
You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
Israel
Rioting between Jewish and Arab residents in the northern city of Acre (Akko) began on Wednesday 8 October and continued for four nights. There has been no further violence since the night of Saturday 11 October. There is a heavy police presence in the city, which is currently calm. The annual Fringe Theatre Festival that was scheduled to begin on 15 October has been cancelled.
On 4 February 2008 there was a terrorist attack in a commercial area in Dimona, southern Israel (approx 30kms from Be’er Sheva), killing one civilian and injuring at least 10 others. On 29 January 2007, a suicide bomber killed and injured several people in the Red Sea resort of Eilat. There were two terrorist attacks in 2006, killing nine people and injuring about 79. These attacks took place in Tel Aviv. There were six terrorist attacks in 2005, killing 24 people and injuring at least 245. These attacks took place in Netanya, Hadera, Be'er Sheva, Shfaram and Tel Aviv.
Border Areas
We advise against all travel to the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajar along the border with Lebanon (the "Blue Line") because of on-going military operations. In January 2008, there were reports that a small number of rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, landing in the vicinity of Shlomi. There were no casualties.
Following the reported death of Hizballah military commander Imad Mughniyah in Damascus on 12 February 2008 there may be an increased risk of tension between Hizballah and Israel particularly over Israel’s northern border.
We advise against all but essential travel to areas within 5kms of the Gaza perimeter, including Sderot, because of rocket fire from Gaza. On 27 February 2008, an Israeli citizen in Sderot was killed by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. There has also been a recent increase in the number of longer range rockets fired from Gaza at the city of Ashkelon. Between 27 February and 2 March 2008, 13 such rockets hit Ashkelon.
We also advise against all travel by sea to the coast of Gaza.
We advise against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea, breaching the restrictions imposed by the Israeli navy. The Israeli Navy routinely patrol territorial waters and a contiguous zone and have fired warning shots across the bows of ships. Two vessels have been able to enter Gazan waters and dock at the harbour in Gaza without incident. However the Israelis have repeatedly stated that they will consider taking action to prevent any vessel from reaching Gaza.
During January 2008, the border wall between Egypt and Gaza was damaged in places and there were clashes at the border between Egyptian border forces and residents of Gaza trying to enter Egypt. The border is now largely closed but the situation there is likely to remain tense. Following these clashes, Israel closed Route 10 (Israel/Egypt border) and prohibited access to sites 3km east of the road.
As with all areas where a number of people may congregate, you should maintain a high level of vigilance at border crossing points into and out of Israel and the OPTs.
You should take care at the border and crossing points between Jordan and Israel. On 19 August 2005, a rocket fired from Jordan landed in Eilat, Israel, coinciding with a rocket attack on the Port of Aqaba in Jordan.
Jerusalem
There have been a number of terrorist attacks in Jerusalem during July. In the Jaffa Street area of West Jerusalem on 2 July a bulldozer driver was been shot dead after going on a rampage in traffic and ploughing his vehicle into a crowded public bus, killing 34 and injuring a further 36. A second bulldozer attack occurred on 22 July in West Jerusalem, the driver of the vehicle injured 16 before being shot dead. In the Old City on 11 July one Israeli policeman was killed and another injured by a Palestinian gunman. Security checks at checkpoints around the city have been increased as a result. You are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem, and to follow local advice.
There are demonstrations in the Old City and surrounding area, which have the potential to turn violent. Terrorist attacks have taken place in a variety of locations around the city and in areas frequented by tourists. Foreign nationals have not been targeted, but many have been killed and injured. The most recent terrorist attack resulting in the death of a foreign national was in 2002. There was a shooting incident in the Old City of Jerusalem on 10 August 2007, resulting in one fatality and a number of casualties. No foreign nationals were involved. You should exercise caution and follow local advice.
We strongly advise you to maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem, and to follow local advice. If you choose to enter ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods, you should be aware that local residents can react strongly to anyone (particularly women) whom they deem to be dressed in an inappropriate manner. For women this would include wearing trousers. On Shabbat (from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday) these neighbourhoods are blocked off and you should not attempt to drive into them. If you do, local residents may stone your car.
Gaza
We advise against all travel to Gaza and waters off the Gazan coast. In mid-June 2007 around 100 people were killed in intra-Palestinian fighting. Between 27 February 2008 and 3 March 2008, around 100 people were killed following Israeli military action in the Gaza strip. The situation remains unstable with the risk of Israeli military attacks and renewed outbreaks of factional fighting. On 21 April 2008 a bomb exploded in a vacant site next to the Al Deira hotel. Groups continue actively to target UK and other western nationals for kidnap. A British journalist was kidnapped in Gaza on 12 March 2007 and was released on 4 July 2007. Other foreign nationals, including British nationals, have been kidnapped in earlier incidents.
Against this backdrop, it would be reckless to travel to Gaza. If, despite this advice, you decide to travel to or remain in Gaza you do so at your own risk. You should review your security arrangements and seek professional security advice on whether they are adequate. You should also use fully protected transport.
The level of consular assistance we can provide in Gaza is very limited. If you are resident in Gaza and wish to leave you should contact the Consulate-General in Jerusalem for advice before attempting to do so. In recent weeks there have been several incidents of foreign nationals entering Gaza through the Erez Crossing and then experiencing serious difficulties re-entering Israel. On one occasion a British national was refused permission to re-enter Israel and had to remain in Gaza for three days while her case was considered. The Consulate-General's ability to intervene in these cases is extremely limited. Since 14 June 2007, all other crossings in and out of Gaza have been closed.
West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem)
We advise against all but essential travel to the West Bank (except for Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and the Jordan Valley. In Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho you should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times and avoid walking on the streets after midnight. Particular care is needed in and around the refugee camps. If you are travelling independently to these cities, you are advised to avoid travelling there during the hours of darkness, familiarise yourself with their layout in advance, register with the British Consulate and check this travel advice regularly for updates. The areas of the Jordan Valley which fall within the West Bank and to which we do not advise against all but essential travel are those directly adjacent to Route 90, including Dead Sea resorts. There continue to be regular Israeli military Israeli incursions into West Bank towns, particularly into the northern West Bank towns of Nablus and Jenin. The possibility of Palestinians/Israeli and internal Palestinian violence remains high.
West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem)
We advise against all but essential travel to the West Bank (except for Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and the Jordan Valley. In Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho you should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times and avoid walking on the streets after midnight. Particular care is needed in and around the refugee camps. If you are travelling independently to these cities, you are advised to avoid travelling there during the hours of darkness, familiarise yourself with their layout in advance, register with the British Consulate and check this travel advice regularly for updates. The areas of the Jordan Valley which fall within the West Bank and to which we do not advise against all but essential travel are those directly adjacent to Route 90, including Dead Sea resorts. There continue to be regular Israeli military Israeli incursions into West Bank towns, particularly into the northern West Bank towns of Nablus and Jenin. The possibility of Palestinians/Israeli and internal Palestinian violence remains high.
Since 14 March 2006, there have been frequent demonstrations in Ramallah and Bethlehem. Diplomatic premises and restaurants frequented by foreigners in Ramallah were targeted in January 2007. The Israeli authorities periodically impose a total closure on movement in and out of the West Bank either on Jewish High Holidays or as a result of a security incident: this does not normally afect foreign nationals but would affect dual Palestinian British nationals.
On 12 March 2008, four Palestinians were shot and killed outside a restaurant in Bethlehem.
We continue to believe that terrorist groups maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreign, including British, nationals particularly in Nablus and the northern West Bank. There have been a number of attempted kidnappings of Westerners. On 20 February 2007, three US nationals were kidnapped in Nablus and released after several hours. On 23 January 2007, three French diplomats were held for several hours in Nablus before being released.
Travel within the West Bank is not possible without passing through multiple Israeli military checkpoints. These checkpoints are flash points for violent incidents and have been the scene of several fatal attacks.
Crime
Most visits to Israel and the OPTs are trouble-free. However, the theft of passports, credit cards and valuables from public beaches is commonplace so you should keep your personal belongings in a safe place. If travelling on your own and not in a group, be particularly careful to keep wallets, money and valuables out of sight.
Crime is generally not a problem in the OPTs, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
On 12 March 2008, four Palestinians were shot and killed outside a restaurant in Bethlehem.
We continue to believe that terrorist groups maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreign, including British, nationals particularly in Nablus and the northern West Bank. There have been a number of attempted kidnappings of Westerners. On 20 February 2007, three US nationals were kidnapped in Nablus and released after several hours. On 23 January 2007, three French diplomats were held for several hours in Nablus before being released.
Travel within the West Bank is not possible without passing through multiple Israeli military checkpoints. These checkpoints are flash points for violent incidents and have been the scene of several fatal attacks.
Crime
Most visits to Israel and the OPTs are trouble-free. However, the theft of passports, credit cards and valuables from public beaches is commonplace so you should keep your personal belongings in a safe place. If travelling on your own and not in a group, be particularly careful to keep wallets, money and valuables out of sight.
Crime is generally not a problem in the OPTs, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Israel Country Profile.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Road Travel
Driving in Israel and the OPTs is erratic and there are frequent accidents. Radar speed traps operate on roads within Israel and fines for speeding are high. It is not safe to hitchhike in Israel. If you are travelling to the desert, go with others, take a supply of water and a mobile phone and let someone know your itinerary and expected time of return.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
Israel is a country in which a number of religions and cultures mix. People feel strongly about their beliefs and customs. You should be aware of this at all times. For example, it is not wise to go into Jewish ultra-orthodox areas of Jerusalem on Shabbat (Saturday). Also, you should dress modestly in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.
You should be aware that during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan eating, drinking or smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims (though not for children under the age of eight). Ramadan in 2008 will start in the first week of September and finish around 2/3 October.
Although alcohol will be available in some hotels and restaurants, drinking alcohol elsewhere may cause offence. As a courtesy, you may wish to avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public places in the OPTs during Ramadan.
You should be sensitive about taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas and you should take care not to take photographs of military or police personnel or installations.
When travelling around Israel and the OPTs you should carry identification at all times in case the local authorities ask to see it. You should carry photocopies of the date and entry stamp pages of your passport to avoid losing the original.
The penalties for smuggling and trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Those caught in possession can expect a prison sentence and subsequent deportation.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
You do not need a visa to enter Israel. On entry, visitors are granted leave to enter (by means of a stamp in the passport) for a period of up to three months. In the past the Israeli immigration authorities have agreed to stamp landing cards, where available, and not passports, but since September 2006 they will rarely agree not to stamp your passport. If your passport is not stamped on entry and you have no other evidence of legal entry into Israel you are likely to face problems travelling around Israel, particularly at any crossing points into the OPTs. If you work in Israel without the proper authority you can be detained and then deported, a process that might take several months.
Passport validity
If your passport has less than six months' validity you may be refused entry by Israeli immigration authorities. If you suffer immigration problems on entry to Israel, our ability to intervene is limited as Israel has the right to refuse entry to anyone they wish.
Visiting Gaza
If, despite our advice, you decide to visit Gaza you will need to contact the relevant Israeli authorities more than five days in advance.
Customs and Immigration
You should expect lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches by security officials on arrival and departure from Israel. Electrical items may be taken from departing passengers for security inspection and returned to them in the UK. Damage may occur.
You should ensure that you comply with customs regulations. If you arrive with valuable personal items (computers, camcorders etc), you may be required to pay a deposit that is refundable on or after departure. Tax may be levied on items sent to visitors already in Israel.
Entering the OPTs
Entry to the OPTs (including by sea to Gaza) is controlled by the Israeli authorities and you may be detained on your arrival, and subsequently deported, if you are intending to go there. You will be questioned upon departure. If you are a Palestinian dual national and/or are entering the country for the purpose of working in the OPTs, you may be refused entry. Passports and immigration slips (if you were given one) – one of which must have a valid entry stamp - must be produced crossing between Israel and the OPTs.
In addition to this advice, you may also wish to read the Israeli government’s own advice which can be found at: Transit Policy to the West Bank via Israel.
If you do plan to travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories you should obtain further information from the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem before you travel. Due to restrictions on travel, consular assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is limited.
British nationals of Palestinian Origin
If you are a British national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding Palestinian ID number), you will need a Palestinian passport/travel document in order to leave. If you are a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems. You should be aware that a number of British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinian nationals have been refused entry since May 2006.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Dual nationals
West Bank and Gaza resident British/Palestinian dual nationals are permitted to travel abroad only via the Rafah or Allenby Bridge border crossings into Egypt or Jordan. The Rafah crossing point is currently closed most of the time.
Children with Israeli parents (father and/or mother) are considered to be Israeli nationals. The Israeli Ministry of Interior insists that these children enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.
Health
Healthcare in Israel is not free and medical treatment can be expensive. Hospitals will insist on payment and may take legal action to delay departure until bills are met.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 4,900 adults aged 15 or over in Israel were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Israel & the OTs and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza
On 3 January 2007, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture announced that the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) had been found in the yard of a kindergarten in Binyamina (around 50km NE of Tel Aviv). The Israeli authorities reported the incident to the World Health Organisation and took measures to stop the virus from spreading. No human infections or deaths have been reported in Israel or the OPTs.
As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
General
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Israel or to the OPTs. You should check any exclusions, and that your insurance policy covers you for the all activities you want to undertake.
As well as full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents,you should have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights,stolen cash, credit cards, passport or luggage. You should be awarethat most insurance companies will refuse to cover you if, contrary toFCO advice, you go to those areas where we recommend you do not travel,and some insurance companies may refuse to cover any travel to the WestBank and Gaza.
For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
As well as full insurance cover for medical treatment and accidents,you should have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights,stolen cash, credit cards, passport or luggage. You should be awarethat most insurance companies will refuse to cover you if, contrary toFCO advice, you go to those areas where we recommend you do not travel,and some insurance companies may refuse to cover any travel to the WestBank and Gaza.
For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Consular registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Money
You should ensure that you carry sufficient funds for your immediate use. Additional cash can be obtained from cash points (ATMs) in Israel and Jerusalem using internationally accepted credit cards. You should be aware that there are fewer ATMs in the West Bank and Gaza. Scottish and Irish banknotes cannot be exchanged in Israel or the OPTs. Money transfer through Western Union to a local Israeli post office normally takes 3 to 4 hours during normal working hours. Post offices and banks in Israel and Jerusalem close from midday Friday to Sunday morning. In the West Bank and Gaza they are usually just closed on Fridays.
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Money
You should ensure that you carry sufficient funds for your immediate use. Additional cash can be obtained from cash points (ATMs) in Israel and Jerusalem using internationally accepted credit cards. You should be aware that there are fewer ATMs in the West Bank and Gaza. Scottish and Irish banknotes cannot be exchanged in Israel or the OPTs. Money transfer through Western Union to a local Israeli post office normally takes 3 to 4 hours during normal working hours. Post offices and banks in Israel and Jerusalem close from midday Friday to Sunday morning. In the West Bank and Gaza they are usually just closed on Fridays.
CONTACT DETAILS
BRITISH EMBASSY TEL AVIV
Address: British Embassy
192 Hayarkon Street
Tel Aviv 63405
Telephone: (972) (3) 7251222
Facsimile: (972) (3) 5101167 Consular
(972) (3) 5243313 Trade and Investment
(972) (3) 5271572 Chancery
(972) (3) 5278574 Management
E-mail: webmaster.telaviv@fco.gov.uk
Office Hours: GMT: October-March Mon-Thurs: 0600-1400; Fri: 0600-1130
April-September Mon-Thurs: 0500-1300; Fri: 0500-1030
Local Time: Mon-Thurs: 0800-1600; Fri: 0800-1330
Website: Israel: British Embassy Tel Aviv
BRITISH CONSULATE-GENERAL JERUSALEM
British Consulate-General
19 Nashashibi Street
Sheikh Jarrah Quarter
PO Box 19690
East Jerusalem 97200
Telephone: (972) (2) 541 4100
E-mail: Britain.Jerusalem@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.britishconsulate.org/
Office Hours: GMT: September-March Mon-Thurs: 0530-1330; Fri: 0530-1130
April-September Mon-Thurs: 0630-1430; Fri: 0630-1230
Local Time: Mon-Thurs: 0730-1530; Fri: 0730-1330
Travel advice for this country
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