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This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.

This 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.

The 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.

Check 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.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Israel or Palestine, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Visa requirements

You 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.

If you work in Israel without the proper permissions, you can be detained and deported. This process could take several months.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

As 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.

Checks at border control

Passport stamping and entry cards

Visitors 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.

Keep 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.

Stamps with restrictions

Entry stamps that state ‘Palestinian Authority only’ or ‘Judea and Samaria only’ have been issued to some travellers at:

• the Allenby Bridge crossing with Jordan
• Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport

Since 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.

It is not clear how travellers who get this stamp at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport can leave the airport without violating the restriction.

This 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.     

Immigration checks

The 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:

• with Palestinian or Arab ancestry, or with ancestry of a country that is predominantly Muslim
• with evidence of previous travel which may be considered suspicious
• who are considered to have publicly criticised the state of Israel

Foreign nationals can legally be refused entry if they:

• have publicly called for a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements
• belong to an organisation which has called for a boycott
• have publicly made statements denying the Holocaust or the October 7 terrorist attack
• have publicly made statements of support for the prosecution of Israeli citizens in a foreign country or in an international court for actions they took during their military duties for Israel

Travellers, 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.

Previous travel to countries in the region

Evidence 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.

If 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.

Refusal of entry into Israel

If 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.

Depending 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.

You can contact the British Embassy in Israel from the detention centre. They can help where possible but cannot intervene in immigration decisions.

Entering Palestine

The 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.

Read about the requirements for foreign nationals entering the West Bank on the Israeli government website.

Israeli 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.

If 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.

FCDO 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.

The 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. 

Israeli 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.

Foreign nationals may encounter suspicion or hostility at checkpoints and in areas not frequented by foreign nationals.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British nationals of Palestinian origin

If 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.

If 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.

British people holding dual nationality 

British-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.

If 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.

Check 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.

Children with at least one Israeli parent (father or mother) are considered Israeli nationals. These children must enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.

British nationals with associations with other countries in the region

Dual 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.  

Children and young people

Children 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.

Children exiting Israel alone should carry a locally-issued notarised letter as advised by external law firms.     

For children with at least one Israeli parent, read the advice for dual nationals above.

Entry to Egypt 

Egypt-Israel border crossing (opening times are subject to change): 

• Taba: Open 24 hours 

If 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.

• If staying in Taba, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 20 US dollars. The border tax allows you to obtain an entry permission stamp for a stay of up to 15 days
• If travelling further than Taba, including to Sharm El-Sheikh, but remaining within the Sinai Peninsula, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 120 US dollars. The border tax allows you to obtain an entry permission stamp for a stay of up to 15 days
• If travelling beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including to fly from airports such as Cairo and Hurghada, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 120 US dollars and purchase a standard entry visa for 30 US dollars. At Taba, this entry visa also requires a “letter of guarantee”, provided by travel agents and costing around 20 USD. Both the visa and the “letter of guarantee” can be purchased at the Border Crossing

If travelling by car through the Taba Border Crossing you may also be required to pay 100 US dollars and additional amounts for parking. 

Please 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.  

Border 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.

Entry to Jordan

Land 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.

Jordan-Israel border crossings (opening times are subject to change): 

• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge 

• The Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing 

• The Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing

Vaccine requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Israel guide and TravelHealthPro’s Palestinian guide.

Customs rules

There 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.

The Israeli Tax Authority provides information on taking money into or out of Israel.

Customs rules

There 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.

The Israeli Tax Authority provides information on taking money into or out of Israel.

This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Israel and Palestine

Ambulance: 101

Fire: 102

Police: 100  

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers in Israel and English-speaking lawyers in Palestine
• finding translators and interpreters in Israel and translators and interpreters in Palestine
• dealing with a death in Israel and Palestine
• being arrested or imprisoned in Israel and arrested or imprisoned in Palestine
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

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

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.

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.  

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: 

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”  

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• follow advice from the local authorities 

• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice 

• stay away from areas around security or military facilities  

• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date 

• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Shelter in place  

Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, Israel’s Home Front Command provides guidance on how to find a protected space. The best option is a residential protected space (Mamad, Mamak or Maman) or a communal shelter. If that is not possible, choose a stairwell without windows and exterior walls and stay at its centre.

Sign up to receive information and alerts. Visit Israel’s Home Front Command.

If you are in Israel and Palestine

Due to ongoing regional tensions, we recommend against all  travel to some parts of Israel and Palestine.

The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.

If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased there is a risk of rocket 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 in Tel Aviv.

Political tension can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.

Keep up to date through local media and follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:

• visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only)

• call 104 if you are in Israel

Before travelling within Israel or Palestine, check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.

Travel within or out of Israel or Palestine is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.

Leaving Gaza

Border crossings out of Gaza have been closed to civilians and general traffic since the Israeli military took control of the Rafah crossing on 6 May 2024. Consular support is not available from within Gaza. If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible. There are currently no exit routes available for foreign nationals to depart Gaza independently. We are working with the Israeli, Palestinian and other authorities in the region to help British nationals leave via safe routes.

If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza if:

• you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK, and

• you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months

Help from other organisations 

Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook
• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry ID, for example, a copy of the personal details and entry stamp pages of your passport.

Dress code

In Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, clothing should cover your shoulders, upper arms, and legs above the knee.

Locals 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.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. If you are in Palestine during this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Children aged 7 and under do not fast during Ramadan.

Access 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.

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk or be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Buying property

There 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.

FCDO does not offer legal advice on or become involved in private property disputes.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you’re caught with drugs, you can expect a prison sentence.

Using cameras

Be sensitive about taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas. Do not take photographs of military or police officers or installations.

LGBT+ travellers

Israeli 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.

Attitudes towards LGBT+ issues in some parts of Palestinian and Israeli society can be hostile.

In 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.

In 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.

Tel 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.

See more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

If 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.