Updated with information on travel restrictions/security responsibility.
Do Not Travel To:
- Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict
Reconsider Travel To:
- Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
- West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest
Country Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning.
Some areas have increased risk on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.
If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
- Check the most recent Alerts and the latest information on travel in all of these areas.
- Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
- Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
- Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter.
- Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Gaza – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to terrorism and armed conflict.
The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza may close without advance notice depending on the security situation. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.
If you decide to travel to Gaza:
- Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
- Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
- If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time – if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy.
- If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
- Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
- Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
Israel – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning.
U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:
- Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon;
- Within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders; and
- Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.
Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
West Bank – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
- U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time.
- U.S. government employees are permitted personal travel to Jericho.
- U.S. government employees are permitted daylight travel to: Inn of the Good Samaritan, An-Nabi Musa, Wadi Qelt Nature Preserve, and St. George’s Monastery along Route 1; and Qumran, Kalia Beach, St. Gerasimos/Khogla Monastery, Al Auju, and Qasr al-Yaud baptismal site along Route 90.
- Effective June 24, 2024, personal travel is permitted for all U.S. government employees and their family members to Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, during daylight hours. Given continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank, the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members is through Checkpoint 300. This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.
Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks.