Updated to reflect the security situation in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza and travel restrictions for U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility.

Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and 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 and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

On, October 13, 2023, the Department authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and U.S. Branch Office Tel Aviv due to the unpredictable security situation in Israel.

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

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

• Check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for 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. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application for mobile devices to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks.   
• Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

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 travel there. Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, controls the security infrastructure in Gaza. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is dangerous and volatile. Sporadic mortar or rocket fire and corresponding Israeli military responses may occur at any time. During periods of unrest or armed conflict, the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt may be closed.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.  

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.

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 COM 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 COM 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 COM security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the West Bank other than Route 443 and traveling to Allenby Bridge via Route 1 and Route 90 via Jerusalem.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under COM security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.