Updated to reflect updated information regarding the security situation in Israel and the West Bank.
Do Not Travel To:
Reconsider Travel To:
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. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.
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.
If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:
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) continue to conduct 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 (Erez Crossing) between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been closed since May 7 and it is unknown when it will re-open. There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.
If a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or qualified immediate family member desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov with a copy of the individual’s travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship.
Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.
Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful.
Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for specific advice on travel within 8 kilometers/ 5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders)
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 and armed UAV intrusions, 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:
Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the Embassy’s security office.
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.
Northern Israel (within 8 kilometers/5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel
The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas close to the border given the Israeli Defense Forces continued presence and activity.
U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 8 kilometers/ 5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders as well as north of highway 89 toward Safed and the intersection with highway 90 and north/northeast of highway 91 from highway 90 to the border with Syria. Any U.S. government travel to this restricted area requires Regional Security Office approval, and any travel close to the border is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.
The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel within 8 kilometers/5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.
West Bank – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Over the past several months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks. Some incidents have resulted in injury or death of U.S. citizens.
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.
Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.