Gaza

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• The emergency call system remains decentralized, with emergency centers working independently and implementing different dispatch systems. 
• The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any active emergency numbers in Gaza. 

Terrorism 

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools  
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights) 

Mortar and rocket fire or hostile aircraft intrusion 

In the event of mortar, rocket fire or hostile aircraft intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all these alerts as real.  

Crime 

The crime rate in Gaza is now unknown given the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas. 

Scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and romance scams are common in Gaza. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include:  

• People claiming to be U.S. military or United Nations personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.  

Review our information for Victims of Crime.   

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 U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

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.  

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• Civilian use of drones and satellite communication equipment is heavily restricted in Gaza. 

Tourism safety 

Do not travel to Gaza for any reason, including tourism. 

• No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. 
• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
•  Emergency response and medical treatment are not available. 
•  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   

• If you accidentally break local laws, you may be detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. You may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• If you publicly criticize authorities, you risk reprisal by Hamas, including arrest, interrogation, seizure of property, and harassment. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Gaza seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification  

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

• The U.S. government is severely limited in what it can do to help those detained in Gaza.  
• If you are arrested or detained by the Israeli security forces in Gaza, tell the authorities right away that you’re a U.S. citizen, ask them to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• Consensual same-sex sexual activity is prohibited in Gaza. 
• Social discrimination is common. This includes discrimination from families based on cultural and religious traditions.  

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. Discrimination against people with disabilities exists in Gaza.

Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers   

Review our information for Women Travelers, Marriage, and Victims of Crime.

Human rights 

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Purchase of property 

U.S. citizens should always seek legal advice before buying or leasing property in Gaza. 

Please review the Investment Climate Statement for Gaza for additional information on property rights. 

Health

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.  
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 

Emergency phone numbers 

• The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any active emergency numbers in Gaza. 
• The emergency call system remains decentralized. Emergency centers work independently and implementing different dispatch systems. 

Ambulance services 

Ambulance services are not present or are unreliable in most areas.  

• The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) operates ambulances in Gaza. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is neither free nor readily available in Gaza.  
• Gaza’s health infrastructure is extremely limited and does not meet Western standards.  
• If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private and public hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.   
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities  

Do not travel to Gaza for any reason, especially if you have medical conditions. 

• Health facilities are extremely limited.  
• Facilities are only able to provide limited care in Gaza because of recent armed conflict. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.

Prescription medications  

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.  
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy 

Do not travel to Gaza for any reason, including to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy. 

Water quality and food safety  

• Water is highly contaminated. Gaza's water systems, including the sources of water, pipes, and systems that deliver clean water and remove dirty water, were badly damaged during the recent armed conflict. Tap water is not safe to drink or use in cooking in Gaza.  
• Impure water has caused diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery to be widespread in Gaza. 
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.  

Air quality 

• Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Gaza. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation

Traffic laws   

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of the current traffic laws in Gaza. 

Taxis and ride-shares 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of the availability or safety of taxis and ride-shares in Gaza. 

Public and commercial transportation 

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of the availability or safety of public and commercial transportation in Gaza.

Aviation safety oversight  

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Gaza for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.   

Maritime travel 

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Gaza should check the following:   

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

The weather events and natural disasters most likely to occur in Gaza are: 

• Flooding and stormwater accumulation from October to April 
• Winter storms and cold waves from December to February 
• Droughts and water scarcity 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes – and  registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits. 

Embassies and consulates