Updated to reflect the termination of authorized departure status for family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel.
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), or immediate family members needing assistance to depart Gaza, please click here.
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. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.
Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel.
Do Not Travel To:
- Gaza due toterrorism andarmed conflict
Reconsider Travel To:
- Israel due toterrorismandcivil unrest
- West Bank due toterrorismandcivil 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(available on devices within Israel) 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 onFacebook and Twitter.
- Review theCountry Security Reportfor Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review theTraveler’s Checklist.
Gaza – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due toterrorism andarmed 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.
Visit our website forTravel 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.
- 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.
Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful.
Israel – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due toterrorism 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 toterrorism and civil unrest.
U.S. government employees in Israel under COM security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank other than Route 443 and traveling to Allenby Bridge via Route 1 and Route 90 via Jerusalem. Over the past few months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations and terrorist attacks.
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 forTravel to High Risk Areas.
