Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Israel is in a geopolitically sensitive region and conditions can change rapidly. Before you travel, always check the latest travel advisories and any evacuation or non-travel recommendations from your own government.
- Most important
- Confirm the latest official travel advisory before booking and again before departure
- Main concern
- Security conditions can change at short notice
- Emergency numbers
- Police 100, ambulance (Magen David Adom) 101, fire 102
- Because the security situation can shift quickly, do not rely on this page as a substitute for official information. Always follow the current travel advisories and instructions issued by your own government, and register with your embassy where such a service is offered.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Do not approach the Gaza Strip or any area where the security situation is unstable. Follow your government's travel advisory for the specific areas and levels that currently apply.
- Rule of thumb
- Stay away from the Gaza Strip and any area under a travel warning
- How to decide
- Do not judge for yourself; follow the official area-by-area advisory
- Before travel
- Recheck the advisory just before and during your trip
- Advisory levels differ by area and are updated frequently. Rather than deciding on your own, always follow the current, area-specific travel warnings issued by your government and keep clear of areas designated as unstable.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Israel has a Mediterranean climate. The south (Negev Desert and Dead Sea area) gets extremely hot, and flash floods can occur rarely in desert areas.
- Climate
- Mediterranean; hot dry summers, mild winters
- South
- Extreme heat in the Negev Desert and around the Dead Sea
- Flash floods
- Rare but possible in desert valleys after rain
- Carry plenty of water and sun protection when visiting desert areas, especially in summer. Flash floods can strike desert riverbeds (wadis) after rain even when skies are clear locally, so heed weather warnings and local guidance.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Israel has a high standard of medical care. Tap water is generally safe to drink. Take care with heat and sun in the summer and in desert areas.
- Healthcare
- High standard; modern hospitals and clinics
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Emergency
- 101 for ambulance (Magen David Adom)
- Medical facilities are modern and widely available. No special vaccinations are required for typical travel; carry personal medication with a prescription. Guard against heat exhaustion and dehydration in summer and in desert regions.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and markets. Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Markets, public transport, popular tourist sites
- Advice
- Keep valuables out of sight and bags closed
- Petty crime targeting distracted tourists occurs in busy places such as markets and transport hubs in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Keep bags closed and in front of you, and do not leave belongings unattended.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The regional situation is sensitive and can change quickly. Do not rely on this page: before and during any trip, always check and follow your own government's latest travel advisory and any evacuation or non-travel recommendations.
- Most important
- Always confirm the latest official advisory before and during travel
- Guidance
- Follow instructions from local authorities and your embassy
- Gatherings
- Avoid demonstrations and large crowds
- This page does not describe current conditions. Because the situation can change at short notice, always rely on the current travel advisories and instructions issued by your own government, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and keep clear of any area under a travel warning.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
On Shabbat, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, much public transport stops and many shops and restaurants close. Traffic drives on the right; the currency is the new shekel (ILS, ₪).
- Shabbat
- Fri sunset to Sat sunset: limited transport, many closures
- Airport security
- Strict checks; allow extra time
- Practical
- Drive on the right; currency is the new shekel (ILS, ₪)
- Plan around Shabbat, when many buses and trains do not run and many businesses close. Dress modestly at religious sites and follow local rules. Airport security is thorough and can take time, so arrive early.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Police 100, ambulance (Magen David Adom) 101, fire 102. Note these numbers before you travel and keep them handy.
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance (Magen David Adom)
- 101
- Fire
- 102
- Call 100 for police, 101 for an ambulance (Magen David Adom) and 102 for fire. In a serious incident follow the instructions of local authorities and contact your embassy afterwards for consular help.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance, but note that many policies exclude war, terrorism and armed conflict. Check the scope of cover carefully and confirm what applies to this region.
- Essential
- Comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
- Watch out
- War, terrorism and conflict are often excluded
- Action
- Read the policy exclusions and confirm coverage before you go
- Given the regional situation, many insurers exclude losses arising from war, terrorism or armed conflict, and cover may be affected if your government has issued a travel warning. Always confirm the exact scope of your policy, including medical treatment and repatriation, before travelling.