Israel, The West Bank and Gaza – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Do not travel to Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page and this entire Travel Advisory.

Terrorist groups and lone-wolf terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists 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. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.  

West Bank: U.S. government travel throughout the West Bank is limited. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Gaza:  The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there and are restricted from traveling close to the Gaza demarcation line.  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 Israel and/or the West Bank:

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country specific information.
Have a plan to depart Israel and the West Bank, which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Carry additional supplies of necessary medication in carry-on luggage due to quarantine restrictions. 
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. 
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.