Israel travel advisory today

This travel advice covers Israel and Palestine.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Israel and Palestine set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Israeli Embassy in London or the Palestinian Mission to the UK.

Check Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports, especially during Israeli holidays and during the summer tourist season.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Israel or Palestine, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Israel without a visa as a tourist. On entry, visitors get permission to stay for up to 3 months. However, if you are a dual national, read the dual nationals guidance for more information.

If you work in Israel without the proper permissions, you can be detained and deported. This process could take several months.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

As of 1 January 2025, to visit Israel you will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you arrive. The ETA is valid for 2 years and covers a visit of 90 days. It will cost 25 new Israeli shekels. You can check your eligibility and apply for an ETA with the Israel Population and Immigration authority.

Checks at border control

Passport stamping and entry cards

Visitors entering via Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport get an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. At other entry points to the country, you may get an entry card or you may get a stamp.

Keep your entry card with your passport until you leave. This is evidence that you entered Israel legally. You may need it, particularly if you’re crossing into Palestine. If you’re refused entry to Israel, your passport may be stamped with an entry stamp and 2 red lines drawn across it to show the refusal.

Stamps with restrictions

Entry stamps that state ‘Palestinian Authority only’ or ‘Judea and Samaria only’ have been issued to some travellers at:

• the Allenby Bridge crossing with Jordan
• Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport

Since travellers entering by the Allenby Bridge crossing must pass through Israeli checkpoints and Israeli-controlled territory to reach Jerusalem or Gaza, this effectively limits travellers who receive this stamp.

It is not clear how travellers who get this stamp at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport can leave the airport without violating the restriction.

This stamp has been issued to travellers who have no Palestinian or other Arab ancestry, and do not seem to have a claim to a Palestinian Authority ID.

Immigration checks

The Israeli authorities decide if you can enter Israel. You may experience lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches at security when you enter and leave Israel. Some visitors may face longer searches and questioning, including those:

• with Palestinian or Arab ancestry, or with ancestry of a country that is predominantly Muslim
• with evidence of previous travel which may be considered suspicious
• who are considered to have publicly criticised the state of Israel

Foreign nationals can legally be refused entry if they:

• have publicly called for a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements
• belong to an organisation which has called for a boycott
• have publicly made statements denying the Holocaust or the October 7 terrorist attack
• have publicly made statements of support for the prosecution of Israeli citizens in a foreign country or in an international court for actions they took during their military duties for Israel

Travellers, particularly those who fall into these categories, may be held at border control for more checks, sometimes for several hours, including in detention facilities. Israeli security has sometimes requested access to travellers’ personal email or social media accounts as a condition of entry. Your baggage or digital devices may also be searched and could be withheld.

Previous travel to countries in the region

Evidence of previous travel to another country in the region, such as entry or exit stamps in your passport, does not normally stop you entering Israel. However, you may face extra questioning at the border.

If you have concerns about visas or entry into Israel, including whether previous travel can affect you travelling there, contact the Israeli Embassy in the UK before you travel.

Refusal of entry into Israel

If you’re refused entry to Israel, you will be booked on the next available flight back to where you flew in from, on the same airline.

Depending on the flight schedule, you may be taken to the Immigration Detention Centre (a few minutes’ drive from the airport) to wait until your flight departs. You will have access to a telephone, information in English and medical assistance if needed. Your luggage will stay at the airport, so tell officials if you need to retrieve anything urgent from your luggage, for example medication.

You can contact the British Embassy in Israel from the detention centre. They can help where possible but cannot intervene in immigration decisions.

Entering Palestine

The Israeli authorities control entry to Palestine, including by sea to Gaza. You must show a passport and Israeli immigration slip to cross between Israel and Palestine.

Read about the requirements for foreign nationals entering the West Bank on the Israeli government website.

Israeli border officials at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport have asked some travellers to sign a form stating they are not allowed to enter territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority unless they get advance authorisation from the Israeli ‘Territory Actions Co-ordinator’. You can be deported from Israel and barred from entry for up to 10 years for violating this restriction.

If immigration officials believe you plan to enter Gaza without permission, or that you’re entering Israel to work in Palestine, they may refuse you entry.

FCDO cannot support your application for entry or exit permits for Gaza. If you decide to visit Gaza against FCDO advice, you must contact the relevant authorities well in advance. FCDO cannot provide administrative support to UK charities wishing to enter Gaza by the Rafah crossing.

The Rafah border regularly closes with no warning and for long periods. The Erez border is currently closed. At these times it may be impossible to enter or leave Gaza.

Israeli checkpoints may close on Israeli public holidays and during periods of increased instability. There have been increased movement and access restrictions across the West Bank with unpredictable opening and closing times. There is information on known checkpoint closures on the UN website. This can change at short notice.

Foreign nationals may encounter suspicion or hostility at checkpoints and in areas not frequented by foreign nationals.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British nationals of Palestinian origin

If you’re a British national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you must have a Palestinian passport or travel document to leave Gaza or the West Bank.

If you’re a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems. British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinians have been refused entry into Israel.

British people holding dual nationality

British-Palestinian dual nationals living in the West Bank and Gaza may only exit Palestine through the Allenby border crossing into Jordan or the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. They must return by the same route.

If you’re a British-Palestinian dual national entering Gaza against FCDO travel advice, check entry and exit procedures with the relevant authorities. There is a limit on the number of dual nationals permitted to enter and exit Gaza through Erez – this includes if you are entering for medical or humanitarian reasons. The Israeli government has the authority to make decisions on entry and exit permits through Erez.

Check with your nearest Israeli embassy if you need pre-approval to travel to Israel. Dual nationals holding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese citizenship have previously been affected. If you are not a citizen of any of these countries, but have close family ties, you should check with your nearest Israeli embassy before travel.

Children with at least one Israeli parent (father or mother) are considered Israeli nationals. These children must enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.

British nationals with associations with other countries in the region

Dual nationals holding Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian and Lebanese citizenship have previously been heavily questioned, denied entry and deported. If a deportation flight is not available immediately, this can mean being detained until one is available, which can take a number of days. If you are a citizen of any of these countries, or have associations such as close family ties, the Israeli authorities advise you to check with your nearest Israeli embassy before travel to get pre-approval for entry.

Children and young people

Children aged 17 and under travelling to Israel alone or with only one parent should carry a letter from their parents or guardians confirming parental consent, accommodation plans and contact details.

Children exiting Israel alone should carry a locally-issued notarised letter as advised by external law firms.

For children with at least one Israeli parent, read the advice for dual nationals above.

Entry to Egypt

Egypt-Israel border crossing (opening times are subject to change):

• Taba: Open 24 hours

If you plan to cross the border from Israel into Egypt at Taba, we recommend you bring at least 170 US dollars (cash) per person, with some extra US dollars in cash to cover any further expenses. Since early March 2026, border crossing charges at Taba have been subject to increases at short notice.

• If staying in Taba, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 20 US dollars. The border tax allows you to obtain an entry permission stamp for a stay of up to 15 days
• If travelling further than Taba, including to Sharm El-Sheikh, but remaining within the Sinai Peninsula, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 120 US dollars. The border tax allows you to obtain an entry permission stamp for a stay of up to 15 days
• If travelling beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including to fly from airports such as Cairo and Hurghada, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 120 US dollars and purchase a standard entry visa for 30 US dollars. At Taba, this entry visa also requires a “letter of guarantee”, provided by travel agents and costing around 20 USD. Both the visa and the “letter of guarantee” can be purchased at the Border Crossing

If travelling by car through the Taba Border Crossing you may also be required to pay 100 US dollars and additional amounts for parking.

Please note that ATMs at the Taba Border Crossing are unreliable and frequently run out of cash. Travellers should obtain USD before travelling or in Eilat before arriving at the Crossing as all payments are required in cash.

Border officials may ask travellers to remove hats, coats or other items of clothing, including religious clothing, as they pass through the Taba Border Crossing terminal.

Entry to Jordan

Land crossings to Jordan may be restricted or close at short notice, including due to trade union strikes. More information is available on the Israel Airport Authority website.

Jordan-Israel border crossings (opening times are subject to change):

• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge

• The Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing

• The Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing

Vaccine requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Israel guide and TravelHealthPro’s Palestinian guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Israel and Palestine. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

The Israeli Tax Authority provides information on taking money into or out of Israel.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of entry into Israel, the West Bank or the Gaza Strip.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Palestine

Palestine does not issue its own visas. To enter Palestine, travellers must pass through Israeli ports of entry and comply with Israeli entry requirements.

Israel

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: not required
Student visa: not required
Work visa: required

Travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada, need to obtain an ETA-IL (electronic travel authorization) to enter Israel. You should submit your electronic application at least 72 hours before your expected arrival date in Israel.

If your ETA-IL application is approved, you can enter Israel and stay for a period of up to 90 days.

ETA-IL – Israeli Population and Immigration Authority

Entry card

The Government of Israel issues an entry card on arrival.

You will need this card to enter the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. However, due to the ongoing conflict, entry to and exit from the Gaza Strip is extremely limited.

Keep it in a secure place to avoid complications upon leaving Israel.

Land travel restrictions

The Government of Israel tightly controls checkpoint crossings within the West Bank and to the Gaza Strip.

Security-related closures can severely restrict entry to and exit from these areas, even for persons possessing valid entry and exit permits.

Large crowds may gather due to:

• limited hours of operations
• unannounced travel restrictions
• extended closures

This may increase risks to your personal safety.

Travel to and from West Bank

The West Bank is divided into three administrative divisions, which fall under varying degrees of administrative and security control between Palestinian and Israeli authorities.

Israel sets out the entry and exit requirements for the West Bank. In some circumstances, Israeli authorities may deny you entry into the West Bank.

You are required to obtain permits with strict conditions for:

• short-term visits
• professional, academic or volunteering purposes
• temporary residence for spouses

These new procedures apply to all foreign nationals. As a result, you may need a specific type of visa to enter the West Bank based on your purpose of travel.

If you intend to travel to the West Bank:

• contact Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the closest Israeli embassy to find out which type of permit you need to apply for
• ensure that you have the proper and up-to-date identification, travel documentation and authorization to obtain your permit
• plan your visit accordingly and apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Useful links

• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
• Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Travel to and from Gaza Strip

The Erez border crossing, controlled by Israel, is currently closed. Entry to and exit from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing is extremely limited.

Travel to and from Jordan

As a Canadian citizen, you may travel to and from Jordan through the following border crossings:

• Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Bridge, in the north of Israel (visa available on arrival)
• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, near Jericho in the West Bank (visa required prior to crossing the border)
• Yitzak/Aqaba, near Eilat in the south of Israel (visa available on arrival)

The security situation may result in disruptions to movement and transportation, including border closures or restrictions, especially in the West Bank. These restrictions could make it difficult to reach the Allenby border crossing, which is the only exit option for West Bank ID holders, even if you have a Canadian passport. If you don’t have a West Bank ID, you can use the other border crossings.

Dual citizenship

Israeli-Canadians

Canadians who were born outside Israel to a mother or father who is an Israeli citizen may be considered citizens of Israel.

Israeli law requires Israeli citizens to:

• enter and exit the country on an Israeli passport
• show proof of military status upon arrival

If you are unsure of your Israeli citizenship or your military status, verify it through the Embassy of Israel to Canada or an Israeli consulate before leaving Canada.

Palestinian-Canadians

As a Palestinian-Canadian citizen, you may be subject to Government of Israel travel regulations for Palestinians. Strict border control policies may prevent you from entering to and exiting from:

• Israel
• Jerusalem
• the West Bank
• the Gaza Strip

Anyone registered in the Government of Israel’s West Bank and Gaza Strip population registries, including Canadian passport holders of Palestinian descent born in the West Bank or Gaza after 1967, is prohibited from entering Israel through Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.

Israeli authorities are currently only allowing a limited number of Palestinians to enter into the West Bank via the Allenby Crossing (King Hussein Bridge). This rule may not apply to Palestinians with dual citizenship.

You may also be subject to the Government of Israel’s travel regulations for Palestinians if you are a Canadian born in another Arab state or if you hold dual Canadian-Arab state citizenship.

Israeli authorities may then ask you to enter and exit Israel on your Arab passport.

If the place of birth listed on the traveller’s passport does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, travellers may be subject to increased security screening at points of entry, including extensive questioning, physical searches and/or denial of entry, which can involve temporary detention before removal.

Regional travel

Some Canadians have been denied entry into Lebanon, Syria and other Arab countries because their passports bore:

• an Israeli visa
• an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel

Other entry requirement

Custom officials may ask to show a return or onward ticket as proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).