The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has significantly impacted travel safety, prompting governments to issue advisories for the region. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the volatile security situation, while the US Department of State advises against traveling to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Travelers face various risks, including terrorist attacks, armed conflicts, and kidnappings, with unpredictable violence occurring without warning. Governments have restricted travel to certain areas, such as within 4 kilometers of the Lebanese and Syrian borders in Israel, and the entire Gaza Strip.
To stay safe, monitor local and international media for updates on the security situation and follow instructions from local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation or shelter-in-place orders. Avoid areas with high security risks, register with your government’s registration service to receive important safety and security updates, and consider departing the region if it’s safe to do so.
Flight cancellations and airspace closures are common due to the conflict, with Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport experiencing disruptions. Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority has also closed operations indefinitely, pausing visa applications and work permit requests.
If you’re a US citizen seeking to depart Israel or Iran, you can register for departure assistance on the US Department of State’s website or contact the US Embassy for help. US citizens in Iran are advised to depart by land to Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye if they deem conditions are safe.
