This advice has been reissued. It contains new information under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (border tensions, protests) and Entry and Exit Requirements (Erez crossing, Rafah crossing). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Israel due to the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in Israel, including places frequented by tourists. Attacks could occur anywhere at any time.

Local and international political developments and events may prompt terrorist attacks. You should regularly check the media for news about the region and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.

Security at checkpoints is periodically increased in response to security alerts.

In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas such as transport infrastructure (including bus stops, buses and bus stations), security personnel and checkpoints, clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, internet cafes, fast food outlets, hotels, schools, markets, places of worship, shopping areas and malls, theatres, outdoor recreation events, pedestrian precincts and promenades, and tourist areas.

Due to safety and security concerns, Australian government officials and dependants have been advised not to use the public transport, except taxis, in Israel.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

There is a high risk of civil unrest in Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the security situation could deteriorate without warning. If you are caught up in military action or civil disorder, it is safest, in the absence of other advice, to remain indoors, monitor the media and obey the instructions of local authorities. Security-related instructions of Israeli authorities are available at the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website.

During any military operation, the Israeli Defence Forces may declare an area a closed military zone. Any civilians found in the area in breach of these orders can be arrested, detained in prison and, where considered appropriate, deported.

There are on-going tensions along the border with Lebanon and a significant military presence in the area. The security situation in the northern region could deteriorate without notice. The northern part of Israel along the border with Lebanon continues to be subject to sporadic rocket attacks without warning.

Planned and spontaneous protests can turn violent. You should avoid any large public demonstrations and gatherings (including funerals), pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for updates. You should be particularly vigilant on Jewish and Muslim holy days and during religious holidays, such as Rosh Hashana, Ramadan and Pesach. Israeli security forces monitor large gatherings and may intervene. International events and political developments may prompt demonstrations.

Gaza Strip and surrounding areas: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Gaza Strip, its coast and surrounding areas in southern Israel, because of the extremely dangerous and unpredictable security situation.

If you are in the Gaza Strip and are caught up in military action or civil disorder, you should remain in a secure location indoors and monitor the media for information. In such situations, we urge you to contact the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv immediately.

Rockets fired from the Gaza Strip have targeted Israeli cities up to 40 kilometres from its perimeter.

West Bank: We strongly advise you not to travel to the West Bank (with the exception of East Jerusalem and Route Nos. 1, 90 and 443) because of the unpredictable security situation.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in East Jerusalem and on the following routes in the West Bank: Route No. 1 (between Jerusalem and the Jordan valley), Route No. 90 (in the Jordan valley), and Route No. 443 (between Modi’in and Jerusalem).

There is occasional violence between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly around settlements, as well as tensions between rival Palestinian factions.

Large, sometimes violent, demonstrations and threats to western interests have occurred in the Palestinian Territories. In the past, a significant number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped.

If, in spite of our advice not to travel to the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, you decide to do so, you should be aware that the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas is extremely limited.

Crime

Purse snatching, pick-pocketing and petty theft can occur. Violent crime is rare.

Theft from vehicles is a growing problem, particularly in beachside areas. Australians have reported thefts from unattended vehicles near tourist sites.

Valuables, such as cash, jewellery and electronic items, should be kept out of sight and not be left unsecured in hotel rooms, visible in vehicles or unattended in public places.

Local Travel

There are live minefields in the Israeli border areas with Lebanon and Syria and in the West Bank. Some may not be clearly marked.

Driving in Israel is erratic. The road fatality rate in Israel is very high. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

Checkpoints may be set up or closed at any time, often without warning, throughout Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Travellers may encounter delays or difficulties passing through checkpoints.

The Palestinian Authority requires all travellers to the Gaza Strip to register their movements. We recommend you contact the Australian Representative Office in Ramallah to assist with this process. See Where to Get Help below.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Israel and the Palestinian territories are located in an active earthquake zone.

Sand and dust storms occur during the warmer months.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Israel, West Bank or Gaza Strip, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Travel documents such as passports and visas (or copies) must be carried at all times as proof of identity.

Penalties for drug offences include lengthy jail terms and heavy fines.

Under Palestinian law, the death penalty may be imposed for offences including treason, assisting an enemy and deliberate killing.

Homosexual acts are illegal in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

It is illegal to photograph police and military personnel and buildings and places considered security-sensitive, such as military installations and some government offices. You should exercise judgement when photographing people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas and ask permission before photographing individuals.

The importation of religious materials for the purpose of preaching is not permitted in Israel. Such items are likely to be confiscated.

There is a one week mandatory jail sentence for public drunkenness in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

You should familiarise yourself with local and religious customs and take care not to offend.

The Sabbath (from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday) is closely observed in Orthodox Jewish areas in Israel. During this time of rest, driving and using electricity is restricted. In Orthodox neighbourhoods, driving of cars or use of mobile phones and digital cameras on the Sabbath is likely to cause offence.

Public displays of affection are frowned on at religious sites in Israel. In the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, public displays of affection may cause offence.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour at holy sites in Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims during Ramadan.

Unmarried couples are not permitted to live together or share hotel accommodation in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.

Information for Dual Nationals

Under Israeli law, you are considered to be Israeli if one or both of your parents are Israeli. Israeli citizens are required to enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.

Australian/Israeli dual nationals - both men and women - may be liable for military service. Australian/Israeli dual nationals who are unsure of their military service obligation can consult the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Israel.

Australians of Palestinian background who are, or who once were, holders of a Palestinian ID card are considered by both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to be Palestinian nationals while in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip or Israel. If you are considered to be Palestinian, you may be required to obtain a Palestinian travel document. Australian/Palestinian dual nationals should also contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Israel for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements.

Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Israeli and Australian/Palestinian dual nationals who are detained or arrested may be limited.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Israel for the most up-to-date information. You can also visit the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

You may be subject to lengthy questioning and bag searches by security officials on arrival and departure.

Everyone seeking to enter Israel, the Gaza Strip or West Bank is subject to security and police record checks by Israeli authorities and may be refused entry or exit without explanation.

Israeli authorities may impose travel restrictions on some visitors to Israel and the West Bank. Visitors entering Israel via the Allenby Bridge crossing who indicate they are planning to travel to the West Bank may have their passports stamped ‘Palestinian Authority Only’. If a passport receives this stamp, the passport holder is restricted to West Bank destinations and prevented from entering Israel and Jerusalem. Travellers should be alert to which stamp they receive. Airport officials may require visitors to sign a form that prohibits them entering the West Bank. The Australian Embassy may have limited ability to intervene in these situations.

The Erez crossing into the Gaza Strip from Israel is controlled by Israeli authorities and is effectively closed.

You must receive permission from Egyptian authorities to enter and exit the Gaza Strip using the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. People who enter the Gaza Strip through this border crossing must leave the same way. The opening of the crossing in either direction is sporadic and does not follow a schedule. You may be delayed in the Gaza Strip for an extended period (possibly weeks) while waiting for approval to return to Egypt and for the crossing to open. The Australian Government cannot influence the granting of approval or when the crossing will open.

Electronic items, including video cameras and computers, must be declared on arrival.

Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

The standard of medical facilities in Israel is high, while facilities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are generally below Australian standards. Doctors may require up-front payment before commencing treatment and costs can be expensive. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Costs for a medical evacuation could be considerable.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases can occur (including West Nile fever, brucellosis, leptospirosis and leishmaniasis) with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend that you avoid raw and undercooked food and avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

In rural areas, it is recommended that all drinking water be boiled or that you drink bottled water.

A decompression chamber is located at Joseph Tal Hospital in Eilat.

Avian influenza. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Israel and the Gaza Strip. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, you can obtain consular assistance from:

The Australian Embassy
Level 28
Discount Bank Tower
23 Yehuda Halevi Street (corner Herzl Street)
Tel Aviv 65136 ISRAEL
Telephone: (972 3) 693 5000
Facsimile: (972 3) 693 5002
Website: www.israel.embassy.gov.au

In the West Bank, you can obtain limited consular assistance (which does not include the issuing of Australian passports) from the Australian Representative Office. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited. The office is subject to temporary closure at short notice. We recommend you call the office to determine opening hours.

Australian Representative Office
7th floor
Trust building
48 Othman Ben Affan Street
El Bireh Ramallah WEST BANK
Telephone: (972 2) 242 7710
Facsimile: (972 2) 242 8290
Website: www.ramallah.mission.gov.au

If you are travelling to Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy or the Representative Office, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.