The UK Foreign Office currently warns against all travel to large parts of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories over safety concerns amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet are also continuing to suspend their flights to Tel Aviv. Thousands of deaths have been reported in Israel and Gaza since fighting broke out on October 7, 2023, while tensions have escalated in the region. Most recently, US and UK forces launched strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen on January 11, 2024, after the terror group’s continued attacks on commercial ships with an Israeli connection in the Red Sea. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: an airstrike in Gaza City on Monday, October 9, 2023 (Getty Images)

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Israel?

The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to large parts of Israel and all of the occupied Palestinian territories, and all but essential travel to the rest of the country. This includes the tourist cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The UK Foreign Office said: “There is currently a large-scale conflict happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza. Keep up to date with local travel advice via local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.

“Make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if an Israeli warning siren sounds, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice. No warning sirens will sound inside Gaza.”

If you are in an area affected by fighting, follow the advice found on the Israeli Home Front Command website, or by calling 104 — both of these services are only available to those currently in Israel.

If you are currently in Israel, you should register your presence with the UK government on the dedicated webpage so that it can send you updates. You must do this for every member of your family that’s a British citizen.

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The Western Wall and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (Alamy)

Is it safe to travel to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv?

You should not be considering visiting Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for a holiday right now. The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to areas of Israel that include the tourist hubs of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A state of emergency is in place across the country and borders could close at short notice.

In addition, following the airstrike on Houthi bases in Yemen by US and UK forces on January 11, 2024, the Foreign Office has said: “Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have all paused services to Tel Aviv until March 2024. If you already have a flight booked, you should get in touch with the airline — the options to cancel for a full refund or amend to a future date are available.

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