This advice has been reissued. 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, including places frequented by tourists.

The risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks is very high throughout the country. Attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against locations such as hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes, bars, schools, marketplaces, places of worship, outdoor promenades, shopping malls, recreation events and tourist areas as well as buses and bus stations.

International events and developments in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip 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.

Eight people were killed and scores of others injured in a shooting at a religious college in West Jerusalem on 6 March 2008. This incident followed a suicide bomb attack at a shopping centre in Dimona in southern Israel on 4 February 2008 in which one person was killed and 11 others injured. Prior to this, the last terrorist attack in Israel was in January 2007 when three people were killed in a suicide attack at a residential shopping centre in Eilat.

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

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 and buses, security personnel and checkpoints, clubs, restaurants, bars, internet cafes, fast food outlets, hotels, schools, markets, places of worship, shopping areas, outdoor recreation events, pedestrian precincts and tourist areas.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

If you decide to travel to Israel, you should exercise a high degree of caution and follow the security-related instructions of Israeli authorities. The stability in the northern region could deteriorate without notice. Rockets have been fired from Lebanon and exploded near the border towns of Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi in northern Israel. Tensions have been further heightened, particularly in this area, following the death of a senior Hizballah figure in Damascus on 12 February 2008.

If you are caught up in military action or civil disorder, it is safest, in the absence of other advice, to remain indoors.

Tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinians remain high and there are ongoing clashes between Palestinian militants and the Israeli Defence Force in the Palestinian Territories. There is also occasional violence between Israelis and Palestinians around settlements, as well as tensions between rival Palestinian factions. Israeli military operations in cities and towns in the West Bank and Gaza can occur without notice.

In the past, militants have launched attacks on days of national and religious significance.

Gaza Strip and the West Bank: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Gaza Strip, including at least 12km beyond its perimeter, because of the extremely dangerous security situation and the danger of rocket fire. If you are in these areas, you should leave if it is safe to do so.

If you are in the Gaza Strip, we urge you to contact the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv immediately. 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.

Israeli missile strikes can be launched without warning on the Gaza Strip, while rockets fired from the Gaza Strip have targeted Israeli cities within 12 kilometres of its perimeter. Hundreds of rockets have been fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip since the first half of January 2008. Rockets have recently hit the Israeli cities of Ashkelon (12km north), Netivot (11km east) and Sderot (1km north-east). These incidents have caused deaths and injuries, particularly in Sderot where a man was killed on 27 February 2008. Local authorities are concerned about the increasing range of the rockets after Ashkelon was hit in late February and early March 2008.

The Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas took defacto control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007. The security situation in the Gaza Strip is dangerous, unpredictable and could deteriorate at any time as a result of Israeli military operations or intra-Palestinian armed conflict. Rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns have been used in clashes in many parts of the territory including northern, central and southern Gaza, Gaza City, Rafah, Jabaliya, Maghazi and Khan Younis. Many people have died. Fighting has also occurred in the West Bank, including the town of Nablus. If you are in the Gaza Strip, you should remain in a secure location indoors and monitor the media for information. Australians in areas where armed conflict is ongoing should consider leaving immediately if it is safe to do so.

There have been a significant number of kidnappings of foreign nationals in the past. A British journalist working in the Gaza Strip was released on 4 July 2007 after being kidnapped and held in captivity for 114 days.

Large, sometimes violent, demonstrations and threats to western interests have occurred in the Palestinian Territories. You should avoid any large public demonstrations and gatherings (including funerals), pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for updates. Israel security forces monitor such gatherings and may intervene. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders.

If in spite of our advice to leave the Gaza Strip or the West Bank you decide to stay in these areas, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection from a professional security service. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited.

Checkpoints may be set up or closed at any time throughout Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. During any military operation the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) may declare areas a closed military zone. Any civilians found in the area in breach of this order can then be arrested, detained in prison and, where considered appropriate, deported.

Crime

Purse snatching, pick-pocketing and petty theft can occur. Theft from vehicles is a growing problem, particularly in beachside areas. Australians have reported thefts from vehicles in the ancient port city of Caesarea. Violent incidents are rare. 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 minefields may not be clearly marked.

Due to a recent breach in the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, Route 10 near the Israel/Egypt border has been closed to civilian traffic until further notice.

Driving in Israel is erratic and there are frequent accidents.

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.

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. Check with your bank 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

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 also exercise judgement when photographing people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas.

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

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

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

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour 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.

The Sabbath (from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday) is closely observed in Orthodox Jewish areas in Israel.

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.

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

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

Information for Dual Nationals

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.

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.

Under Israeli law if you were born to Israeli parents you are considered to be Israeli. Israeli law requires Israeli citizens to enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.

Israeli authorities require travellers to have passports with at least six months validity.

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

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

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, Gaza or Israel. If you are considered to be Palestinian, you may be a required to obtain a Palestinian passport.

Australian/Palestinian dual nationals should consult the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Israel, for the most up to date information on entry and exit requirements.

Health Issues

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, 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 standard of medical facilities in Israel is high, while facilities in the West Bank and Gaza 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. 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
4th Floor
Beit Europa
37 Shaul Hamelech
Tel Aviv 64928, Israel
Telephone: (972 3) 693 5000
Facsimile: (972 3) 693 5002
Website: http://www.israel.embassy.gov.au

In the Gaza Strip and 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 first call the office to determine opening hours.

Australian Representative Office
7th floor
Trust building
48 Othman Ben Affan Street
El Bireh
Telephone: (972 2) 242 7710
Facsimile: (972 2) 242 8290
Website: http://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.