23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 102.
Call 101.
For criminal issues, call 100.
Do not travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories overall.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to Gaza.
Do not travel to Gaza due to the dangerous and uncertain security situation.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning. Be alert and monitor public safety information through the National Emergency Portal for the latest update.
Increased tensions can occur around religious and commemoration events and following political developments. Particularly in and around the Old City in Jerusalem. Tensions have resulted in demonstrations and violence in some cities. There have also been rockets fired at targets across Israel and Gaza.
There's a high threat of civil unrest in the Palestinian Territories. International events and political developments may lead to protests and demonstrations, which can turn violent. Be alert, avoid demonstrations, adhere to the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest updates.
Airports can pause operations at times of security concern. You should reconfirm arrangements before flying.
Tensions have increased between Israel and Iran in recent years. This mostly relates to events in Syria. There have been several military clashes. This includes missiles being fired towards Israeli controlled territory.
Tensions remain high and more conflict is possible.
During military operations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) may declare an area a closed military zone.
If authorities find civilians in this zone, they can arrest, detain or deport them.
Local city government websites keep lists of public bomb shelters and other emergency information.
The IDF Home Front Command is responsible for managing emergencies, including planning and advising on how to deal with rocket attacks. In an emergency contact the Home Front Command on 104 (the hotline has English-speaking operators, option 5) or visit the National Emergency Portal.
The security situation in the West Bank is unpredictable, with continuing tensions and violence between Israelis and Palestinians. This includes in Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho and Ramallah.
Stone-throwing and violence are common, especially around settlements and military checkpoints.
Tensions can arise at short notice. Violence happens in tourist areas.
There's an especially high rate of violence in and around Hebron.
Don't enter closed military zones, even where these have been in place for a long time, such in as the old city of Hebron.
Large and sometimes violent demonstrations have happened in the West Bank. Foreigners have been injured.
Israeli authorities may close crossings to the West Bank on local holidays or due to security incidents.
Israeli security operations happen in the West Bank. This can include military action. If you're in the West Bank during military action or civil unrest, stay in a safe place indoors. Monitor the media for information.
Authorities impose strict security measures after terrorist attacks. These may severely affect the movement of Palestinians, including Australian dual nationals.
Contact the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Australian Representative Office in Ramallah for assistance. See Local contacts
Gaza is extremely dangerous. The security situation is unpredictable and conflict could happen at any time without warning.
Many rockets and mortars have been fired from Gaza into Israel. Some have landed in populated areas.
March and November 2019 and May 2021 saw several long-range rocket attacks into Israel.
November 2018, May 2019, February 2020 and May 2021 saw significant rounds of rocket fire into Israel.
During the most significant military operation in Gaza in July-August 2014, more than 4,000 rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel.
Similar incidents and Israeli military responses are expected.
More conflict between Israel and militants in Gaza would greatly increase risks to your safety and security.
The Australian Government may not be able to provide consular assistance in Gaza.
Large demonstrations and threats to Western interests have happened in Gaza. They are sometimes violent. Foreigners have been injured.
Demonstrations have occured in Gaza along the border with Israel, leading to large numbers of casualties from clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces. Improvised explosive devices have been found along the perimeter.
Authorities have stopped some international media personnel from leaving Gaza.
There's a threat of rocket attack and spillover from civil unrest along the Gaza and Israel border.
If you're caught in military action or civil unrest, stay in a safe place indoors. Monitor the media for updates.
Some foreigners have been kidnapped.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Israel has a naval blockade in place. Don't join others to try to break the naval blockade.
The Israeli Navy patrols territorial waters and the shared water border zone.
People have tried to break the naval blockade along the coast of Gaza. Their actions caused injury, death, arrest and deportation of foreigners, including Australians.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Don't go near demonstrations or large gatherings.
Check the media and other sources for information about planned and possible unrest.
Demonstrations could happen anywhere. They're most likely in and around checkpoints, to/from the West Bank and in and around the Old City in Jerusalem.
Violence can happen at checkpoints, and there are few options to leave the area.
Avoid traffic blockages at checkpoints.
There are regular attacks on vehicles driven on the Sabbath. This happens in and around ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods. See Local laws
More information:
Cross-border political tensions and unrest create security risks for regions of Israel close to its borders with Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.
There is an ongoing threat of rocket attack, infiltration attempts, revenge fire and other activity along the border between Israel and Lebanon. This area is known as the 'Blue Line'.
There's a significant military presence in the area. The security situation could get worse without notice.
Tensions remain high between Hezbollah and Israel, with occasional exchanges of fire on the border between Lebanon and Israel. More conflict is possible, including missiles fired towards Israeli territory. An outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah would significantly increase risks to your safety and security.
More information:
There have been security incidents in the southern city of Eilat and the surrounding area near the Gulf of Aqaba. This includes the border crossing with Egypt near Eilat. There have been deaths and injuries.
More information:
There has been ongoing conflict on the Syrian side of the border since 2014. Kidnapping has been known to happen near the border.
Parts of Route 98 have in the past been closed because of fighting on the Syrian side of the border. Artillery and small-arms fire from Syria could land in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
We recommend avoiding all parts of the Golan Heights to the east of Route 98 due to militant activities in Syria.
More information:
To stay safe during civil unrest, don't go to any demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings.
Check the news and other sources for information on unrest or strikes. Plan your activities to stay away from those areas.
Be extra careful during Jewish and Muslim religious holidays. These include Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Pesach and Ramadan.
Stay away from traffic congestion at checkpoints.
In each place you stay, know the emergency procedures. Know what to do when air raid sirens sound and where the closest emergency shelters are.
If you're caught in military action or civil unrest, follow the instructions of local authorities.
Unless told otherwise, stay indoors and monitor the media.
Be prepared to change your travel plans.
If civil unrest affects transport services, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.
Israel continues to be a target of terrorist attacks.
Local and international political developments and events may lead to terrorist attacks.
Attacks could happen anywhere, at any time.
There have been fewer terrorist attacks in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in recent years. However, terrorist attacks still happen.
Terrorists have attacked buses, public transport hubs and tourist areas. These include the Old City in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Sarona Market and Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv.
Be alert to possible threats, especially:
Australian Government officials and their families are told not to use public transport in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. This is because of safety and security concerns. Taxis are an exception.
Militant and terror groups operate in regions of Egypt, Syria and Lebanon that are close to Israel. This makes travel close to borders with those countries dangerous.
There have been several attacks against foreigners, including kidnappings.
When planning your activities reconsider going to places known to be terrorist targets. Think about the level of security provided.
Take care when travelling to a region where there are terrorists, or somewhere that terrorists could target. Have an exit plan in case there's a security incident.
To stay safe:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Violent crime, other than terrorism and politically motivated violence, is rare.
But purse snatching, pickpocketing and petty theft can happen.
Theft from vehicles may happen, especially in beachside areas.
Australians have reported thefts from unattended vehicles near tourist sites.
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This include adventure activities.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are in an active earthquake zone.
Flash floods can happen in the Judean Hills and Negev desert in the winter months from November to March.
Sandstorms, dust storms and bushfires happen during the warmer months.
If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you're going to high-risk areas, you'll probably need a specialised insurance policy. Check your insurance policy before you travel to high risk areas in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Take enough legal medication for your stay.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains risk in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
For information on Israel's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Israeli Health Ministry’s website. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
Cases of West Nile virus (WNV) cases are reported throughout Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. There's no vaccine to prevent it.
To protect yourself against illness:
More information:
Measles cases can routinely occur in Israel, with the country currently experiencing an increase in measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
More information:
The standard of medical facilities is reasonable in Israel. However, facilities in the West Bank and Gaza are below Australian standards.
If you become seriously ill or injured in the West Bank or Gaza, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Doctors may require up-front payment before they will treat you. Costs can be high.
There's a decompression chamber at Joseph Tal Hospital in Eilat.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences include jail terms of up to 20 years and large fines.
More information:
You must always carry your passport, visa or entry permit as proof of identity in the Palestinian Territories.
It's illegal to photograph police, the military, buildings or places considered 'security sensitive'. This includes military installations and some government offices. If in doubt, get local advice.
The import and use of religious material is strictly controlled. If authorities find this material, they may confiscate it.
Under Palestinian law, authorities may enforce the death penalty for treason, helping an enemy and deliberate killing.
Islamic law applies in Gaza. Drinking alcohol and homosexual acts are prohibited.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Israel doesn't recognise dual nationality. Israeli citizens must enter and leave on an Israeli passport.
Under Israeli law, you're considered Israeli if at least 1 of your parents is Israeli.
Men and women may need to do military service. To check, consult the nearest embassy or consulate of Israel before you travel.
Australians who currently hold, or used to hold a Palestinian ID card, are considered Palestinian nationals while in the West Bank,Gaza or Israel.
If you're considered Palestinian, you may need to get a Palestinian travel document. Contact an embassy or consulate of Israel for details about entry and exit requirements.
This law limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
More information:
Get to know local and religious customs. Take care not to offend.
Public displays of affection aren't appropriate at religious sites in Israel. In Gaza and the West Bank, being affectionate in public may offend.
Observe local standards of behaviour when visiting Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods.
Conservative standards of dress and behaviour apply at holy sites in Jerusalem, and throughout Gaza and the West Bank.
Be respectful when photographing people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas. Ask permission before taking photos of people.
The Jewish Shabbat or Sabbath happens from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday. It's closely observed in Orthodox Jewish areas in Israel.
During this time of rest in Orthodox neighbourhoods, driving and using electricity is restricted. Using a mobile phone or camera on the Sabbath is likely to offend.
Public access to these neighbourhoods is usually restricted on the Sabbath. Don't drive in these areas.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is expected to be around 12 April and 11 May 2021. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.
Unmarried and same-sex couples are not allowed to live together in Gaza or the West Bank. They're not allowed to share hotel accommodation either.
More information:
If despite our advice you choose to travel to Israel as a tourist for less than 3 months, you generally won't need a visa.
For longer stays, you'll need to arrange a visa before you travel.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, security checks, currency, customs and quarantine regulations:
If you're travelling despite our advice, you'll be denied entry into Israel unless you're an Israeli citizen or resident. Exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, but these can change at short notice. See the Population and Immigration Authority’s webpage for details, including announcements by the Authority.
Incoming travellers must provide their airline with evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of departure and take another test upon arrival. Some exemptions apply. See the Israeli Ministry of Health's website for details.
If arriving from overseas and permitted entry into Israel, you must show evidence that you can self-quarantine or stay in a designated facility. Israel bans entry from certain countries and requires quarantine from others. A 14-day quarantine period may be shortened with two negative tests. Countries are categorised as ‘red’ (banned), ‘orange’ (quarantine) or ‘yellow’ (negative test). Measures related to each are amended at short notice. The measures are listed on the Ministry of Health website.
You may be exempt from quarantine requirements if:
If you recovered from COVID-19 or received the vaccine abroad, you must go into isolation upon arrival. You can apply for an exemption. See the Ministry of Health’s website for more details.
To limit the spread of COVID−19, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have introduced rules on social distancing, public gatherings and wearing masks. These restrictions may change at short notice.
Israel has implemented nation-wide lockdowns to limit the spread of COVID-19, and further lockdowns are possible.
You may not be able to enter or exit communities with high infection rates. It's your responsibility to know and follow these restrictions. There are penalties for failing to comply.
The Palestinian Authority has extended its state of emergency and has COVID-19 related measures in place. These include limits on the number of visitors at tourist and religious sites, foreigners not being permitted to enter some areas and limited availability of tourist facilities (including accommodation). The Palestinian Authority may introduce future lockdowns. The crossing into Gaza with Egypt - Rafah - is closed, except for infrequent and unscheduled openings for Gaza residents. Gaza’s crossing with Israel – Erez – is operating with restrictions.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel has announced the closure of land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt, often with little or no notice. We recommend you monitor the Population and Immigration Authority’s COVID-19 updates webpage.
For the latest information on local restrictions, check the Israel Ministry of Health COVID-19 website. You can also follow the Australian Embassy and Australian Representative Office on social media (see Local contacts).
Further restrictions may be imposed. Check with your airline or travel provider, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
More information:
Israeli authorities can subject you to a security and police record check if you're entering Israel, Gaza or the West Bank.
Authorities may refuse you entry or exit without a reason.
Security officials may question you at length. They may also search your bags when you arrive and depart.
If you're travelling to protest against Israeli policies, authorities may refuse your entry. You will be returned to the country where you boarded. This includes if you arrive by boat.
Authorities can deny you entry if you have association with, or belong to, an organisation that has called for a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements.
We can't intervene if you don't meet entry or exit requirements.
You'll get an entry card instead of an entry stamp on arrival in Israel.
Keep this card with your passport until you leave. The card is evidence of your legal entry into Israel. Authorities may ask for it during your stay.
If you plan to travel to other countries after Israel, read the travel advice for each country. Some countries may refuse you entry if:
Travel restrictions may apply to some visitors in Israel and the West Bank. There's no clear information about who may be restricted.
Airport officials may ask you to sign a form that stops you entering the West Bank.
In these situations, the Australian Embassy has limited ability to step in.
If you decide to travel to Gaza despite our advice, know that the security situation is unpredictable and dangerous.
Exiting Gaza is difficult and unpredictable.
There are only 2 land crossings into and out of Gaza. Israel controls Erez. Egypt controls Rafah.
Both crossings may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods.
You may not be able to leave Gaza even if you have a valid exit permit.
The ability of the Australian Government to help is extremely limited.
Israeli authorities control the Erez crossing into northern Gaza from Israel.
You must have permission from the Israeli authorities to use the Erez crossing.
The Israeli authorities rarely grant permission for people to leave Gaza through the Erez crossing.
Australian-Palestinians with a Palestinian ID or passport can contact the Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs (Arabic) for help.
Egyptian authorities control the Rafah crossing into Gaza from Egypt.
You must get permission from Egyptian authorities to enter and exit Gaza using the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
Regulations and restrictions around the border between Egypt and Gaza can change.
People who enter Gaza through this border crossing must leave the same way.
The crossing may open or close at short notice. Once it has closed, you can't leave Gaza through this crossing.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Israel's currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). The ILS is also used in the Palestinian Territories.
You can change Australian dollars to shekels in major centres.
ATMs are widely available.
When arriving or leaving Israel, you must declare amounts of $US10,000 or more, or the equivalent in another currency. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
If you don't declare your currency on entry or exit from Israel, authorities could arrest or fine you.
When deciding on travel around Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, consider the general security situation.
Also consider specific risks to your safety and security in different places.
You can drive in Israel for up to 1 year with a valid Australian driver's licence.
Security checkpoints may be set up or closed at any time. This often happens without warning throughout Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
You could face delays or trouble passing through checkpoints.
Israeli car insurance does not usually cover travel into Palestinian-controlled areas of the West Bank. This includes Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.
Separate insurance can often be arranged for travel to these places.
More information:
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when travelling by motorbike.
Only ride a motorcycle if you're:
By law, you and your passenger must wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
Taxis are generally safe and reliable in Israel.
Take care when using public transport.
Due to safety and security concerns, Australian Government officials and their families are advised not to use public transport, except taxis.
This applies in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
Don't travel by sea to the coast of Gaza. See Safety
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Israel's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Airports can pause operations at times of security concern. You should reconfirm arrangements before flying.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 102.
Call 101.
For criminal issues, call 100.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact:
Level 28
Discount Bank Tower
23 Yehuda Halevi Street (corner Herzl Street)
Tel Aviv 65136, Israel
Phone: (+972 3) 693 5000
Fax: (+972 3) 693 5002
Website: israel.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Israel
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
7th floor, Trust Building
48 Othman Ben Affan Street
El Bireh Ramallah West Bank
Phone: (+972 2) 242 5301
Fax: (+972 2) 242 8290
Website: ramallah.mission.gov.au
Check the Australian Representative Office website for opening hours.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.