Fire and rescue services
Call 102.
Medical emergencies
Call 101.
Police
For criminal issues, call 100.
We now advise:
Reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
Call 102.
Call 101.
For criminal issues, call 100.
We now advise:
Reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
Reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall.
Reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
See Safety.
Do not travel to Gaza and areas near the border with Gaza.
Do not travel to Gaza and areas near the border with Gaza due to armed conflict.
See Safety.
Do not travel to border areas with Lebanon.
Do not travel to border areas with Lebanon due to the volatile security situation.
Do not travel to the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem).
Do not travel to the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) due to the volatile security situation.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you can register on DFAT's registration portal. We'll be contacting registered Australians directly with important updates.
Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you. If you registered by phone or e-mail, you'll need to update your details via those channels.
You should only register if you’re in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories and are:
We advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism. We continue to advise do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon, and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) due to the volatile security situation.
Rockets have been fired at Israel from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. There have also been other terror attacks on civilians. The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country.
If you are in Israel, you should reconsider whether you need to remain and if not, depart when it's safe to do so.
There continues to be a high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region. Military attacks may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions and other travel disruptions. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns at any time, and at short notice. This may cause flight delays or cancellations. Check with your airline or travel provider for the latest updates before travelling. GPS signals may be blocked in parts of Israel, affecting navigational apps and devices.
If you're planning to stay in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, follow alerts to seek shelter. Monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only).
Gaza is an active conflict zone and is extremely dangerous. There are ongoing Israeli air strikes and land based IDF operations as well as a threat of civil unrest, shooting and rocket attacks. Rockets can land in both Gaza and Israel.
Our ability to provide consular assistance in Gaza is extremely limited. If you're in Gaza, be aware of your surroundings and review your personal security plans. Monitor local media (including social media), UN alerts, and your own organisation's security contacts for information about changing security conditions and alerts to seek shelter.
If you're stuck in military action or civil unrest, stay in a safe place indoors. Monitor the media for updates.
Ordinarily, the Australian Government can't support individuals applying for entry or exit permits for Gaza. During the current crisis, our ability to support Australians and their families to leave is extremely limited.
Israel has a naval blockade in place. The Israeli Navy patrols territorial waters and the shared water border zone.
We advise Australians to reconsider participating in any humanitarian flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza. Don't join others seeking to break the naval blockade.
People have previously tried to break the naval blockade along the coast of Gaza. Their actions caused injury, death, arrest and deportation of foreigners, including Australians.
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.
In Israel, local city government websites have 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, a message will be sent to all local mobile phones in the area with details of the event and safety instructions. You can also contact the Home Front Command on 104 (the hotline has English-speaking operators, option 5). Authorities may also establish a National Emergency Portal website for specific events.
We advise do not travel to the West Bank due to the volatile security situation.
The security situation in the West Bank is unpredictable, with continuing tensions and violence between Israelis and Palestinians. This includes tourist destinations such as Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah. There can be higher rates of violence in and around Hebron, Jenin and Nablus.
Stone-throwing and violence are common, especially around Israeli settlements and military checkpoints.
Tensions can arise at short notice. Violence can happen in tourist areas.
Don’t enter closed military zones, even where these have been in place for a long time, such as the old city of Hebron.
Large and sometimes violent demonstrations have occurred in the West Bank. Foreigners have been injured.
Israeli authorities may open temporary additional checkpoints in the West Bank or close crossings to the West Bank on local holidays or due to security incidents.
Israeli security/military operations occur in the West Bank. There has been an increase in Israeli security operations since March 2022, including intensive operations in refugee camps. If you’re in the West Bank during military action or civil unrest, stay in a safe place indoors, away from windows. 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.
Cross-border political tensions and unrest create security risks for regions of Israel close to its borders with Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.
We advise do not travel to border areas with Lebanon. These have been closed by Israeli authorities. Authorities are monitoring security on Israel’s northern border. Some residents have been advised to evacuate by local authorities.
There’s 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 increasing exchanges of fire on the border between Lebanon and Israel. Missiles have been fired towards Israeli territory resulting in casualties. Further conflict is possible. An escalation in 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’s been ongoing conflict on the Syrian side of the border since 2014. Clashes have occurred on the Israeli-Syrian border. This includes rockets being fired towards Israeli-controlled territory. Kidnapping has been known to happen near the border.
Parts of Route 98 have been closed in the past due to fighting on the Syrian side of the border. Artillery and small-arms fire from Syria could land in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
The situation remains tense and further violence is possible. 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, avoid 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.
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’.
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 chance of civil unrest in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. International events and political developments may lead to protests and demonstrations, which can be unpredictable and may turn violent. Be alert, avoid demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for the latest updates.
More information:
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.
Terrorists have attacked buses, public transport hubs and tourist areas. These include in Jerusalem, Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Attacks have included shootings, stabbings, vehicle ramming and bombings.
Be alert to possible threats, especially:
Australian Government officials are advised only to use public transport services in Israel and the West Bank which include security screening of passengers and luggage. This is because of safety and security concerns and does not apply to taxis.
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.
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:
Foreigners have been kidnapped in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Always be alert to your personal security and surroundings, particularly in the Gaza area.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Violent crime, other than terrorism and politically motivated violence, is rare.
Purse snatching, pickpocketing and petty theft can happen.
Theft from vehicles may happen, especially in beachside areas.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes 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. Healthcare in Israel is not free.
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, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
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 thousands 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.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
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 bring medication, check if it's legal in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
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:
Polio
Polio is a risk in Israel. Before you travel, ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, including booster doses.
More information:
Measles can occur routinely in Israel. 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. Where medical evacuation is possible, it can be very expensive.
Doctors may require up-front payment before they will treat you. Costs can be high.
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 Occupied 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 one 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, Orthodox Jewish areas in Israel 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.
Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during Ramadan. 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 you choose to leave, make sure you know where your identity documents are, including your passport, and be ready to leave at short notice. Also make sure you have any medications you may need while travelling.
Australians who want to leave are strongly encouraged to take the first available commercial option.
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and commercial flights are available. However, the airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns. This may cause flight delays or cancellations. Check with your airline for the latest updates before travelling.
Land border crossings to Jordan are open but may close at short notice. Check Israeli government websites, and public information of the country of planned travel to make sure border crossings are open before travel.
There are 3 land border crossings between Israel and Jordan: Allenby Bridge/King Hussein near Amman, Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River near Irbid, and Wadi Araba near Aqaba.
These border crossings may open and close with little notice. There is also the possibility of queues and delays at border crossings.
Visas are required to enter Jordan. See our travel advice for Jordan.
You may find it difficult to travel by road if armed conflict escalates. GPS signals may be blocked in parts of Israel, disrupting navigational apps and devices.
Any travel options you pursue are taken at your own risk. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
For information on border crossings from Gaza, see 'Gaza' section below.
More information:
The security situation in Gaza is unpredictable and dangerous.
Exiting Gaza is extremely difficult and unpredictable.
There are only 2 land crossings for pedestrians into and out of Gaza. Israel controls Erez. Egypt controls Rafah.
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. The crossing has been closed since the current crisis began on 7 October 2023.
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt may be closed or have highly restricted access for long periods and is subject to change at short notice. It has been subject to air strikes during the current Gaza conflict.
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:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Israel has changed its entry requirements.
From 1 January 2025, all foreigners visiting Israel, including Australians, must obtain either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA-IL) or a visa before arriving in Israel.
If you plan to visit Israel for less than 90 days, you may be eligible for the ETA-IL. Otherwise, you will need to get a visa before you travel.
ETA-ILs are valid for 2 years or until your current passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that if you receive an ETA-IL approval to travel, you should not have to reapply during the approval period.
To check your eligibility and to apply for the ETA-IL, visit the ETA-IL website.
Failing to obtain an entry permit may result in a refusal of entry by Israeli border authorities.
The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf, and our ability to provide consular assistance in these circumstances may be limited.
On 20 October 2022, new requirements were introduced for foreign nationals entering and residing in the West Bank. Further information and contact details for enquiries can be found on the Israeli government website.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, security checks, currency, customs and quarantine regulations:
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 conduct an intensive search of your bags and person 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.
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:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Israel's currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). The ILS is also used in the Occupied 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 one year with a valid Australian driver's licence.
Land border crossings may be closed with short notice, and for an unknown period. Check Israeli government websites, and the website of the country you are trying to travel to, to determine if border crossings are open before travel.
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.
GPS signals may be blocked in parts of Israel, disrupting navigational apps.
More information:
Driving can be dangerous.
Hazards include:
Road accidents occur often.
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 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 to use public transport services in Israel and the West Bank that include security screening of passengers and luggage. This does not apply to taxis.
Don't travel by sea to the coast of Gaza. See Safety
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and commercial flights are available. However, the airport may pause operations due to heightened security concerns. This may cause flight delays or cancellations. Check with your airline for the latest updates before travelling.
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.
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.
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
X: AusAmbIsrael
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: