Update: UK FCDO advises against ‘all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories’

Update 12 October:

International risk management and travel services company Healix has published its advice for those affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Andrew Devereux, Risk Intelligence Manager, advised: 

• Shelter-in-place: Consider staying indoors, especially in areas affected by rocket fire and IDF operations, for at least the next 24-48 hours
• Abide by official directives: Follow instructions issued by Israeli authorities, including state of emergency measures and curfews
• Coordinate ground moves: If you need to travel, ensure coordination with professional security support until further notice
• Avoid the Gaza border: Defer travel to areas within 10 miles/16km of the Gaza border due to heightened risks
• Stay informed: Monitor the situation on the ground and real-time alerts for missile attacks using the Red Alert app
• Communication plan: Ensure that you have a communication plan in place before travelling and access to multiple means of communication
• Monitor official Israeli advice: Check for updates and guidance from Israeli authorities at www.idf.il/en/minisites/regional-commands/home-front-command/how-to-act-during-an-alert/
• Exercise caution globally: Be aware of potential protests and incidents targeting Israeli interests worldwide
• Prepare for travel disruptions: Be prepared for possible flight cancellations and travel delays and consider alternative routes if needed.

9 October:

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Its website states: “The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In addition, we advise against all travel to:

• Gaza
• The Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• Within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and and within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
• The area close to the border with Gaza that includes the following:
• The area southwest of Ashkelon
• The area south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
• The area west of Be’er Sheva
• The area north of route 211.”

A large-scale conflict is happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza.

Reports say that rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel and a number of terrorists are in the area, taking hostages and shooting people.

The FCDO websites advised: “If you are in an area affected by the fighting you should follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command.”

It added: “The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country.”

For travellers, it has warned that ‘international borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice’ and that they ‘should check with your airlines and travel insurers before travelling’. Many UK, European and US airlines have suspended flights to Israel, though the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv remains open. While most airlines have not committed to a date at which regular services will resume, American Airlines has stated that it will not restart flights until 4 December.

For British nationals in affected areas requiring consular assistance, the numbers to call are +972 (0)3 725 1222 or +972 (2) 5414100. Additionally, ‘if you experience technical difficulties with these or if you are in the UK, call +44 20 7008 5000’, it said.

The FCDO also advised: “If you are a British National in Israel or the OPTs, please register your presence which includes recording your up to date contact information. You should fill in this form for every member of your family or group who is a British National. Your registration will allow us to share any updates to this travel advice.”

This is an ongoing and developing situation. The information in this article is correct at time of writing.