Is it safe to travel to Israel? Latest travel advice for Jerusalem in wake of Middle East tensions
Here's the lowdown on what you need to know about travelling to Israel
AS the conflict in the Middle East becomes increasingly tense, the UK Foreign Office has issued travel advice for those wishing to visit Israel.
Here's what you need to know about the latest travel and holiday advice for Israel.
What has the Foreign Office said?
As of May 14, have advised against all travel to:
- Gaza and the surrounding waters
- the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
- east of Route 98 along the Syrian border
- within 500m of the Israel's border with Lebanon and Syria
The warning is due to the increased risk of instability in the region as the Israeli Defence Forces announced that they carried out air strikes in Syria on May 10 in response to Iranian missile attacks against Israeli forces.
They have also said to avoid all demonstrations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to follow the advice of local authorities, especially when travelling close to the Syrian border due to the indirect fire and increased fighting in Syria.
The Foreign Office have warned that terrorists are "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and attacks could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by foreigners, and on public transport.
Is it safe to travel to Jerusalem?
The US Embassy in Jerusalem will be opened in the Arnona area of West Jerusalem today, also Israeli Independence Day in the Gregorian calendar.
The Foreign Office (FCO) said: "There will be enhanced security measures in place across Jerusalem, including the Old City.
"Roads may be periodically closed, including those linking Jerusalem with Ben Gurion Airport."
The FCO also warns people to avoid demonstrations at all costs.
In Israel and the West Bank, including Tel Aviv, East Jerusalem and the Old City, particularly the Damascus Gate and Lion’s Gate areas, and Hebron, there have been numerous violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
There have also been stabbing, shooting, arson, vehicle ramming and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles, and the FCO have warned that there’s a risk that tourists or bystanders could be "caught up" in any incident.
There are frequent demonstrations in many of the areas of Jerusalem visited by tourists including in and around the Old City, especially after Friday prayers.
Some of these protests have led to violent clashes, so stay alert and leave the area if there is evidence of tension or unrest, for example if the shops in the souks suddenly begin to close their shutters.
What about Gaza?
Rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on a number of occasions, and further rocket fire is possible.
Travellers should familiarise themselves with the safety actions to take in the event of a warning siren.
The security situation on the border with Egypt remains volatile, and there is a risk of kidnap in Gaza and along the border.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers, and considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.
What about public transport?
The Foreign Office have said that as there have been a number of violent incidents on public transport and near public transport lines in Jerusalem, including the Light Rail network, and visitors should also avoid using buses in Jerusalem.
Due to a significant number of road traffic accidents involving taxis in the West Bank it is advised you avoid using them where possible.
Tourists have been told to take extra care when using public transport in Tel Aviv, in particular at transport hubs, and when using buses in the greater Tel Aviv area.
It is advised to consider using other forms of transport.
Is there a high crime rate?
Most visits to Israel and the OPTs are trouble-free and is generally not a problem the FCO says but you should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
The theft of passports, credit cards, and valuables from public beaches is common, so keep your personal belongings in a safe place.
What are the entry requirements to Israel?
Make sure you’re aware of Israeli immigration policies before you travel, and allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports during Israeli holidays and during the peak summer tourist season.
You don’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist as, on entry, visitors are granted leave to enter for a period of up to three months.
You should keep your entry card with your passport until you leave, as this is evidence of your legal entry into Israel and may be required, particularly at any crossing points into the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
If you’re a British national of Palestinian origin and on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number, you will need a Palestinian passport or travel document in order to leave.
READ MORE ABOUT THE MIDDLE EAST
But if you are a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems as a number of British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinians have been refused entry to the country.
British-Palestinian dual nationals living in the West Bank and Gaza are allowed to travel abroad only via the Rafah or Allenby Bridge border crossings into Egypt or Jordan and return via the same route.
Children with Israeli parents are considered to be Israeli nationals, so the Israeli Ministry of Interior insists that these children enter and leave Israel on an Israeli passport.
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