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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.

Areas near Gaza

FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:

• south-west of Ashkelon
• south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
• west of Be’er Sheva
• north of route 211

The West Bank

FCDO advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Northern Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• within 5km of the border with Lebanon – the Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited
• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
• within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
• Beit Hillel
• Even Menachem
• Granot Ha’Galil
• Ramot Naftali
• She’ar Yeshuv

The rest of Israel and the OPTs

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and the OPTs .

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in Israel and the OPTs

On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.

There is also increased military activity by the Israeli Defence Forces around Gaza, within the West Bank and on Israel’s northern border.

There are continued exchanges of rocket and small arms fire over Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the OPTs , including the West Bank.

We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. The situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. This could disrupt air and road links out of the country. If your reason to remain in Israel and the OPTs is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

If you are in an area affected by the fighting, follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command. To find these:

• visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only)
• call 104 if you are in Israel

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.

Before travelling within Israel or  the OPTs , check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad .

Register your presence

If you are a British national in Israel and the OPTs , including Gaza, you are advised to register your presence with FCDO . We can then share important updates, including information to support you to leave the country. Fill in the form for every member of your family or group who is a British national.

Travel within or out of Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.

Travelling to Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing continues to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible.

If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza:

• you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK; and
• you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months

Contact FCDO by calling:

• +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)
• +972 (0)3 725 1222
• +972 (0)2 541 4100

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk, and dependent on the permission of the Egyptian and Israeli authorities. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the Egypt travel advice .

Help and support in Israel and the OPTs

Contact your travel provider and insurer.

Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Help from FCDO in Israel and the OPTs

Consular support is severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

If you need consular assistance call:

Help from other organisations 

Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit .

Concern for friends and family

If you are in the UK and concerned about a friend or family member who is in Israel or the OPTs call FCDO on 0176 766 7600. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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• Help centre
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Israel travel advice

On this page:

Israel travel alerts

Tel aviv travel update.

Last updated: Monday 12 th February 2024 10:24am (UK Time)

Please check the travel advice for all countries in your itinerary .

Entry requirements

You must check all requirements before heading to the airport.

Please visit  https://corona.health.gov.il/en/  for the latest entry requirements. 

Travel bans

For fully vaccinated travellers.

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place.

Exit Statement Form 

All Israeli citizens and residents aged 16 years and older, must show clearance to leave Israel, you will receive the clearance after submitting the exit statement form

Your passport must be valid for the period of your intended stay. You may require longer validity by Embassy consular departments.

The Israeli border control won't stamp your passport. Instead, you'll be given a printed card called an "Electric Gate Pass". You'll need this in order to leave the arrival terminal and continue to collect your baggage. You are advised to keep the card with you at all times.

If you need more information, please contact the  Israeli Embassy in London .

Most UK and EU passport holders don't need a visa to enter Israel if visiting for 90 days or less. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days you'll need to apply for a visa.

If don't hold a UK or EU passport, please  check if you need a visa  before travelling.

For non vaccinated travellers

All Israeli citizens and residents aged 16 years and older, must show clearance to leave Israel, you will receive the clearance after submitting the  exit statement form

It will be your personal choice to wear a face mask onboard. Masks remain available for anyone still wishing to wear one during the flight.

Airport guides

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

If you are travelling with electrical items such as laptops or cameras you may be asked at customs to pay a refundable deposit.

For more information please visit the  gov.uk website .

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Israel issues travel alert for israelis travelling to uk.

The National Security Council raised its alert level for Britain amid increased terror threats

BY Richard Percival

• Israel-Hamas War 2023

Passengers at the at the Ben Gurion International airport near Tel Aviv on August 29, 2023. Photo by Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** ???''? ?????? ???"? ?? ?? ?? ?????? ??? ?????

Israel has issued a travel warning to Israelis looking to travel to the UK following the Hamas terror attack .

The National Security Council raised its travel alert level for Britain and other countries in Western Europe, South America, Australia and Russia.

The update comes amid increased terror threats against Israelis travelling abroad nearly two months into the Jewish state’s war with Hamas, dubbed “Operation Swords of Iron,” which was launched after the bloody massacre of October 7.

“Since the beginning of the war, increased efforts have been detected on the part of Iran and its proxies, as well as on the part of Hamas and elements of global jihad, to attack Israeli and Jewish targets around the world,” according to the NSC statement.

The statement also highlighted “a continuous and significant increase in incitement, attempted attacks and widespread manifestations of anti-Semitism in many countries.”

The UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Russia are among the countries where the travel warning was raised to level two, recommending increased precautions.

Several countries in Africa (including South Africa and Eritrea) and countries in Central Asia (including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan) have been elevated to level three, recommending reconsidering non-essential travel.

Israel's National Security Council raised its travel warning for countries around the world on Dec. 4, 2023 (Photo: Israel NSC)

The NSC generally recommends that Israelis reconsider the necessity of travelling at this time and if the public does go abroad to make informed decisions based on the recommended precautions.

Travellers are encouraged to postpone trips to countries with warnings, with an emphasis on Arab and Middle Eastern countries, the North Caucasus, countries surrounding Iran and a number of Muslim countries in Asia.

The NSC also recommends travellers check whether any anti-Israel protests are planned at their destinations, even in countries without travel warnings, and to stay away from these demonstrations.

Israelis should maintain vigilance while abroad and pay attention to their surroundings, the NSC emphasised.

Citizens of Israel should also avoid the outward display of Jewish and Israeli symbols and large gatherings of Jewish and Israeli officials.

Finally, the NSC recommends that travellers make sure to learn the phone numbers of local emergency services and of the local Israeli diplomatic representation if there are any.

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Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest travel advice

The foreign office now advises against all travel to large parts of israel and all of the occupied palestinian territories, and against all but essential travel to the rest of the country.

T he UK Foreign Office currently warns against all travel to large parts of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories over safety concerns amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet are also continuing to suspend their flights to Tel Aviv. Thousands of deaths have been reported in Israel and Gaza since fighting broke out on October 7, 2023, while tensions have escalated in the region. Most recently, US and UK forces launched strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen on January 11, 2024, after the terror group’s continued attacks on commercial ships with an Israeli connection in the Red Sea. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: an airstrike in Gaza City on Monday, October 9, 2023 (Getty Images)

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Israel?

The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to large parts of Israel and all of the occupied Palestinian territories, and all but essential travel to the rest of the country. This includes the tourist cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The UK Foreign Office said: “There is currently a large-scale conflict happening in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza. Keep up to date with local travel advice via local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit.

“Make sure you know the safety actions that you should take if an Israeli warning siren sounds, follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation through the media and this travel advice. No warning sirens will sound inside Gaza.”

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If you are in an area affected by fighting, follow the advice found on the Israeli Home Front Command website , or by calling 104 — both of these services are only available to those currently in Israel.

If you are currently in Israel, you should register your presence with the UK government on the dedicated webpage so that it can send you updates. You must do this for every member of your family that’s a British citizen.

• Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

Is it safe to travel to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv?

You should not be considering visiting Jerusalem or Tel Aviv for a holiday right now. The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to areas of Israel that include the tourist hubs of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A state of emergency is in place across the country and borders could close at short notice.

In addition, following the airstrike on Houthi bases in Yemen by US and UK forces on January 11, 2024, the Foreign Office has said: “Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have all paused services to Tel Aviv until March 2024. If you already have a flight booked, you should get in touch with the airline — the options to cancel for a full refund or amend to a future date are available.

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

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Israel travel: Is it safe to visit and what are your rights if you have a trip booked?

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After hundreds of its citizens were killed in a sudden assault from Gaza, Israel has declared war on Hamas .

The conflict is ongoing, and Israel’s prime minister has pledged “mighty violence” and threatened to reduce Gaza to “rubble” .

Israel, long popular with tourists, is still accessible by air – but hundreds of flights have been cancelled and cruise ship itineraries have been changed.

Over the first 24 hours following the start of the attack, many flights were diverted or returned to their departure airport – including a United Airlines flight from San Francisco that went on a 13-hour “flight to nowhere”.

These are the key questions and answers.

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What does the Foreign Office say?

The Foreign Office has strengthened its travel warning to read: “The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories [OPTs].”

This has the effect of requiring holiday companies with clients in Israel to be brought back as soon as possible, and prevents mainstream tour operators from sending out further groups until the advice against travel is withdrawn.

The Foreign Office also says: “If you are a British national in Israel or the OPTs, please register your presence which includes recording your up-to-date contact information. Your registration will allow us to share any updates to this travel advice.”

Anyone who is in Israel continues to be protected by their travel insurance until they leave by the swiftest safe means; conversely, standard travel insurance policies are not valid for people who choose to travel to Israel while the “no-go” warning is in force.

What do the Israeli authorities say?

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has issued a statement to The Independent about provisions for UK travellers to Israel:

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have taken place in Israel over the weekend. We offer our condolences to those who have been affected by the current situation.

“We are monitoring the situation and are committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting Israel are safe and informed. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism will provide all necessary assistance to those who need it and is operating a tourist hotline via WhatsApp for tourists to stay informed on the situation as it evolves.

“We appreciate the support of the UK and fellow nations in a difficult time for the Israeli nation.”

The Ministry of Tourism is operating a “virtual office” contactable by WhatsApp (+972 55 972 6931) or email ([email protected]).

Travellers currently in Israel can dial 104 for information and advice in several languages or contact Home Front Command on WhatsApp or SMS on +972 52 910 4104.

Are Israel flights continuing?

Yes. Ben Gurion International Airport, south of Tel Aviv, remains open and operational – as does Eilat Ramon airport, outside Eilat in the far south of Israel.

These are the key policies of the main airlines from the UK to Israel.

British Airways

British Airways has suspended flights to and from Israel due to safety concerns, after a flight to Tel Aviv made a mid-air U-turn and flew back to Heathrow .

A spokesperson said: “Due to the evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has taken the decision to temporarily pause operations to and from Tel Aviv on Monday 9 October. As a result two flights from London Luton and one from Manchester and their return flight today will no longer operate.

“Any customers affected by cancellations are eligible for a refund, voucher, or a free of charge transfer to a new flight.

“Due to the situation we understand that some customers travelling in the coming days may no longer wish to travel. Any passengers due to fly to Tel Aviv who would like to change their plans can contact our customer service team for assistance with their options.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected and the safety and security of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”

The carrier is telling passengers: “El Al Airlines operates in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces. Our flights are operated as scheduled.”

Passengers who are booked but who no longer want to travel can cancel for a credit voucher. Those who are booked to travel up to 21 October and who want to return early can do so at no extra charge. A dedicated emergency line “for those who wish to change the date of their flights due to the situation” has been set up on +972 3 940 4040 for phones and +972 3 977 1111 for WhatsApp.

Virgin Atlantic

The airline says: “Due to the ongoing situation in Israel, some of our flights to and from Tel Aviv may face delays or cancellations. We would advise anyone booked to travel to check their flight status on the website before travelling to the airport.”

Virgin Atlantic cancelled one daily round-trip on each of 7 Saturday to Tuesday 10 October, though the second service will be flying as planned on all those dates. On 17 October, the airline confirm they would be operating flight VS457 from Heathrow into Tel Aviv, and the return, flight VS458, from 20 October.

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “Due to the situation in Israel, we have cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the relevant authorities. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our number one priority and all affected passengers will be contacted via email or text.”

What are the risks to passenger aircraft?

Virgin Atlantic says: “The safety and security of our customers and our people always comes first and our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review.”

The fact that Virgin Atlantic, as well as El Al and British Airways, are continuing to fly to and from Tel Aviv indicates these extremely professional airlines are confident their passengers and crew will be safe.

But a flight operations organisation, Ops Group, has issued a warning about the risk of civilian aircraft being shot down following the attacks on Israel. The group warns: “Lessons learned regarding civil operations in conflict zones over the last nine years since MH17 need to be applied. The risk of a passenger aircraft becoming a casualty of this war is high.”

Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 , a passenger flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over occupied eastern Ukraine in 2014 by a Buk anti-aircraft missile that belonged to the Russian army. All 298 passengers and crew died in the attack.

Ops Group, a membership organisation for pilots and other aviation staff, added: “The ultimate sentiment from MH17 still echoes: ‘What were they doing flying over a war zone?’ We truly hope the same question doesn’t need to be asked in Tel Aviv airspace this week.”

What if I have booked a package holiday to Israel?

Travellers who have booked packages to Israel and are due to travel imminently can cancel without penalty for a full refund because of the “no-go” warning from the Foreign Office. This applies equally to customers of British Airways Holidays and easyJet Holidays.

A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: “We are liaising closely with the Foreign Office and our members to offer help and advice to customers, both those currently on holiday in Israel and those that are due to travel there imminently.

“Anyone due to travel to Israel imminently should speak to their travel company for the latest advice and monitor updates from the Foreign Office.”

Are cruise ships to Israel affected?

Yes. A cruise ship that was due to arrive at Haifa in Israel in the early hours of Sunday morning changed course to sail to Limassol instead. Celebrity Apex had just begun a Holy Land cruise from Athens to Israel and Egypt.

The subsequent departure with the same ship, on 16 October, appears to have been changed so that the two days at Israeli ports will instead be spent at sea.

A spokesperson for Celebrity said: “Our global security team is closely watching the evolving situation in Israel. For the safety and security of our guests, we’re adjusting several itineraries in the area. Impacted guests will be notified directly.”

While the war continues, all cruise ships are likely to avoid Israel.

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To learn more about the guidelines about travel to Israel - click here

TOURIST INFO

When you travel, part of the fun is discovering new things. However, it always helps to get the inside scoop on how to get things done quickly and easily. Below are some tips and tourist information to get your trip off on the right foot!

Is Tel Aviv Gay Friendly?

Tel Aviv is known for it's gay friendly atmosphere and there is no shortage of attractions specifically for the gay community. From the awesome parties at amazing clubs and bars to the sunny chilled beaches, the gay scene in the city is hot, wild and like the city itself - definitely non stop

Since Israel is a major global tourist destination, direct flights are available from most major US and European cities. Connecting flights can be found from all major hubs.

Electricity

Electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. The electric outlets used are types H and C. Most H outlets can also accept type C European two-pronged plugs.

Value-added tax refunds

Foreign tourists may request VAT refunds on purchase made during their visits. Be sure to keep your receipts. More information about VAT refunds can be found  here .

Currency exchange

The local currency is the shekel, and there are plenty of places to change money at the airport throughout the city. When you exchange currency, make sure you are getting a realistic rate. You can check on the official exchange rate  here:  To find the change spot nearest you:  Click Here  Most businesses do not accept foreign currency, so we recommend that you buy shekels. You can also pay almost everywhere with international credit cards. To check the cost of things compared to the cost at home, you can do quick conversions  here:

Getting from the airport to Tel Aviv

Never fear. Getting from the airport to Tel Aviv is simple and there are several options:

•  By bus  – El AL Junction: Kavim 475 & 500, Egged 268. Service: Egged every 2-3 hours. Fare: Kavim – NIS 12.60 NIS, Egged – NIS 14.70

•  By train  – There is a train station at the airport and there are four stations in Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv Central Station, Ha’hagana, Ha’Shalom and University. Trains run every 20-30 minutes. Check with your hotel to see which station is best. Fare: about NIS 10.50.

•  By taxi  – If going by regular taxi, be sure to follow the signs and catch a cab from the official taxi stand only. Here the dispatcher can tell you the price upfront.

To help you get oriented with the layout of the city, here you can find a  map of Tel Aviv .

Getting around town

Tel Aviv has lots of options for moving about the city. For those of you who like public transportation, two bus companies operate in Tel Aviv:  Egged  and  Dan  . Both websites provide information on fares, lines and timetables. The bus drivers do not automatically stop at each bus stop, so it’s important for you to let them know when you want to get off.

Another option is renting a bike or even electric bike to ride around the city. One place to do that is Pole Position, located at 13 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv. Phone: 03-5252134. Click here to visit their  website . Another option is  Tel-O-Fun .

Just remember that when the temperatures climb, you may find it difficult to ride around the city. Be sure to take a big bottle of water with you!

Need to take a longer trip? Try the train – you can find information about tickets, timetables and rates on the  Israel Railways website .

And like in any big city, you can always hail a cab. Here in Israel, taxis have two sets of rates – a day rate and a night rate that is higher. And if you have any issues with the driver, their name and number appear on a plate positioned on the side.

The weather

The weather in Israel is one of its strongest selling points. Here’s what you can expect as the summer approaches. In May, expect temperatures of 25°C-29°C during the day and 17°C-20°C at night. In June – 29°C-31°C during the day and 20°C-23°C at night. You can find detailed information about average weather conditions  here .

When you’re out and about in the sun all day, don’t forget to drink lots of water.

useful numbers

The following are some useful numbers that are always good to have on hand.

Ben-Gurion International Airport: 03-9754260

Tel Aviv Tourist Information Office: Tel Aviv Promenade, 46 Herbert Samuel Street. Tel: 03-5166188

Jaffa Clock Tower Tourist Information Center: 2 Marzuk VeAzar St. (near the Clock Tower)

Tel Aviv Tourism Info   website

Tel Aviv, Israel’s Non-Stop City, voted as the world’s top gay destination. Isn’t it time for you to find out why? Make Tel Aviv your vacation spot this summer!

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Travel to UK from Israel

If you’re an Israeli looking to travel to the UK, you must ensure that you have the necessary visas, documents and preparations in place to travel.

For more information about travelling to the UK from Israel, including help on applying for a visa, eligibility requirements and bespoke advice for your own personal situation, reach out to an immigration adviser today. Call us on  (+44) 333 4149244 , or contact us  online .

Request a call back from our immigration experts

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

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Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

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Overview of Travel to UK from Israel

London is famous for being a melting pot of international cultures and communities, with one of the most notable being the Israeli and Jewish community in north London.

There are a significant number of Israeli-born residents in the areas of Hendon and Golders Green, with a significant proportion of these being Jewish. There are additionally over 40 synagogues serving the community, as well as over 30 Jewish schools in the area.

In total, it was estimated that around 21,000 Israeli-born residents were residing in the UK in 2011, and the number is steadily rising. The UK remains a popular destination for Israelis looking to relocate, and the already-established community in London and beyond is a great draw for many.

Israelis benefit from visa-free travel to the UK for short trips of up to 6 months. For longer trips or for purposes other than tourism, however, many travellers will require an appropriate visa to enter the UK.

Short-Term Visits to the UK for Israelis

Most Israelis will be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, short-term study and other permitted activities.

You must ensure that you have a full, valid Israeli passport in order to take advantage of this. If you have a provisional passport, or a travel document in lieu of a national passport, you may instead need to apply for a  Standard Visitor visa  to come to the UK instead.

Israelis may visit the UK as a visitor:

• For tourism
• To see family or friends
• To volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• To pass through the UK to another country
• For certain business activities, such as attending a meeting or interview
• To take part in a school exchange programme
• To do a recreational course of up to 30 days
• To study, do a placement or take an exam
• As an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• For medical reasons

You will need a specific dedicated visa if you wish to carry out any kind of work in the UK, or if you wish to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months.

Long-Term Visits to the UK for Israelis

If you wish to visit the UK or reside in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will have to apply for a dedicated visa to allow you to do so.

The UK has a number of visas to suit a range of specific circumstances. For example, there are dedicated visas if you wish to come and  work in the health sector ,  work in a religious community , or if you wish to  join family in the UK .

UK visas all vary in their costs, eligibility criteria and allowances for what you can and can’t do. For this reason, it’s important to read carefully on the details of your chosen visa before you apply for it.

In most cases, you will have to apply for a visa before you travel to the UK. Some visas may also require you to fulfil certain other criteria to travel, such as obtaining a  certificate of sponsorship  if you are being sponsored by an employer to come and work in the UK.

You will also have to pay an application fee for most UK visas, which range from a couple of hundred pounds to a few thousand.

You will also normally have to pay the immigration health surcharge with a long-term UK visa. This is a fee paid for every year you’ll be in the UK that will allow you to access NHS services.

Get in touch with our immigration experts for help with your move to the UK from Israel.

UK Entry Requirements for Israelis

There are a few important things to remember when travelling to the UK, such as important document guidelines and entry requirements you must follow.

First of all, you are required to have a valid passport or travel document when you come to the UK. It must be valid for the whole duration of your stay.

You must also ensure that you have an approved visa for your stay in the UK if you need one, such as if you plan to work or get married in the UK.

As of 2022, you will not have to take a COVID-19 test or fill in a passenger locator form.

You must also ensure that you comply with UK customs laws and declare any restricted items. These include (but are not limited to) goods that you plan to sell, firearms, drugs or more than €10,000 (or equivalent) in cash.

Note that your identity will be checked and your baggage may be searched at the UK border.

How Can IAS Help?

When travelling to the UK, it’s essential that you’re aware of all of the immigration guidelines and travel restrictions that you may have to adhere to in order to enter the country as safely and smoothly as possible.

If you’re planning on travelling to the UK from Israel or anywhere else in the world, IAS can help.

We are experts in international immigration and travel. We can offer bespoke, personalised legal advice for your situation to ensure that you can get to where you’re going with minimal fuss and hassle.

Whether you’re looking to travel to the UK short term, need help applying for a work or family visa, or need help with travelling back to Israel or onwards to any other part of the world, we can help.

For more information on the services we offer and what we can do for you, reach out to one of our immigration experts today. Call us on  (+44) 333 4149244 , or contact us  online .

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i apply for a uk visa.

In most cases, you will have to apply for a visa through the Gov.uk website in Israel before you travel.

As part of the application process, you will have to provide your personal information and upload a range of supporting documents.

You may also have to attend a local visa application centre in order to give additional information, such as your biometrics.

There is one visa application centre located in Tel Aviv.

Can I apply to settle permanently in the UK?

Yes. Permanent settlement in the UK is known as indefinite leave to remain. You may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain if you’ve spent enough time in the UK on a qualifying visa.

For example, you will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after spending at least 5 years in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.

In order to be eligible, you must pass the Life in the UK Test. You may also have to meet certain financial and English language criteria in order to apply.

After obtaining indefinite leave to remain, you’ll be able to reside in the UK for as long as you wish, without having to update or extend your status.

How much does it cost to move to the UK?

How much money you’ll need in the UK will depend heavily on where you’ll intend to be living and how much you’ll be earning.

If, like many Israelis, you wish to live in London, you may need around £1,500 a month in order to live comfortably.

However, this figure goes down significantly when moving outside of the city. In parts of north England, you may only need around £1,100 to live comfortably.

You will also need to factor in additional costs of moving to another country, such as the cost of travel insurance, moving your furniture and belongings, transport, and legal/visa immigration fees.

You should always carefully consider your budget and expenses well in advance of making an international move, as it can be a stressful process.

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UK’s arms export procedures give Israel benefit of the doubt

Government faces judicial review over its assessments of whether Israel is breaking international law in Gaza

• UK politics – latest updates

Decisions on whether to suspend UK arms export licences are largely the preserve of a very small group of cabinet ministers advised by lawyers from the Foreign Office. The role of parliament, which used to have a specialist select committee overseeing arms exports, has been downgraded.

Ministers like to give the impression that any decision is a considered examination of the evidence judged against the clear criteria that “the government will not grant a licence if it determines there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.

Ministers say this judgment is kept under review, with specific arms exports licences sometimes escalated to a higher level review. Broadly, the Foreign Office then provides advice to the business secretary, who is the ultimate decision-maker.

In terms of international humanitarian law, the key relevant criteria are whether Israel is acting proportionately, seeks a distinction between civilian and military targets, and its actions do not create unnecessary suffering.

Those criteria apply not only to the Israeli military offensive, but also to an obligation that the Foreign Office accepts exists for Israel as the occupying power to supply humanitarian aid. Israel says it does not have an obligation as a state to supply aid, but to allow others to do so.

Prising open the reality of what happens inside the Foreign Office – including the degree to which political criteria play a role – is hard. Ministers as a matter of precedent insist the legal advice itself should not be published, even though the Labour party has formally requested it be made available.

The Global Legal Action Network is taking the government to court for judicial review, and already has unearthed more detail of how decisions have been made so far.

It found an International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process Cell had been established based in the FCDO’s Middle East and North Africa Directorate. It was looking at 56 extant and pending licences. Five Amnesty International claims about airstrikes highlighted in a report about incidents on 20 October were examined by the Ministry of Defence.

The MoD said it could not know about Israel’s intentions in these incidents, leading the FCDO to conclude: “Without accurate information on real-time IDF decision-making and operational planning, we have been unable to make a case-by-case assessment on Israel’s compliance with international human rights law (IHL) for specific strikes or ground operations during the current conflict in Gaza . Despite the lack of specific information, the volume of strikes, total death toll, as well as proportion of those who are children raise serious concerns”.

The FCDO concluded policy risks existed in giving Israel the all-clear, and so it was agreed the Foreign Office would write to the Israeli embassy about nine concerns. The embassy wrote back on 26 November saying it could not give any response on specific incidents, but gave generalised assurances on its commitment to IHL.

On this basis the FCDO concluded: “It was now assessed that it was possible that Israel’s actions in relation to some aspects of the provision of/access to humanitarian relief were a breach of IHL, but that it was unlikely that Israel had breached the prohibition on collective punishment or that the evacuation order was a breach of IHL. There was no evidence that Israel’s military operations were intended to cause starvation, but there was insufficient information about the military objectives of the siege to determine whether or not is was a possible breach of IHL”

In somewhat contorted language on 8 December, the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) wrote to the UK foreign secretary, David Cameron, advising Israel’s record of compliance “does not reveal a pattern suggestive of unaddressed underlying systemic weakness which might undermine other material pointing towards an ability and willingness to comply with IHL”.

Cameron then recommended to the business secretary no serious risk of IHL breach existed.

Three things are striking from these court disclosures.

First, how finely balanced the judgment was inside the Foreign Office in mid-December. Since then, many thousands more Palestinians, aid workers and reporters have been killed. Starvation is admitted to exist by ministers.

Second, the FCDO procedures give Israel the benefit of the doubt. So long as Israel’s view of the value of a military target in any given strike is not known, no assessment of a specific strike can be made. GLAN argues this creates a presumption in favour of Israel and an incentive for Israel not to supply information. The UK government is, in this sense, rigging the game so that it can never be forced to admit there have been violations. It is truly a case of hear no evil, see no evil.

Third, the Foreign Office also assessed: “There was no evidence that Israel’s military operations were intended to cause starvation,” a formulation Andrew Mitchell repeated last month. Yet the Israeli government has repeatedly refused British government requests to open more crossings and help aid workers subsequently, so much so that a pattern amounting to intent arguably exists.

If the judgment was so balanced in mid-December, it is hard to believe it is more favourable nearly four months later.

Guardian Newsroom: The unfolding crisis in the Middle East On Tuesday 30 April, 7-8.15pm GMT, join Devika Bhat, Peter Beaumont, Emma Graham-Harrison and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad as they discuss the fast-developing crisis in the Middle East. Book tickets here or at theguardian.live

• Israel-Gaza war
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Foreign policy
• Middle East and north Africa

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Israel-Hamas war

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April 2, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Aditi Sangal and Tori B. Powell , CNN

UK says it is urgently seeking further information on death of British aid worker

From CNN’s Manveena Suri

The UK is “urgently seeking further information” on the death of a British aid worker killed in Gaza , its foreign office said on Tuesday.

The British national was one of seven aid workers working with non-profit World Central Kitchen (WCK) who were killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to the charity and authorities in Gaza.

“We are aware of reports of the death of British National in Gaza and are urgently seeking further information,” a spokesperson from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

The office called for International Humanitarian Law to be respected and civilians to be protected, saying too many civilians have been killed and that they wanted to see greater care to avoid harming civilians and destroying homes.

Those killed include a dual US-Canada national, as well as people from Australia , Poland, the United Kingdom, and a Palestinian , the non-profit said.

The Israel Defense Forces said it was “conducting a thorough review” of the incident.

Strike on Iran's consulate in Syria escalates Middle East tensions. Here's what we know

By CNN's Helen Regan, Hamdi Alkhshali and Tamara Qiblawi

Iran has vowed to retaliate after a  bombing of its embassy complex  in Syria that it blamed on Israel — a deadly escalation of regional tensions over the war in Gaza that appeared to  raise the risk  of a wider Middle Eastern conflict.

Here's what we know about the attack:

Who was killed in the strike? The strike killed at least seven officials, including Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and senior commander Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi.

Zahedi is the most high-profile Iranian target killed since former US President Donald Trump ordered the assassination of IRGC Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020.

How may Iran respond? Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani warned that Tehran “preserves the right to take reciprocal measures and will decide the type of response and punishment against the aggressor.”

Iran’s most powerful paramilitary ally, Hezbollah, warned that Israel would pay for the attack. Hezbollah has been embroiled in daily crossfire with Israeli forces since the war in Gaza started.

Israel's military said it does not comment on foreign reports, but its spokesperson told CNN the consulate was a "military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building."

How does the strike escalate regional tensions? While Israel has long targeted Iran and its proxies in Syria, its alleged attack in Damascus is a significant escalation due to both the location and the target. The consulate building, which includes the ambassador’s residence and is located next to the Iranian Embassy, is considered sovereign Iranian territory.

Read the full story.

Gaza Civil Defense condemns killing of aid workers, holds Israel accountable

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Duarte Mendonca

Gaza’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has condemned the “targeting” of non-profit World Central Kitchen's aid workers after seven were killed in a strike, and said it held the Israeli government accountable.

“We hold the occupation accountable for the consequences of targeting working crews protected by international humanitarian law, and we demand the opening of an immediate and fair investigation under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations,” the statement said Tuesday. 

The directorate said World Central Kitchen has “a major role in providing and securing aid and food for our people in the Gaza Strip and providing food and clothing for the displaced near the checkpoint.”

The statement called for the protection of aid workers in line with international law.

“We extend our condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and the World Food Kitchen staff, and we thank them for their stand with the Palestinian people,” it said.

The directorate also called for the protection of aid workers in line with international law.

At least seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday, according to the aid group.

Hospital names Palestinian aid worker killed in central Gaza

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Irene Nasser

Saif Issam Abu-Taha, a Palestinian driver and translator working with non-profit World Central Kitchen, was one of the aid workers killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza on Monday, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

The driver was among at least seven aid workers killed , despite the team traveling in what the organization referred to as "deconflicted zone" in two armored cars branded with the charity’s logo.

Those killed include a dual US-Canada national, as well as people from Australia , Poland, and the United Kingdom, the non-profit said.

2 more aid workers confirmed dead in Israeli strike in Gaza, non-profit says, bringing toll to 7

From CNN’s Benjamin Brown and Lucas Lilieholm

Seven aid workers, including multiple foreigners, from a team delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza have been killed in an Israeli military strike , according to non-profit group World Central Kitchen and authorities in the besieged enclave.

World Central Kitchen said its aid workers were traveling in a “deconflicted zone” in two armored cars branded with the charity’s logo as well as “a soft skin vehicle”.

“Despite coordinating movements with the IDF, the convoy was hit as it was leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse, where the team had unloaded more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza on the maritime route,” the group said in a statement.

Those killed include a dual US-Canada national, as well as people from Australia , Poland, the United Kingdom, and a Palestinian , the group said.

“I am heartbroken and appalled that we – World Central Kitchen and the world – lost beautiful lives today because of a targeted attack by the IDF,” World Central Kitchen CEO Erin Gore said in the statement.

“The love they had for feeding people, the determination they embodied to show that humanity rises above all, and the impact they made in countless lives will forever be remembered and cherished,” Gore said.

US national security adviser to visit Saudi Arabia this week, official says

From CNN's Kylie Atwood

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to Saudi Arabia this week to continue talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about a normalization deal between Israel and the kingdom, according to a US official. 

No major breakthroughs are expected from the meeting, the official added. 

Sullivan's visit comes less than two weeks after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited "good progress" in the ongoing talks during his visit to Saudi Arabia .

The potential deal , which many view as a major hurdle that may prove too challenging to pull off — especially while Israel is at war in Gaza — would have many elements, including a US military agreement with Saudi that would support its development of a civilian nuclear program, US officials have told CNN.

But the details of that portion of the deal, as well as many other aspects, remain in the works, the US official said Monday. 

Axios was the first to report on Sullivan's visit. 

Some background: Just weeks before Hamas launched its October 7 attack on Israel, Saudi Arabia said it was  inching closer  to normalizing diplomatic ties with the Jewish state. But months of war in Gaza have left the Arab world seething , jeopardizing any potential deal.

It's morning in the Middle East. Here's what you need to know

From CNN staff

Iran has vowed a "decisive" response after a strike it blamed on Israel killed two of its top commanders and five other officials at its consulate in Syria, in what may be the most dangerous escalation outside of Gaza since the start of the Hamas-Israel war nearly six months ago.

Iranian authorities and state media named senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Haji Rahimi among those killed.

Israel's military said it does not comment on foreign reports, but its spokesperson said the consulate was a "military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building."

The Quds Force is a unit of Iran's IRGC responsible for foreign operations.

Here are the latest developments in the region:

• Aid workers killed: At least five aid workers, including foreigners, from a team delivering food to starving civilians in Gaza have been killed in an Israeli military strike, according to non-profit group World Central Kitchen and authorities in the besieged enclave. Australia confirmed one of its nationals was among those killed.
• National security powers: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to shut down Qatari state-backed news network Al Jazeera in Israel. It comes after the passage Monday of a  sweeping law  allowing the government to temporarily ban foreign networks perceived as posing a threat to national security.
• US weapons: The Biden administration is close to approving the sale of as many as  50 American-made F-15 fighter jets to Israel , in a deal expected to be worth more than $18 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter. It would amount to the largest US foreign military sale to Israel since the country went to  war  with Hamas on October 7.
• Ambulances struggle to reach hospital: Ambulances trying to reach Gaza's devastated Al-Shifa Hospital following the withdrawal of Israeli troops are finding it " almost impossible because of the damaged roads," Gaza's Civil Defense told CNN. Israel's two-week military operation at the complex left hundreds dead and survivors malnourished, according to reports from the complex.
• UN will also try to reach Al-Shifa: The UN is planning a mission to Al-Shifa Hospital as soon as it is "allowed to help people receive medical attention and to assess the facility," the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Monday.
• US pushed for Rafah alternatives: The US has yet to see plans from Israel detailing what a  major military operation into Rafah  would look like, including how Israel would try to protect the more than 1 million civilians in the Gazan city, a US official told CNN on the heels of a meeting between senior officials from both countries.

Japan lifts funding suspension of UN Palestinian relief agency

From CNN's Moeri Karasawa

Japan has lifted its funding suspension of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees , Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa said Tuesday.

Israel has  accused at least 12 staffers  from the UN Relief and Works Agency of being involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks and has alleged that about 12% of the UN Relief and Works Agency's 13,000 staffers are members of Hamas or other Palestinian militant groups. UNRWA says it has fired 10 of the 12 accused staffers and that the other two are dead. CNN cannot confirm the allegations.

Japan's move came after a meeting on Saturday between Kamikawa and Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of UNRWA.

In the meeting, Lazzarini laid out the steps the agency was taking to “improve screening and education to ensure neutrality of UNRWA staff,” according to a  statement  from Japan's foreign ministry on Saturday.

UNRWA also agreed to establish a new framework with Japan on project management and monitoring to ensure “transparency and traceability of projects,” the ministry added.

Some background: UNRWA is the primary humanitarian aid group in Gaz a.  About 2 million Gazans rely  on the agency for aid, with 1 million people using UNRWA shelters for food and healthcare amid the fighting in the enclave.

Australian among aid workers killed in Gaza, Australia's prime minister says

From CNN's Hilary Whiteman and Irene Nasser

An Australian is among members of the aid organization World Central Kitchen who were killed in Gaza , Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.

"Lalzawmi 'Zomi' Frankcom was doing extraordinarily valuable work. This is someone who volunteered in Australia to help people during the bushfires. This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in Gaza," Albanese said. "Australia expects full accountability for the deaths of aid workers, which is completely unacceptable," Albanese said. 

Australia has contacted Israel, Albanese said, adding that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has "requested a call-in from the Israeli ambassador to Australia" to "ask for accountability."

"The truth is that this is beyond beyond any reasonable circumstances that someone going about providing aid and humanitarian assistance should lose their life. And there were four aid workers as well as a Palestinian driver in this vehicle," Albanese said.

The prime minister sent his deepest condolences to her family.

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