Travel to Israel remains possible in 2026, but it carries significant risks due to the ongoing regional security situation.

Ben Gurion Airport is operating, but the U.S. State Department advises travelers to Reconsider Travel (Level 3), while some border areas and Gaza remain Do Not Travel zones. Flight schedules, security conditions, and local restrictions can change with little notice.

This guide explains where it is currently safe to travel, which areas to avoid, the latest government travel advice, airline updates, entry requirements, and practical safety tips before visiting Israel.

Is It Safe to Travel to Israel Right Now?

Travel to Israel is currently possible but involves elevated security risks. Ben Gurion Airport is open and many tourist sites remain accessible, but government travel advisories continue to recommend increased caution or reconsidering travel because of the regional security situation. Travelers should monitor official advisories and be prepared for sudden changes to flights or local conditions.

What does the current Israel travel advisory say?

The US State Department currently rates Israel at Level 3: Reconsider Travel overall. Specific areas carry Level 4: Do Not Travel designations:

• Gaza Strip
• Northern Israel within 4 km of the Lebanese and Syrian borders
• The Egyptian border is within 2.4 km (1.5 miles), except for the Taba crossing

Advisory status timeline

• April 2026: No major advisory changes. Level 3 confirmed unchanged following April 9 ceasefire and airport reopening.
• May 2026: Advisory reviewed. Level 3 maintained.
• June 2026: Current status confirmed. Level 3: Reconsider Travel remains in effect as of June 9, 2026. A June 4 US Embassy alert reminded US citizens to know the location of their nearest shelter. On June 7 to 8, fresh Israel-Iran missile and drone exchanges occurred before both sides paused again.

On February 27, 2026, the State Department escalated its response by authorizing the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and their families from Mission Israel due to safety risks. 

This was a significant escalation from the standard Level 3 advisory at the time. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov is the single most important preparedness step for the US Citizens traveling to or currently in Israel, as it enables the US Embassy to reach you directly during emergencies.

Is Israel safe to visit for pilgrims or religious travelers in 2026? With organized tours suspended and the Old City of Jerusalem under heightened security restrictions, most faith-based travel operators are advising postponement until the conflict stabilizes and full flight operations resume.

Ben Gurion Airport: What travelers need to know

Ben Gurion International Airport reopened fully on April 9, 2026, following the US-Iran ceasefire. All terminals, duty-free shops, and passenger services returned to normal. Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir are operating full schedules to dozens of international destinations.

However, most major North American and European carriers remain suspended. United Airlines is suspended through at least September 7.

Delta has cancelled services through September 5. British Airways is suspended through at least June 30. Lufthansa remains suspended. Smaller carriers, including Aegean and Wizz Air, have partially returned.

On June 8, 2026, two airlines cancelled Tel Aviv flights due to renewed Israel-Iran missile exchanges, and Israeli aviation authorities were actively considering new airspace restrictions.

The airport remains open as of June 9, but availability can change without notice.

Confirm your specific route directly with your airline and monitor the Israel Airports Authority website before departure.

Which parts of Israel are safer to visit?

Is it safe to go to Israel for a standard tourist trip right now? As of June 2026, Ben Gurion Airport is open, and limited tourism is physically possible. However, the security environment remains unpredictable.

The April 8 ceasefire frayed in early June with direct Israel-Iran missile and drone exchanges on June 7 to 8. Is Israel safe for tourism under current conditions? The US State Department continues to advise Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and the June 4 US Embassy alert reminded US citizens to know the location of their nearest shelter at all times.

Is Israel safe for tourists who are already in the country? Those currently in Israel should identify the location of the nearest bomb shelter, keep the Home Front Command Red Alert app active, and monitor security updates from the US Embassy daily.

The assisted departure bus programme to Amman that operated during the February to April conflict period has ended, but land crossings to Jordan and Egypt remain available if the airport is disrupted. 

A Jetpac eSIM for Israel keeps those emergency alerts reaching your device in real time, without depending on hotel Wi-Fi or local SIM availability.

Is it safe to go to Israel in the future, once the conflict stabilizes? Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, the Dead Sea, and the Negev Desert are accessible again following the April 9 airport reopening. Still, travel carries significant risk given the fragile ceasefire and ongoing Lebanon conflict.

As of June 3, 2026, the UK Foreign Office removed Israel from its no-travel list, rating most of Israel as green. However, US travelers should follow US State Department Level 3 guidance, not UK advice. 

Travel operators and airlines will announce the resumption of services in accordance with guidance from the official Israeli authorities.

Entry requirements for US citizens in 2026

Is it safe to travel to Israel right now from a paperwork standpoint? While entry documentation requirements remain in place, Ben Gurion Airport is now open following the April 9 ceasefire. Standard tourist entry is physically possible again, though the US State Department continues to advise Level 3: Reconsider Travel. For current travel, the following applies to U.S. citizens: 

No tourist visa is required for stays up to 90 days, but an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) must be submitted at least 72 hours before arrival through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website.

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned entry date. For US citizens, the ETA-IL approval process is typically quick, but apply well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

On arrival, Israeli authorities issue an entry card; keep it safe, as it is needed for West Bank access.

A few things for US citizens to keep in mind at entry points when travel resumes:

Border officers may ask about prior travel to Arab countries. Personal devices can be searched at checkpoints. Social media content, including political posts, may be reviewed at entry points.

Jerusalem and the West Bank: what to know

Is Israel safe to visit if your itinerary includes Jerusalem? Jerusalem is subject to heightened risk during the current conflict period, with the US Embassy itself operating under restricted conditions.

The Embassy may further restrict US government employee travel to certain areas of Israel, including the Old City of Jerusalem, based on security incidents. 

Confrontations near Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa Mosque area remain a risk during normal periods, and these risks are compounded during active regional conflict.

During any future visit, travelers should move in groups, dress conservatively, and maintain active alert app notifications.

The West Bank carries significantly higher risks. Tensions remain elevated with frequent Israeli military operations, checkpoint restrictions, and settler-Palestinian clashes. Most international governments advise avoiding all travel to the West Bank. 

The Gaza Strip is entirely inaccessible for tourists and remains under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.

Is Israel safe for tourism involving pilgrimage routes? Most organized religious tours that suspended their 2026 seasons during the conflict are beginning to reassess, following the April 9 airport reopening.

However, the fragile ceasefire and ongoing Lebanon conflict mean many operators are still advising caution before confirming new bookings.

Should You Cancel Your Israel Trip?

Whether you should cancel your trip depends on your destination, travel dates, airline availability, and your country's latest travel advisory. While Ben Gurion Airport is operating and some tourist attractions remain open, security conditions can change with little warning.

You may consider postponing your trip if:

• Your government upgrades its travel advisory.
• Your airline suspends flights.
• Your itinerary includes areas near active conflict zones.
• Your travel insurance no longer provides adequate coverage.

If you decide to travel, monitor official advisories daily and remain flexible with your plans.

Is Tel Aviv Safe to Visit?

Tel Aviv remains one of Israel's main tourist destinations, with restaurants, beaches, museums, and hotels continuing to operate. However, travelers should understand that the security situation can change rapidly.

If visiting Tel Aviv:

• Stay informed through official emergency alerts.
• Know the location of the nearest public shelter.
• Follow instructions from local authorities if sirens sound.
• Allow extra time for airport and security procedures.

Most visitors who travel during quieter periods experience normal daily life, but flexibility is essential.

Is Jerusalem Safe for Tourists?

Jerusalem remains open to visitors, but security measures are significantly higher than in many other destinations.

Popular attractions such as:

• Western Wall
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Mount of Olives
• Mahane Yehuda Market

continue to receive visitors, although access restrictions or additional security checks may be introduced during periods of heightened tension.

Avoid demonstrations and always follow local authority instructions.

What Should Tourists Do if Air Raid Sirens Sound?

Emergency sirens are designed to warn residents and visitors of incoming threats.

If you hear a siren:

• Stay calm.
• Immediately move to the nearest shelter or protected space.
• Follow instructions from local authorities.
• Remain inside until an official all-clear is issued.
• Avoid returning outdoors immediately after the siren stops.

Hotels, shopping centres, and many public buildings have designated protected areas for visitors.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Israel?

Travel insurance is especially important when visiting destinations affected by regional instability.

Before travelling, check whether your policy includes:

• Medical treatment
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation
• Terrorism coverage
• Travel disruption
• War exclusion clauses

Some insurers may limit coverage depending on the latest government travel advisory, so confirm the details before departure.

Are Flights to Israel Operating Normally?

Ben Gurion Airport remains open, although airline schedules may change depending on the regional security situation.

Before travelling:

• Check your airline's website regularly.
• Expect additional security screening.
• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
• Monitor airport announcements and official travel updates.

Even when airports remain open, airlines may reroute or temporarily suspend services.

Essential Apps Every Traveler Should Download

Before arriving in Israel, download:

• Home Front Command App for emergency alerts.
• Google Maps for navigation.
• WhatsApp for communication.
• Your airline's mobile app for flight updates.
• Your embassy's travel registration app where available.

Having these apps installed before departure makes it easier to receive important updates during your trip.

Stay Connected While Traveling in Israel

Reliable mobile data is especially important when traveling in Israel, where travel conditions and security alerts can change quickly. Staying connected helps you receive official emergency notifications, monitor flight updates, navigate unfamiliar areas, and contact your hotel, airline, or embassy if your plans change.

Installing an Israel eSIM before departure allows you to access maps, messaging apps, emergency alerts, and travel updates immediately after landing without relying on airport Wi-Fi or searching for a local SIM card.

Important Emergency Numbers in Israel

Save these numbers before travelling and keep your embassy's emergency contact details accessible throughout your trip.

Israel Travel Checklist

Before your trip:

• ✔ Check the latest government travel advisory.
• ✔ Confirm your flight is operating.
• ✔ Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
• ✔ Register with your embassy if available.
• ✔ Download emergency alert apps.
• ✔ Save local emergency numbers.
• ✔ Install an Israel eSIM before departure.
• ✔ Keep digital copies of important travel documents.

Common Myths About Traveling to Israel

Sources Used

This guide is based on information from official government advisories and trusted travel resources, including:

• U.S. Department of State – Israel, West Bank & Gaza Travel Advisory
• U.S. Embassy Jerusalem – Security alerts and emergency updates
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – Israel travel advice
• Government of Canada – Official travel advice and advisories
• Australian Government Smartraveller – Israel travel guidance
• Israel Ministry of Tourism – Visitor information and tourism updates
• Israel Airports Authority – Airport operations and flight information
• Home Front Command – Emergency alerts and public safety guidance
• Reuters – Coverage of significant security developments and airline updates (where applicable)

Note: Travel advisories, airline operations, and security conditions may change rapidly. Always verify the latest information with official government sources before making travel plans.

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? 

The situation is partly stabilized but remains volatile. As of June 2026, Ben Gurion Airport is open, and the US-Iran ceasefire nominally holds, but fresh missile and drone exchanges between Israel and Iran occurred on June 7 to 8, and the ceasefire remains fragile. The Israel travel advisory from the US State Department remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Check travel.state.gov and the US Embassy Jerusalem site daily before and during any visit. 

Is it safe to travel to Jerusalem? 

Jerusalem carries an elevated risk during the current conflict period. The US Embassy has at times restricted its own employees from traveling to the Old City of Jerusalem. Once the broader military situation stabilizes, visitors should travel in groups, dress conservatively, and maintain active emergency alert apps.

Is it safe to travel to Israel right now from the US? 

Ben Gurion Airport is open as of June 2026, making travel from the US physically possible via El Al direct routes. However, the Israel travel advisory remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, fresh missile exchanges occurred on June 7 to 8, and major US carriers, including United and Delta remain suspended through September. Travel is possible but carries significant security and disruption risk. Confirm all flights directly with your airline before booking. 

Do US citizens need a visa to enter Israel? 

No tourist visa is required for stays up to 90 days. An ETA-IL must be submitted at least 72 hours before arrival when travel is possible. Apply through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website.

Is Israel safe for tourists traveling solo? 

Solo travel in Israel is not advisable during the current active conflict period. When conditions stabilize, solo travelers in central Israeli cities should keep their phone charged and connected with a reliable Jetpac eSIM, download emergency alert apps, and monitor security updates daily.

Is Israel safe for tourism during religious holidays? 

Tensions can increase during Ramadan, Passover, and Yom Kippur, particularly in Jerusalem. During the current active conflict, these risks are significantly amplified. Stay informed, avoid large gatherings, and follow US Embassy alerts closely.

Is Ben Gurion Airport open? 

Yes, as of April 9, 2026, Ben Gurion Airport is fully open following the ceasefire. Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir are operating full schedules. However, United Airlines is suspended through September 7, Delta through September 5, British Airways through at least June 30, and Lufthansa remains suspended. On June 8, two airlines cancelled flights due to renewed missile exchanges. Always confirm your route with your airline and monitor the Israel Airports Authority website before travel. 

Disclaimer

This information is based on publicly available data at the time of writing and is accurate as of June 2026 and is for general reference only.  Security conditions, access, and travel availability may change rapidly. Jetpac is not responsible for network performance or third-party data accuracy. No destination or service is endorsed. Travelers should verify official advisories, entry requirements, and local conditions before making plans.