Israel – Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory Issued August 26, 2026

Reissued Statement

There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level. The health risk indicator was added for Gaza.  Advisory summary was updated to reflect that family members may travel to Israel.

Reconsider Travel to Israel due to terrorism and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

• Do Not Travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to armed conflict.
• Do Not Travel within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip due to armed conflict.
• Do Not Travel within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing, due to armed conflict.  

Advisory summary

As of August 26, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Israel.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Israel are restricted from the following locations due to safety risks:

• Areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87;
• Within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip; and
• Within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing.

Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office.

Additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice, due to increased security issues or threats.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Israel. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Unrest

The security environment in Israel is complex and can change quickly. Violence can occur without warning.  Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel or limit flights into and out of Israel.

Risks in specific areas

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87

Do Not Travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to armed conflict.

The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to Israeli Defense Forces presence and activity.  Do not travel to this area for any reason.

U.S. government employees working in Israel are not allowed to travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87. Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office.

Within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip

Do Not Travel within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip due to armed conflict.

Within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border

Do Not Travel within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing, due to armed conflict.

If you decide to travel to Israel:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Israel.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and always exercise caution, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
• Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter.
• Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions.  U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps.
• When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution due to the possibility of unexploded ordnance.  
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Israel.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/israel-west-bank-and-gaza-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: August 26, 2026