Gaza – Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory Issued August 26, 2026

Do Not Travel to Gaza due to terrorism, unrest, and limited health infrastructure.

Advisory Summary:

Restrictions on U.S. Government Personnel Movement

U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Gaza for any reason due to safety risks. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza.

Terrorism

Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.  The security environment is complex and can change quickly.

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

Unrest

The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile.

If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) that needs our assistance, and you have not already provided your information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov.

Health

Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Gaza. Hospitals and clinics lack basic resources.

For U.S. citizens in Gaza:

• 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, West Bank, and Gaza.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict. This includes having food, supplies, and medicine for an extended or indefinite period.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and always exercise caution, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment without access to power.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Gaza. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Gaza.

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/Gaza.html
Originally Published: August 26, 2026