Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Israel can register on DFAT’s registration portal to receive direct updates from DFAT. See ‘Safety’ for the link to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important information.
Due to the deteriorating regional security situation, we raised our level of advice for Israel to Do Not Travel on 28 February. Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran resulting in widespread movement restrictions and other travel disruptions in the region. The Government of Israel has declared a state of emergency and advised citizens to shelter in a protected place. Further reprisal attacks by Iran and its proxies against Israel are likely.
Prioritise your safety. Monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice. Stay aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities. Avoid US diplomatic missions and other locations associated with US interests. Follow local warning systems and, if warned of an imminent attack, move to an enclosed hardened shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level if available. If these are not available, seek an inner room without windows. Monitor public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only – see ‘Safety’).
Before travelling by air, land or sea, verify the status of all border crossings. Consider recent attacks in your area and that airports are more vulnerable to strikes. Ensure you have access to food, water and essential medicines.
Terrorism is a threat, including in Israel. Maintain a high level of security awareness. If there’s a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities. Terror attacks can occur anywhere at any time, including by lone actors. Be alert to personal safety risks. There continues to be a very high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel, Israeli and Jewish interests across the region (see ‘Safety’).
The Australian Government has directed the departure of all dependants of Australian officials posted to Israel in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. Australian officials remain in-country and continue to provide consular services.
Israel has a naval blockade in place along the coast of Gaza (Palestine). Don’t join others seeking to break the blockade. Previous attempts to break the blockade have resulted in death, injury, arrest or deportation of foreigners.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
We continue to advise do not travel to border areas with Gaza (Palestine) or Lebanon. If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities on entry requirements and border arrangements, including opening times. Border crossing points may be closed without notice (see ‘Travel’).
We now advise:
Do not travel to Israel overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
