Due to heightened security concerns, the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv is closed. Do not go to the Embassy and surrounding area. Australian officials remain in-country and continue to provide consular services.
You can still contact our consular teams via email or telephone. See ‘Local Contacts’. 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).
Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Israel can register with DFAT to receive direct updates. See ‘Safety’ for the link to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important information.
We raised our level of advice for Israel to do not travel on 28 February, due to the deteriorating regional security situation. There are widespread movement restrictions and other travel disruptions in the region. Iran continues to target civilian infrastructure including hotels, roads, bridges, energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities, water infrastructure and airports.
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. 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’).
If you choose to stay in Israel, prioritise your safety. Monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice. Stay aware of your environment and avoid government, military or energy infrastructure. 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’).
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.
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.
We now advise:
Do not travel to Israel overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
