Israel

Travel along Israel’s border with Lebanon, and close to the Israeli side of the Israel/Gaza Strip border, is advised against. Care should be taken at crossing points between Israel and Jordan. All travel to Nablus, Jenin and the Gaza Strip outside of Gaza City is advised against. All travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip at night is strongly advised against. All but essential travel to most of the West Bank and Gaza City is advised. There is a high threat from terrorism and military activity in Israel and in the Occupied Territories. If planning to travel to Israel or the Occupied Territories, nationals should be very careful about personal security arrangements. Because of current travel and other restrictions, there are limits to the level of consular assistance provided in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for most nationals. UK/Palestinian dual nationals are subject to complex Israeli travel restrictions. Crime is generally not a problem in Israel or the Occupied Territories, but sensible precautions should be taken. For the latest information, travellers should visit one of the following government websites for the latest risk assessment:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel/countryadvice.asp
Tel: +44 (0)870 606 0290.

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Website: http://voyage.gc.ca

Israel is on the eastern Mediterranean, bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. The Great Rift Valley begins beyond the source of the River Jordan and extends south through the Dead Sea, into the Red Sea. For many, Israel is the Holy Land. Attractions include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem (the Holy City, the capital and cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam). Tel Aviv is an exciting city offering culture and sandy beaches. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra draws audiences from all over the world. Haifa is Israel's leading seaport - as an industrial town and ancient fortress, it is a starting point for visits to Galilee to see the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth and the Mount of Beatitudes. The Dead Sea is an inland lake lying in the lower Jordan Valley, flanked by the Judean and Moab Mountains. Its minerals and high salt content are renowned for their health-giving properties. Israeli cuisine is essentially a combination of Oriental and Western cuisine. Folklore and dance shows are performed for visitors everywhere.