After being imposed 15 months ago in October 2023, travel advisories for most areas in Israel have been lifted by the UK Foreign Office (FCDO). Key tourist destinations such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat, the Dead Sea, Galilee, and Haifa now only require visitors to check advice before traveling. However, advisories still advise against all but essential travel to areas within some parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as areas within 500 meters of the border with Syria and Gaza. The FCDO also recommends against non-essential travel to the area between the Lebanon border and Route 89 excluding Nahriyyah due to political tensions and potential demonstrations and clashes during significant events.
Despite the lifting of travel warnings for Israel, the FCDO still advises against visiting large areas of Egypt. This includes areas within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border and the North Sinai Governorate. The FCDO also recommends against non-essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, the Hala’ib Triangle, the Bir Tawil Trapezoid, and areas west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions. However, certain specific areas such as Luxor, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings are considered safe for travel.
Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, continues to be advised against all travel by the FCDO despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. The security environment is deemed unpredictable and Britons are urged to leave by commercial means. Similarly, travel to Syria is advised against due to ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions. The FCDO urges all British nationals to leave the country by any practical means. The fall of the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad in early December has only added to the instability in the region.
Jordan, which shares borders with Israel, the West Bank, and Syria, is advised against travel within 3km of the Syrian border by the FCDO. While most tourist destinations in Jordan have been unaffected by the instability in neighboring countries, some flights to airports in Amman and Aqaba have been disrupted. Travelers are encouraged to check for any updates before embarking on their journey to Jordan to ensure their safety and well-being. Despite the lifting of travel advisories for certain areas in Israel, the political tensions and security risks in neighboring countries continue to make travel to the region a concern for many. It is crucial for travelers to stay informed of the latest updates and advice from the FCDO before making any travel plans to ensure their safety during their trip.
