The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all travel to Israel due to the country’s escalating military activity with Iran. This advice covers both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and failure to comply may invalidate travel insurance.
The FCDO warned that “the situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning”. Those already in Israel or the Occupied Territories are advised to follow local authorities’ instructions.
The UK government has elevated its travel advisory for Israel to the highest red alert level, urging citizens to avoid all travel to the country. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with both countries exchanging missile strikes in recent days. Israeli airspace remains closed, and the FCDO has acknowledged the risks of regional escalation, recognizing the situation as “fast-moving”.
Previously, the UK advised against “all but essential travel” to Israel after a state of emergency was declared on June 13. Israel launched a new attack on Iran on June 12, targeting military infrastructure, including nuclear sites, which led to retaliatory airstrikes from Iran. According to Israeli officials, 10 people died in Iranian strikes on Saturday.
The situation remains volatile, with Israeli authorities indicating a potential prolonged campaign against Iran. The UK’s careful diplomacy is set to face a test ahead of the G7 meeting, with two crisis centers currently operating in the Foreign Office.
The UK government’s decision to advise against all travel to Israel is expected to impact travel insurance, with the country being placed on the same “red” warning level as Iran. This move reflects heightened security concerns following a reported Iranian strike on Tel Aviv.
Government officials estimate that several thousand British nationals are presently in Israel, and a formal notice is expected to be issued shortly, urging citizens to avoid travel and highlighting limited prospects for swift evacuation or consular assistance should conditions deteriorate further.
With Israel’s airspace closed, it is unlikely many people would be making the journey, and Israel’s national airline El Al has announced it is cancelling flights to and from many European cities, as well as Tokyo and Moscow, until June 23. The areas around Gaza, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights were already classed as red zones, with warnings to avoid travel to these areas.