Security status
Israel: Do Not Travel
Palestine: Do Not Travel
Travel Alert
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Israel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Palestine.
Please be advised that as of January 2025 those entering Israel from visa-exempt countries (including Ireland) must be in possession of a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation to Israel (ETA-IL). For further guidance, and to apply, see https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.
Irish citizens currently in Israel or Palestine who have not already done so, are asked to register on the Department’s Citizens Registration platform here.
Irish citizens are strongly advised not to travel to border areas with Lebanon, as directed by local authorities. The Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited due to ongoing military operations. Further incidents can occur without notice and there is potential for intense escalation; extreme caution is advised. Travel should also be avoided north of Acre, north of Route 85. In the occupied Golan Heights, travel should be avoided north of Route 87 and within 500m of the ‘Alpha Line’ or east of Highway 98.
We strongly advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip, and to all border areas between the Gaza Strip and Israel, as directed by local authorities. Irish citizens in the Gaza Strip are advised to exercise extreme caution, and register their presence immediately by contacting the Embassy of Ireland in Tel Aviv.
Due to the volatile security situation, we currently advise against all travel to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. A number of crossings into Jordan remain open.
The security situation across both Israel and Palestine remains tense and unpredictable, with the potential for intense escalation. Please continue to exercise caution, monitor local media regularly, follow the advice of local authorities, and observe any additional security measures imposed during this time.
There is a risk of rocket fire, drone infiltration and ballistic missiles which can occur without warning, and can disrupt civilian infrastructure, including transportation and communications. We strongly advice that travellers make themselves familiar with the location of their closest protected location. Many buildings are fitted with “safe rooms”, reinforced spaces designed to withstand missile attacks. Please be aware that each municipality maintains a list of public shelters available, many of which are translated into English: please see relevant maps for Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
In the event of mortar or rocket fire, a localised “red alert” siren may be activated. In such instances, please seek shelter immediately. We advise that travellers shelter in place for a minimum of 10 minutes after the warning siren ends to ensure that you remain protected from any falling shrapnel.
We urge all citizens in Israel to continue to follow local guidance. Several mobile applications, including Home Front Command and Red Alert: Israel, are available to download free of charge, and provide real-time security and safety alerts.
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is operational. Please contact your airline for relevant updates prior to travel. Travellers can check on the status of flight here.
For the latest updates please follow the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv here and our Representative Office in Ramallah here. For urgent consular assistance please contact: +972 369 64166 or +353 (1) 408 2000.
Travel to Israel and the Occupied Territories:
Please be aware that Israeli law permits immigration officials to deny entry to foreign nationals who have publicly called for a boycott of Israel and/or settlements, or who belong to an organisation which has called for such a boycott.
Please contact the Israeli Embassy in Dublin if travellers require further information on entry to Israel. For information relating to visa requirements more generally, please consult the Embassy of Israel in Dublin.
General Travel Advice
Please follow advice from local authorities and stay informed of the security situation. All demonstrations and public gatherings should be avoided.
Electronic Travel Authorisation to Israel (ETA-IL):
Please be advised that as of 1 January 2025 visitors of all ages entering Israel from visa-exempt countries (including Ireland) must be in possession of a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation to Israel (ETA-IL) on arrival. For further guidance, see https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.
Please note that the initial pilot period, which began on 1 June 2024, has been extended for an additional five months, to 31 December 2024.
ETA-IL costs 25 NIS. Approval will allow multiple entries and is valid for up to two years. Please note that obtaining a new passport, changing name, gender or country of citizenship will require new travel authorisation.
Please be aware that approval may be revoked by the Israeli authorities due to security concerns.