PLEASE NOTE

• We advise against all travel to the Gaza Strip.  
• We advise against all non-essential travel to the border area with the Gaza strip in southern Israel.
• We advise Irish citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling to the occupied West Bank.
• The situation will continue to be monitored and will be kept under active review.

A H1NI Swine Flu: Latest Information

For the latest information, please consult the following link http://www.health.gov.il/h1n1/

(Not in English)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Israel & the Occupied Territories.  Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For entry requirements for Israel & the Occupied Territories, please contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

In view of the current dangerous and fragile security situation, in which nine people on board the vessel Mavi Marmara, which was attempting to sail directly to Gaza, were shot and killed and several were injured in international waters on 31 May 2010, we continue to advise strongly against all travel to the Gaza Strip. Concerning the Israeli-Gaza Strip border, although cease-fires have been declared, these are fragile, with sporadic rocket fire out of Gaza on Israeli territory. Thus we continue to advise against non-essential travel to the Israel/Gaza Strip border area. Travellers to the border area and towns within 15 kilometres of the border should exercise extreme caution at all times, remaining alert to any rocket warnings.

For security reasons, we also advise Irish citizens to exercise extreme caution when travelling to the West Bank. If travelling to pilgrimage sites such as Bethlehem and Jericho, it is advised to do so only in visits organised by reputable tourist groups. Irish citizens visiting the Old City of Jerusalem and East Jerusalem are advised to exercise caution at all times. Citizens should avoid large gatherings of people or demonstrations in the Old City, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

CRIME

Crime against the person is not generally a problem in either Israel or the Occupied Territories. However, visitors should keep their passports and personal belongings in a safe place at all times. Particular attention should be paid at tourist sites, beaches, and in crowded places, when wallets, money and other valuables should be kept secure, and, out of sight.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Travellers to both Israel and the Occupied Territories will notice a mix of religions and cultures. People feel strongly about their beliefs and customs and visitors should be aware of this at all times. For example, it is not recommended to enter a Jewish Ultra-Orthodox area, particularly in Jerusalem, on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Modest dress is recommended at pilgrimage sites and in religious areas in Jerusalem as well as in the West Bank and Gaza. Travellers should also be sensitive when taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods.

Travellers are advised to take care not to take photographs of military or police personnel or installations.

It is recommended to carry identification with you at all time in case it is requested by the local authorities. It is also advisable to make photocopies your passport, including after arrival, the date and entry stamp pages in case of theft or loss.

The penalties for smuggling and trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Persons caught in possession of illegal drugs can expect a prison sentence and deportation.

ROAD SAFETY

Driving in Israel and the Occupied Territories is erratic and there are frequent accidents. Radar speed traps operate on Israeli roads and fines for speeding are high. Persons caught speeding may also have their licence confiscated.

It is not safe to hitchhike in Israel or the Occupied Territories.

If you are travelling in the desert, go with others, carry a sufficient supply of water, take a mobile phone and ensure that somebody is aware of your itinerary and your expected time of return.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN ISRAEL