Israel

The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. In 1994, negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, there is a division of responsibilities between the government of Israel and the PA that is complex and subject to change. PA security forces are responsible for keeping order in those areas where the PA exercises security functions. In Gaza, Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, violently took control in 2007 and exercises de facto control there. Tourist facilities are widely available with certain exceptions, particularly in Gaza. Travelers may visit the websites of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism for tourist information. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Israel for additional information. Information about embassies and consulates in surrounding countries is available at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates. Official guidance on entry, customs requirements, arrests, and other matters in the West Bank and Gaza is subject to change without prior notice.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. 

Israeli roads and highways tend to be crowded, especially in urban areas. Aggressive driving is commonplace, and many drivers fail to maintain safe following distances or signal before changing lanes or making turns.  Overtaking on high-speed, undivided two-lane roads is common and results in frequent accidents. Drivers are also prone to stop suddenly on roads without warning, especially in the right lane. Drivers should use caution, as Israel has a high rate of fatalities from automobile accidents. Seat belt use is required for all passengers in a car and consumption of alcohol while driving is prohibited. 

U.S. citizen employees of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem and their families have been prohibited from using public buses and their associated terminals.  (Please review the Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza for more details.) 

The Government of Israel requires that all passenger car occupants use their seat belts at all times and that headlights be used during all intercity travel, both day and night, and during winter. All drivers are required to carry fluorescent vests in the car with them at all times, and they are required to wear these vests whenever they get out of their cars to make repairs, change tires, etc. If a vehicle is stopped for a traffic violation and it does not contain a fluorescent vest, the driver will be fined. These vests can be purchased for a nominal price in all local gas stations. While cellular handset phone use is prohibited while driving, hands-free units are authorized.

West Bank and Gaza: Crowded roads and herds of animals on the roads are common in the West Bank and Gaza. During periods of heightened tension, cars and buses have been targeted with stone throwing, improvised incendiary devices, and small arms fire. Emergency services may be delayed by the need for Palestinian authorities to coordinate with Israeli officials. Seat belt use is required and drivers may not drink alcohol. Individuals involved in accidents resulting in death or injury may be detained by police pending an investigation.

Please refer to our road safety page for more information. We also suggest that you visit the website of the national tourist office and the Israeli Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Israel's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Israel's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page

Safety and Security

The current Department of State Travel Warning advises U.S. citizens to take due precautions when traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. U.S. citizens who visit or reside in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza should closely consult the Travel Warning to ensure that they are aware of the security concerns. It is strongly recommended that you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so that you can receive the most up-to-date messages from the Department of State regarding safety and security developments.

Jerusalem: In Jerusalem, travelers should dress appropriately when visiting the Old City and ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. Most roads into ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods are blocked off on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays. Assaults on secular visitors, either for being in cars or for being "immodestly dressed," have occurred in these neighborhoods. 

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter  and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website. 
• Follow the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem on Twitter and visit the Consulate General's website.  
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The crime rate is moderate in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Break-ins of parked vehicles are common at beach areas, the Dead Sea, cemeteries, and national parks (especially Caesarea National Park). Car break-ins and purse snatchings in cities and cemeteries occur regularly throughout Israel. U.S. citizens should not leave their valuables (including passports) unattended, in parked vehicles, or unsecured in hotels. 

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also break local law. 

U.S. citizens have occasionally been the victims of high-pressure sales tactics in Jerusalem's Old City and other tourist areas. In some cases, vendors have not disclosed the true cost of an item and convinced the buyer -- who is unfamiliar with the exchange rate -- to unwittingly sign a credit card sales receipt worth thousands of dollars. Tourists visiting shops in high-traffic tourist areas should not sign credit card receipts unless they are certain of the amount being authorized.  

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates).

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Israel and Jerusalem is 100 for the police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire department.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in the West Bank and Gaza is 100 for police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire department.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States, or to following Government of Israel links (in English):

• Israel National Police
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Public Security

The Government of Israel provides assistance to victims of terrorist acts. Please contact the National Insurance Institute for more information.

In the event you are a victim of crime, we can do the following:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys.

It is important to remember, however, that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

We recommend that U.S. citizens carry a copy of their passport or some form of photo identification with them at all times when traveling in Israel and the West Bank. U.S. citizens have reported being stopped and questioned by police and immigration officials regarding their immigration status. The U.S. citizens most at risk are those of African and Asian descent. The U.S. Embassy has some confirmed reports of U.S. African-American and Asian-American citizens being stopped by police conducting sweeps for illegal immigrants in Tel Aviv.