Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

Regions of Israel surrounding the Gaza Strip (see Advisory)

From November 14-21, 2012, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) mobilized a military operation against Hamas and Gaza-based terrorist groups, during which it closed some roads leading to and bordering the Gaza Strip. A ceasefire was declared on November 21, and has been generally adhered to since.  Military activity continues in and around the Gaza Strip.

Since 2001, Gaza-based terrorist groups have launched rockets and mortars into Israel. Cities targeted include Netivot, Sderot and Ashqelon as well as cities located up to 40 km away, such as Ashdod and Beersheva. During the 2012 conflict, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were also targeted by rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Remain aware of your surroundings, stay informed of the security situation and follow directives from the IDF’s Home Front Command.

The security situation along the coast of Gaza remains dangerous and volatile. In May 2010, an attempt to breach the naval blockade along the coast of Gaza was intercepted by Israeli security forces and resulted in death, injury, arrest and deportation. Similar attempts to breach the naval blockade have taken place since. You are strongly advised against participating in any attempt to break the naval blockade. Canadian consular officials may not be able to provide consular assistance to Canadians who choose to participate in the flotilla. Participants may be subject to detention by Israeli officials, prior to their deportation. In cases of deportation, local authorities are not obliged to notify the Canadian embassy.

Regions of Israel bordering Egypt (see Advisory)

The security situation could deteriorate rapidly and there is an increase threat of kidnapping, specifically on Highway 10 between the Sayarim Valley and the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing; and Highway 12 between Eilat and the Netafim Border Crossing.

The highways are subject to closure without warning by Israeli authorities. Attacks occur and the area remains dangerous. The security situation has the potential to deteriorate at any time. There is an increased risk of kidnapping on these highways.

Jerusalem

Exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times in Jerusalem, especially in the Old City, as there have been incidents of crime, mostly at night. During periods of imposed movement restrictions and religious holidays, as well as when national developments may have an impact on the local population, tensions may be exacerbated and lead to security incidents. Limit your movement to the Old City during such periods. Travel in groups and dress conservatively at all times.

Demonstrations can occur in religious neighbourhoods and sometimes result in clashes between residents and the local police. Traffic may also be disrupted. Exercise a high degree of caution at all times; avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, as they may turn violent without notice; monitor news reports; and follow the advice of local authorities.

West Bank, excluding Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem (see Advisory)

There is a potential for inter-factional tension, demonstrations and military operations in the West Bank. There are frequent police and military operations targeting militants in cities and villages throughout the West Bank, particularly in Nablus, Jenin, Qalqiliyya, Tulkarem and the refugee camps. It is not possible to travel without passing through multiple Israeli military checkpoints. There is a threat of demonstrations and violent outbreaks occurring in areas near checkpoints. Areas in the vicinity of the barrier separating the West Bank and Israel are particularly high-risk. Travel only during the daytime and do not stay overnight.

In Hebron and in other parts of the West Bank, there remains potential for violence between settlers and Palestinians or between Palestinians and Israeli security forces.

There is a high risk of kidnapping in the West Bank cities of Nablus and Jenin. Foreigners have been kidnapped in the past. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

If you are travelling to the West Bank despite this advice, ensure that you have appropriate security measures in place to protect yourself, as well as alternative travel arrangements in case of a rapid deterioration in the security situation. Carry your passport at all times, register and maintain contact with the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah, keep a low profile, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem (West Bank)

The level of violence in these three cities has remained relatively low compared to other areas of the West Bank in recent years. Nevertheless, the potential for political demonstrations and military incursions remains. Exercise a high degree of caution, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

The Gaza Strip (see Advisory)

From November 14-21, 2012, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) mobilized a military operation against Hamas and Gaza-based terrorist groups, during which it closed some roads leading to and bordering the Gaza Strip. A ceasefire was declared on November 21, and has been generally adhered to since.  Military activity continues in and around the Gaza Strip.

Attacks have occurred and have resulted in multiple casualties. The situation could deteriorate further due to inter-factional violence. Remain aware of your surroundings, stay informed of the security situation and follow directives from the Israel Defense Force's Home Front Command. 

Areas around the border with Israel are particularly dangerous. The entrances to and exits from the Gaza Strip are under the control of Israeli and Egyptian authorities, and borders may close without warning. You should be aware that you may not be able to exit even if you are in possession of valid entry and exit permits.

There is a high risk of kidnapping in the Gaza Strip and foreigners may be targeted. Most recently, an Italian national was kidnapped and subsequently killed on April 15, 2011. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Canadian consular officials have very limited ability to intervene on behalf of Canadians who choose to enter or remain in the Gaza Strip.

If you are travelling to the Gaza Strip despite this advice, ensure that you have appropriate security measures in place to protect yourself, as well as alternative travel arrangements in case of a rapid deterioration in the security situation. Carry your passport at all times, register and maintain contact with the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah, keep a low profile, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Regions of Israel bordering Lebanon

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to regions near the border with Lebanon. While a cessation of hostilities remains in effect between Israel and Hezbollah forces following the 2006 conflict, stability in the northern region of Israel could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel have reached Shlomi and Kiryat Shmona. Although tensions have subsided since the 2006 conflict, there is still a strong potential for future incidents.

Terrorism

In past years, terrorist incidents have occurred in a variety of locations in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Haifa, Beersheba, Netanya and other major populated centres, including at tourist sites, on public transportation and in other public areas, causing numerous deaths and injuries. Foreigners have been affected but have never been directly targeted. There is potential for further violence. Incidents could be unpredictable and there is a strong risk that you could find yourself in the middle of a dangerous situation. An explosion occurred on a bus in Tel Aviv on November 21, 2012, injuring 20 people.

Following terrorist incidents, the Government of Israel may establish checkpoints without warning. Exercise caution in public places, such as open markets and bus stations, stay informed of the security situation, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Kidnapping

There is a general threat of kidnapping. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Crime

The crime rate is moderate in Israel but low in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Vehicle theft is a serious problem. Always lock car doors and keep windows closed. Thefts also occur on public beaches. Ensure that your wallet, money and valuables are out of sight, particularly in large crowds and public markets. Violent crime is rare.

Demonstrations

Planned and unplanned demonstrations regularly occur in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Demonstrations against the military have taken place in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem; some have turned violent. Exercise particular caution if demonstrations take place around areas such as settlements, checkpoints or military zones.

Avoid crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations as they could turn violent without warning. Monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Landmines

Live landmines are present in certain areas, including parts of the West Bank and along Israel’s borders. Some minefields have not been clearly marked or fenced. Walk only on established roads or trails.

Transportation

Exercise caution as there is a high rate of traffic fatalities. Consult the Israeli Police Traffic Department website for information on traffic laws.

Exercise a high degree of caution when using public transport.

Many of the roads in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are of poor quality. During the winter months, precipitation can cause driving conditions to deteriorate.

The Israel Defense Forces often do not permit vehicles with Israeli licence plates to enter areas of the West Bank. Even if you have a valid visa and authorization to enter the West Bank, there is still no guarantee that the vehicle will be allowed to pass through security checkpoints. You may also be stopped for security checks by Palestinian police within their jurisdiction. Vehicles bearing Israeli plates may be subject to attack in Palestinian areas.

Vehicles with Palestinian licence plates are not permitted to enter Israel.

Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

General safety information

Visitors, including dual nationals, should carry their passports at all times and register with the Embassy of Canada in Tel Aviv.

There are frequent disruptions in telephone, power and water services in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Curfews may be imposed with little notice.

Emergency services

Dial 100 for police, 102 for firefighters and 101 for medical emergency services.

Entry/Exit Requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Israeli authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Israel or one of its consulates, as well as the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Israel, the West Bank and/or the Gaza Strip, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Proof of a return ticket is required.

Visa

Tourist visa: Not required
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Not required
Work visa: Required (must be arranged by Israeli employer)

Restrictions

The Government of Israel has instituted a practice whereby it imposes restrictions on certain visitors to Israel and the West Bank. It has not provided information as to which categories of visitors will be affected by these restrictions. There are reports that the passports of certain travellers have been stamped "Palestinian Authority only" at Allenby Bridge and at Ben Gurion International Airport. The stamp limits these travellers to West Bank destinations only and bars them from entering Israel and Jerusalem. There are also reports of officials at Ben Gurion International Airport requiring certain visitors to sign a form that prohibits them from entering the West Bank, thus limiting their stays to Israel and Jerusalem.

The Government of Israel tightly controls checkpoint crossings within the West Bank and to the Gaza Strip. Security-related closures can severely restrict entry to and exit from these areas, even for persons possessing valid entry and exit permits. Limited hours of operation, unannounced travel restrictions and extended closures often result in large crowds gathering, which may elevate risks to personal safety.

The Embassy of Canada in Israel may be limited in its ability to intervene in these situations.

Customs

Video cameras and laptop computers, among other items, must be declared and registered with the Israeli authorities on entry so that they can be re-exported on departure. If you are  carrying these items, you must go through the red zone at customs.

Security officials at Ben Gurion International Airport may prohibit you from carrying a laptop computer in the passenger cabin on international flights from Israel. Laptops are frequently sent separately to their destinations. Be aware that the equipment may be lost or damaged. Carefully consider your need to travel with a laptop computer when departing from Ben Gurion International Airport.

Dual Canadian-Israeli citizens

Canadians who were born outside Israel to a mother or father who is an Israeli citizen may be considered citizens of Israel. Israeli law requires Israeli citizens to enter and leave the country on an Israeli passport, and to show proof of military status upon arrival. If you are unsure of your Israeli citizenship and/or your military status, verify it through the Embassy of Israel or an Israeli consulate before leaving Canada.

Canadians of Palestinian origin

If you are a Canadian of Palestinian origin, be aware of border control policies affecting entry to and exit from Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip prior to travel, as you are subject to Government of Israel travel regulations for Palestinians. Anyone registered in the Government of Israel’s West Bank or Gaza Population Registry as a resident of the West Bank or the Gaza Strip is not permitted to enter Israel via Ben Gurion International Airport and must do so only via Allenby Bridge.

You may require a Palestinian Authority travel document if you are a Canadian of Palestinian origin. Failure to present this document may prevent entry to or exit from Israel, the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has been strictly implementing this policy.

There have also been reports of this policy being applied to Canadians born in Arab states or those holding dual Canadian-Arab state citizenship. In these cases, travellers were asked to enter and exit Israel on their Arab passport.

Travel to and from the West Bank

Palestinian authorities may demand that Palestinian documentation be shown on entry or exit.

Israeli authorities may allow exit from these locations only by persons showing Palestinian documentation.

For information on travel to the West Bank, contact the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the closest Israeli embassy, since Israel is the de facto authority responsible for foreign nationals’ entry to and exit from the West Bank. In some circumstances, you may be denied entry into the West Bank by Israel.

In light of Israeli orders pertaining to residency in the West Bank, ensure that you have the proper and up-to-date identification and travel documentation and authorization if you are travelling to or residing in the West Bank. Otherwise, you could be subject to deportation or imprisonment.

Travel to and from the Gaza Strip

There are currently severe restrictions on entry to and exit from the Gaza Strip. All border crossings have effectively been closed since June 2007. Palestinian-Canadians should note that they are permitted to enter and depart the Gaza Strip only through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, when it is open. Non-Palestinians are generally not permitted to use this crossing.

Travel to and from Jordan

Visas can be obtained at the Arava crossing (Wadi al-’Arabah) in the south (near Eilat) and at the Jordan River crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge) in the north (near Bet She’an).

Canadian passport holders may also cross at the Allenby (King Hussein) Bridge crossing near Jericho. Visas must be obtained before the date of crossing as they cannot be obtained at the crossing point.

Regional travel

If you are travelling to Israel from other countries in the Middle East, your passport could come under increased scrutiny by Israeli immigration authorities because it bears visa and entry/exit stamps from those countries. Contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

Canadians have been denied entry into Syria, Lebanon and other countries because their passports bore: (a) an Israeli visa; (b) an Israeli border stamp; or (c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate that the traveller entered from Israel).

Health entry requirements

Israeli officials may screen passengers arriving on international flights for the H1N1 flu virus.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children page for more information.

Health

For the latest Travel Health Notices and information on vaccinations, outbreaks and diseases, consult the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Agency strongly recommends that you consult with a travel medicine clinic or health care provider preferably six weeks before departure.

The Agency publishes travel health advice for Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Modern medical care is available in Israel. Standards are generally comparable to those in Canada, but they are lower in some hospitals and private clinics in Israel, as well as in several hospitals in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Medical treatment can be very expensive, and payment in advance is often required.

There is a decompression chamber at Joseph Tal Hospital in Eilat.

Outside Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, boil water used for drinking or use bottled water.

Laws & Culture

You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention FAQ for more information.

The work week is from Sunday to Friday in Israel, and from Saturday to Thursday in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, as is any public display of affection. Common-law relationships are not recognized.

Ask permission before photographing people in Muslim or Orthodox Jewish areas. Do not take photographs of military or police personnel or installations.

Dual citizenship

Local laws may limit the capacity of the Government of Canada to provide Canadians with Palestinian or Israeli citizenship with consular assistance—including emergency services and departure and evacuation assistance—within Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Consult our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know for more information.

Religious and social traditions

Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities, especially when visiting religious sites.

Use common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour, particularly in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. People feel strongly about their customs and beliefs. Assaults on visitors who are travelling in cars or immodestly dressed have occurred in Jerusalem’s Old City and ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods on the Sabbath (Friday nights and Saturdays).

During periods of religious holidays, such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Ramadan and Pesach (Passover), stay informed of the security situation, follow the advice of authorities and respect local customs. Monitor local news reports for changes to checkpoint and border-crossing hours of operation.

Money

The currency is the new Israeli sheqel (ILS). Credit cards, traveller’s cheques and U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is accepted in most areas of the West Bank. Automated banking machines are available. Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted.

Disasters & Climate

Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are located in a seismic zone. There have been no major earth tremors in recent years.

Sandstorms occur in spring and summer.