US government issues highest warning against Israel travel

The Middle Eastern country is now at the highest 'do not travel' rating.

Jun 17, 2025 - 14:16

US government issues highest warning against Israel travel

While most international airlines have only sporadically resumed their service to Israel after the Hamas attack and subsequent military entry into Gaza in October 2023, most governments have kept the wider country at a lower advisory rating than specific border areas and territories of Gaza and the West Bank.

After Israel targeted a number of Iranian nuclear and military sites in a surprise June 12 attack, the area plunged into further conflict as Iran continues to retaliate with a series of ballistic missiles — and prompted the U.S. State Department to up its travel advisory to the highest "do not travel" level.

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'Volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region'

The highest Level 4 rating is traditionally assigned to active war zones and hostile governments; other countries currently under the same rating include Russia, Belarus, Lebanon, North Korea and Venezuela.

"The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning," the advisory reissued on June 16 now reads.

The advisory further states that any family and non-emergency U.S. government employees have been granted permission to depart the country on June 14 while any who either choose or are required to remain may be "further restrict[ed] or prohibit[ed]" from traveling to certain areas "in response to security incidents and without advance notice."

Remaining U.S. government workers and their families in Israel have been under a shelter-in-place order since June 14.

The updates expand on the past advisory against travel to Gaza and West Bank over the risk of "terrorism and civil unrest." Borders with neighboring Lebanon and Syria are also singled out over continued military presence.

Israel was previously assigned a safer travel rating outside specific areas.
Image source: Shutterstock

UK gives similar warning: 'fast-moving situation that poses significant risks'

"The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there," the advisory states as prior to the updates. "The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile."

More on travel:

As the last diplomatic ties between Iran and the U.S. were cut in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and tensions only grew in the ensuing decades as the Ayatollah-led government invested in a nuclear program, the country has always remained under a "do not travel" advisory. Israel's, meanwhile, has been raised in response to its attack and ensuing war between the two countries.

The United Kingdom similarly upped the warning to its citizens and raised the travel rating to the highest level over a "fast-moving situation that poses significant risks" and "has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning." Canada, Australia, and France issued similar warnings.

Airlines such as Air France, Air India, Delta, and Aegean Airlines have also canceled any flights that they were still running into Israel. In Delta's case, the flight between New York's JFK and Tel Aviv that the airline resumed in May 2025 has once again been put on pause until August 31.