Reviewed: 2 October 2024, 18:06 NZDT
Still current at: 21 November 2024

COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza (including the waters off Gaza) due to ongoing armed conflict, terrorism and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4). New Zealanders currently in Gaza are advised to shelter in a secure place and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as departure from Gaza is extremely difficult. The New Zealand Government has an extremely limited ability to provide assistance to New Zealand nationals in Gaza.

Do not travel to the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank due to military operations, the unpredictable security situation and the potential for violent civil unrest (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to Israel due to the risk of further escalation in the current conflict and the unpredictable security situation (level 4 of 4). Monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only). New Zealanders currently in Israel should depart now via commercial options.

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Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

We are providing information about the current security situation in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Lebanon here.

Since the terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel on 7 October 2023, the Israeli Defence Force has been conducting major military operations, including in and around Gaza and areas near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. There are tensions and security risks close to Israel's borders with Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, and ongoing military activity and threats of rocket attacks.

There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could occur at any time – the situation is highly unpredictable. New Zealanders are advised to be security-conscious at all times. We advise extra vigilance during public and religious holidays, and anniversaries with heightened tensions.

Gaza
Gaza is an active conflict zone and the security situation is volatile and unpredictable. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Gaza is extremely limited.

We strongly advise against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea in breach of Israeli navy restrictions or participating in any attempt to break the naval blockade, including participation in flotillas to deliver aid. The Israeli Navy conducts routine patrols of these waters and has made clear that it will prevent any vessel from breaching restrictions. Previous attempts to breach the blockade have resulted in deaths, injuries and the deportation of foreign nationals.

Individuals who wish to travel to Gaza against our advice will need to secure entry/exit permits with the relevant authorities directly. See more information in the “Border crossings – General” section below. Crossings into and out of Gaza are regularly closed on short notice and for extended periods of time.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to and remain in Gaza against our advice should ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times. We strongly recommend you consult a reputable security company (with experience in Gaza) for advice on security arrangements, which should be reviewed on a regular basis.

West Bank
The security situation in the West Bank remains tense and volatile. Military operations, demonstrations and unrest can occur at short notice. There is the potential for terrorist attacks and violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. There are frequent Israeli military and security operations which can impede movement. Israeli military checkpoints exist throughout the West Bank and have in the past been flash points for violent incidents.

New Zealanders who travel to the West Bank against our advice are advised to maintain a high degree of security awareness, keep a low profile and monitor local information sources to keep up to date with events that could affect security. Travel at night should be avoided.

New Zealand nationals on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number should note restrictions on border crossings out of the West Bank. See more information in the “Border crossings – General” section below.

Terrorism
There is a heightened threat of terrorism throughout Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could occur at any time – the situation is highly unpredictable.

In the last year in Israel and the West Bank there have been numerous violent incidents, including terrorist attacks, stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings, explosions and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles. These incidents have involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces, and civilians (including Israeli settlers). There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any of these types of incidents.

New Zealanders are advised to be security-conscious at all times. We advise extra vigilance during public and religious holidays, and anniversaries with heightened tensions, as well as in crowded or landmark places and when using public transport, such as the light rail, in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. We advise against using public buses in the West Bank and Israel. Possible terrorist targets across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories include (but are not limited to) hotels, bars, restaurants, markets, shopping areas, schools, places of worship or religious significance, tourist sites, airports and other transport infrastructure, security checkpoints and areas where security forces are present.

Rocket fire
The current increases in tension, hostilities or violence have been accompanied by rocket and other artillery fire into Israel and Gaza. Rocket fire has targeted Israel from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

Remain alert and follow the instructions of local authorities. Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures and how to respond to warning sirens, including the location of the nearest emergency shelters. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.

Civil unrest
There is a high threat of civil unrest in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The security situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. Throughout the region there have been numerous violent clashes between protesters, settlers and security forces, which have involved stabbings, shootings, arson and vehicle rammings. Unrest may occur in areas frequented by tourists. Violent clashes have occurred previously around the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount site.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political gatherings, protests and demonstrations throughout Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as they have the potential to lead to violence. If you find yourself in an area where there are demonstrations, large crowds, violence or military activity, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed any local advice. Monitor local news reports, avoid areas which have been recently affected by violence and follow the instructions of local authorities.

There is a risk of increased tensions during public and religious holidays and anniversaries, particularly in and around the Old City in Jerusalem. Be particularly vigilant during these times. We recommend that New Zealanders avoid travel to the Old City on Fridays due to the possibility for increased tensions. Political developments may also cause protests and demonstrations, which can turn violent. Entry and exit to Ben Gurion Airport has occasionally been impacted during demonstrations.

Military activity
Areas of military activity should be avoided at all times. We recommend you adhere to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities, such as curfews and travel restrictions, which may be imposed at times of unrest in Israel, and in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

New Zealanders should be aware of the risk of military activity escalating quickly and without warning throughout Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Landmines
There are live landmines along the Israeli borders with Lebanon and Jordan, and in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and parts of the West Bank. Some may not be marked, or clearly indicated. Should you choose to travel to these areas against our advice, you should stay on well used roads and paths.

Border crossings - General
Particular care should be exercised at border crossing points into and out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, where tensions are particularly high. Instructions issued by the border authorities should be adhered to at all times. Operations at all land borders may be affected by limited crossings, reduced hours or closures at short notice. Large crowds may increase risk to your personal safety.

Entry into and exit from the Occupied Palestinian Territories into Israel remains tightly controlled by the Israeli authorities. If you are entering Israel for the purpose of working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you may be refused entry. On 20 October 2022, the Government of Israel introduced new requirements for foreign nationals entering and residing in the West Bank. You can find more information on the requirements and points of contact for enquiries via the Israeli government website.

If you are a New Zealand national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you will need a Palestinian passport/travel document in order to leave the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Such New Zealand/Palestinian dual nationals are permitted to travel abroad from Gaza and the West Bank only via the Rafah or Allenby Bridge border crossings. You should expect crossings into and out of Gaza and the West Bank to open or close without notice and remain closed for extended periods of time.

Border crossings - Rafah
The Rafah border crossing is in the North Sinai Governorate of Egypt. See our Egypt travel advisory for further information.

If you intend on entering or exiting Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, there are significant restrictions on crossing. You should expect the Rafah crossing to open or close without notice and remain closed for extended periods of time. New Zealanders must receive permission from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities to enter and exit Gaza and those that enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing must leave the same way. You also need to be prepared to wait for an extended period (possibly weeks) for approval from the authorities to exit Gaza and for the crossing to open. The New Zealand Government cannot influence the granting of approval to use the crossing or when the border will open.

Crime
Petty crime such as bag snatching, passport theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly at public beaches. Theft from parked vehicles also occurs. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. Always lock your car doors and keep valuables out of sight.

Foreigners have been kidnapped in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. You should remain alert to your personal security and surroundings.

General travel advice
According to Israeli law, authorities may deny entry to foreign nationals who have publicly called for a boycott of Israel and/or its settlements, or belong to an organisation which has called for a boycott.

New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to avoid offending local sensitivities. Observe local standards of behaviour and dress.

Photography of government offices, police, the military, military establishments or other buildings and places considered ‘security sensitive’ is prohibited and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – exclusions may well apply.

New Zealanders in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

For consular assistance:

The New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye covers Israel.
The New Zealand Embassy in Cairo, Egypt covers the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The New Zealand Honorary Consulate in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Contact details for both Embassies and the Honorary Consulate are provided below.

The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/ Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.