New travel advice has been put in place for Israel amid ongoing regional tensions.

A travel ban was enforced for many areas of the country 15 months ago, in October 2023, with the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) warning during this period against “all travel” or “all but essential travel” to most of Israel.

But this widespread warning has now been lifted by the FCDO to many holiday hotspots in the Middle Eastern country.

This is because the frequency of rocket attacks into Israel has significantly decreased since October 2023. However, the FCDO still warns of an “increased risk of political tension”, which could see clashes and uprisings during the anniversaries of significant events in Israel.

The destinations affected by the new travel advice include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Haifa and Galilee and Haifa.

The FCDO still advises against all but essential travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which include Gaza and the West Bank.

Tourists are also advised against travelling within 500 metres of the border with Gaza and Syria.

FCDO also advises against travel to the area between the Lebanon border and (but not including) Route 89, excluding Nahriyyah.

Those looking to visit Israel are now being advised to check advice before they travel.

The FCDO said: “The Israeli government declared a state of emergency across the whole country on 7 October [2023] and this remains in place.”

The UK government department that supports diplomacy, development, and defence added that visitors to Israel must check the latest information regarding the country before visiting, warning that international air and land borders could close at short notice.

Gov.UK states: “FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza, Tulkuram Governorate, Jenin Governorate, and Tubas Governorate except Route 90.

“Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.”

Israel‘s tourism industry has seen a stark decline among tourist numbers due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

According to Statista, the fourth quarter of 2023 saw international tourist arrivals in Israel drop by a whopping 80% compared to the previous year.

In March 2024, there were 79,500 international tourists in Israel, a significant drop compared to 375,600 tourists in March the previous year.

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is doing all they can to help the country boost their tourism industry again but experts predict this could take at least six months for the sector to recover.